London has long been a favourite city for filmmakers, photographers, and production teams — not just because of its cultural influence, but because of the extraordinary range of locations it offers. From striking modernist homes to atmospheric derelict warehouses, the city caters to everything from high-end commercials and TV dramas to fashion editorials and experimental art films.

At Locations Direct,we offer thousands of searchable spaces across the capital and we know how much the right environment can elevate a film shoot. The best locations look great on camera while also supporting the crew, improving efficiency, reducing dressing costs, and helping to tell the story more convincingly.

Below, we highlight some of the most impressive London shoot locations across different styles, along with insider guidance to help you choose the perfect setting for your project.

Iconic London Views and Architectural Modernism

These spaces offer contemporary design, clean lines, and panoramic city views which are perfect for commercials, luxury brands, and sleek cinematic storytelling.

Location 2428: Modern Riverside Penthouse, Greenwich

An architect-designed, open-plan penthouse overlooking the Thames and central London skyline. With floor-to-ceiling glazing, concrete floors, blackout blinds, RGB lighting, and silent A/C, the apartment is purpose-built for filming. It has appeared in BBC dramas, BFI projects and numerous commercials, making it a smart choice for productions wanting high-end visuals with minimal dressing. Ideal for small to medium crews needing a polished film venue hire in Zone 2.

Location 2653: Modernist Courtyard House, Haringey

A stunning North London home wrapped around a light-filled internal courtyard, featuring walnut panelling, natural materials, moss garden, balcony and sculptural mid-century furniture. Its pared-back architecture and indoor/outdoor flow make it perfect for elevated lifestyle work, fashion, interiors, and brand-led shoots requiring architectural clarity and tonal calm.

Industrial, Gritty and Atmospheric London Spaces

Ideal for music videos, fashion campaigns, narrative drama and projects that need texture, edge, and mood.

Location 1227: Derelict Industrial Warehouse, Southwark

A raw, rundown warehouse with characterful decay including exposed surfaces, distressed walls and layered texture. Its gritty atmosphere lends itself to dystopian scenes, performance pieces, fashion editorials and anything that benefits from a rough urban backdrop. A strong option for film set hire that requires minimal dressing to feel cinematic.

Location 2761: Multi-Floor Modern Industrial Office, Southwark

Three floors, 21,000 sq ft, and just a short walk from London Bridge. This modern office environment is ideal for corporate film shoots, commercials, workplace dramas, or large-scale projects needing variety in one building. Highly adaptable, with open-plan floors, breakout areas, and event capabilities.

Location 1668: Maximalist Arches, Lewisham

Two historic railway arches filled with vintage props, bold colours, quirky furniture and Grade I brickwork. With high ceilings, a separate make-up/backroom area, outdoor loading space, and minimal noise pollution (no trains overhead), this location is excellent for playful fashion shoots, character-driven narratives, or stylised editorial work.

London Studios Built for Production Efficiency

Purpose-built studios remain some of the most reliable film venue hire options for teams needing control, infrastructure, and predictable conditions.

Location 1755: Drive-In Film & Photography Studio, Southwark

A 3,250 sq ft production-ready studio with drive-in access, 1,000 sq ft shooting space, 7m infinity cove, live kitchen set, production offices, dressing rooms and showers. Ideal for advertising shoots, product films, food content, and TV production needing robust facilities.

Unique Mobile and Alternative London Shoot Options

Sometimes a distinctive or unexpected backdrop is exactly what a project needs to stand out.

Location 2674: Industrial Wide-Beam Boat, Tower Hamlets

A 60x10ft boat with a warehouse-meets-industrial aesthetic. The empty shell offers a striking, unusual canvas for fashion, music videos, interviews or conceptual film work. It can be moved to other locations upon request which is a huge advantage for productions needing both flexibility and novelty.

Location 2382: Vintage Routemaster Bus and Event Space, Lewisham

A classic London double-decker with original features, bar, dance floor, seating zones and outdoor areas. With 13A power, blackout capability, and multiple toilets, it’s a creative alternative venue for character scenes, dynamic fashion content or experiential filming. A fun and highly adaptable film shoot location.

Sports, Action and Movement-Focused Locations

For projects needing energy, scale and specialist facilities.

Location 1764: Boxing and Martial Arts Gym, Newham

A large multipurpose fight gym featuring a boxing ring, punch bags, a martial arts dojo, weights room, and conference areas. Ideal for sports content, action sequences, brand campaigns and docu-style projects requiring authentic athletic spaces.

Location 2635: 9,000-Capacity Football Stadium, Merton

A modern stadium with pitch access, changing rooms, stands, concourses, pub, corporate lounges and ample parking. Great for commercials, sports campaigns, large-scale scenes, or shoots requiring crowd simulations or stadium environments rarely accessible this close to central London.

Historic London Estates and Timeless Backdrops

These locations offer period authenticity and large, controllable grounds, making it perfect for narrative, luxury and heritage-driven storytelling.

Location 1588: 16th-Century Half-Timbered House, Hillingdon

A Grade II-listed Elizabethan/Jacobean house with extensive gardens, privacy, three reception rooms, inglenook fireplaces, five bedrooms and period details throughout. Its historic charm makes it ideal for dramas, prestige commercials or anything requiring believable period environments without leaving Greater London.

Insider Tips for Location Scouting

Finding the right location doesn’t have to be a guessing game, so keep these quick, practical tips in mind to streamline your search:

• Scout at the same time of day you plan to shoot
• Check parking, load-in and power early
• Bring reference frames/mood boards
• Always do a tech recce
• Confirm dressing and access rules upfront

Find Your Ideal Film Location in London

London’s visual diversity makes it one of the world’s most rewarding cities to shoot in whether you need modernism, grit, history, quirk, or polished studio control. With thousands of options across the city, Locations Direct helps productions quickly find film venue hire options that enhance their story and streamline their workflow.

Your next standout location is already out there, ready to shape your film or photoshoot into something unforgettable. Browse our locations page and find your ideal film location in London today.