In a city where every cobblestone tells a tale, every street corner whispers history, and every skyline showcases a blend of the classic and the contemporary, your camera is about to embark on a journey like no other.

It's time to ditch the clichéd photo spots and elevate your visual storytelling to new heights, literally and figuratively.

But how do you make sure you're finding the coolest available places?

Read on to learn about some top unique shoot locations in London and the surrounding counties.

An Ex-Servicemans' Club Turned Live Music Venue

This amazing location is a piece of historic London. It was first opened in the 1970s as a place for former servicemen to gather. It was then refurbished as a venue for live music, making it a great choice for a wide variety of different shoots.

It still features its classic architecture along with original carpets, so you should put it on the list if you're scouting for a period piece.

A Purple Terrace

This end-of-terrace building in Lewisham is more than it appears on the outside. Its purple sitting room featuring amazing midcentury furniture is the perfect setting for any photoshoot.

A Fixer-Upper

If you're looking for something in the process of being redesigned, we've got the place for you. A broken-down historical building currently being transformed, it would be the perfect place for more metaphorical works.

The impressive entrance boasts a grand portico adorned with yorkstone paving and cast-iron railings. Upon crossing the threshold, one is welcomed into a panel-lined hallway, featuring a breathtaking staircase leading to the first floor and an authentic WC.

Throughout the interior, original elements such as sash windows, shutters, and fireplaces grace every room, while the first-floor double reception room showcases full panelling.

The ground floor double reception room, facing south towards the bustling High Street, boasts lofty ceilings and elegant cornices.

Descending a short flight of stairs leads to a charming chapel of worship, nestled adjacent to the panel-lined room. It's complete with a stained glass window and cupola.

Moving to the lower ground floor, the antiquated kitchen and scullery proudly retain their original ranges, stone sink, and panelling. A further descent leads to a petite yet enchanting brick wine cellar with vaulted ceilings and shelves, accessible from the paved hallway.

This property can be found in the Kent area.

Castle Time

Shooting in a castle might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity when you're parsing through London hidden gems, and luckily we can make it happen. Found in East Sussex, this property has been around since the 1440s.

You can tell it's a luxurious place from its then-rare red brick and expansive moat.

This property has an extensive history, too. During the Second World War, it was used to house records. It has also been used by the Royal Greenwich Observatory. 

And of course, you won't want to miss out on its extensive garden. The garden's stone walls trace their origins to the year 1510. Within the grounds, you'll discover enchanting English yew hedges, well-maintained croquet lawns, a charming rose garden, and a lengthy border adorned with Indian bean trees.

Extending further, there lies a vast five-acre wildflower meadow, a whimsical Folly accompanied by a walled garden, and an extensive ancient woodland.

Wallpapered Battersea Victorian

Are you looking for a location for your next short film that will truly stand out from the rest? This Victorian house is truly one-of-a-kind. It's got colourful wallpapers all over the place, to fit in with your favourite funky aesthetic.

Explore well-established plants and trees adorning terracotta pots, adding a touch of nature to your visual storytelling. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of a basement media room, a utility room, and a stylish downstairs loo, each offering distinctive backdrops for your creative endeavors.

This building boasts four spacious double bedrooms and four elegantly designed bathrooms, including two ensuite options. Every room is meticulously decorated and finished to meet the highest architectural and design standards.

A Hidden Modern Treasure

Sometimes, you're just looking for a smack of modernity in the middle of natural beauty. Take a look at this three-level South Downs beauty.

Its post-modern open kitchen looks out onto green fields of grass. It's a great place for an idyllic daytime shoot or a spooky late-night horror film.

This property was even made of recycled materials, so it's more sustainable. 

Explore The Woods

You may want to stick to the great outdoors for your next photoshoot. An ancient woodland is a great place for an athleticwear shoot, for a hiking film, and so much more.

There are a few paths, so you'll have options, and you can get there via the A road.

Vibrant Bar

Discover the allure of maximalist interiors within two historic arch complexes in South London. These spaces boast an array of props and vintage quirky furniture, providing a visually stunning backdrop for your photoshoot.

The hire fee includes access to these elements, allowing you to enhance your vision without any additional cost.

Immerse yourself in the charm of high brick ceilings that offer the perfect canvas for constructing unique lighting setups. The versatility of the space extends to a back room, suitable for both shooting and as a dedicated area for hair and makeup, along with equipment storage.

Should you require extra room for equipment or wardrobe changes, additional nearby vacant arches are available for hire.

Experience the serenity of these locations as no trains traverse the arches, ensuring minimal noise pollution during your session. The exposed Grade 1 brickwork adds a timeless aesthetic to your photographs, creating a blend of history and contemporary style.

To facilitate your production needs, a spacious outdoor area is provided, ideal for unloading cast and equipment. Complementing this convenience is the option for free parking directly outside the arches.

Immerse yourself in the unique ambiance of these arch complexes, where creativity meets functionality, offering an unparalleled setting to elevate your photography to the next level.

Holding Court

Are you looking for something for a legal drama that's a little more unusual than the norm? This building is the perfect place for your next unique photoshoot.

Step into the past with a visit to the Old Magistrates Court, a captivating Grade II listed building in London that provides a unique backdrop for filming and photoshoots. Constructed in 1910, this architectural gem showcases the timeless beauty of English Baroque design.

As you approach the exterior, you'll be greeted by a striking leaded dome and impeccable stonework, featuring intricate details like heavy cornices and pilasters. The grandeur of the building spans 4,047 square feet over two floors, offering a splendid entrance, a reception room, a courtroom, and judges' chambers.

You'll find various ancillary office rooms and well-appointed toilet facilities.

Step inside to discover a preserved historical ambiance, with original period features that include historic cornicing, ornate plasterwork, elegant Ionic columns, and original stained glass windows.

The Old Magistrates Court breathes life into its storied past through remnants like fireplaces and distinctive fixtures and fittings that harken back to its former use.

Beyond its interior allure, the Old Magistrates Court provides external charm with seven allocated parking spaces. Currently unoccupied, the premises await the touch of photographers, filmmakers, and creatives seeking a distinctive setting for their next project.

Make Some Room

Looking for something bigger? 

Explore an exceptional array of exclusive, customizable streets featuring a blend of cobbled, industrial, period, and northern styles.

Encompassing a vast 80 acres, this site boasts over 100 historic buildings and structures spanning from the Georgian and Victorian eras to the present day. Its rich historical backdrop makes it a versatile location suitable for capturing scenes from any period over the past two centuries.

Whether you're working on a feature film, TV series, game show, pop promo, or photo shoot, this location offers an ideal setting.

Accommodating both small-scale productions with a crew of two for a fashion shoot, as well as large-scale endeavors with a crew of two hundred for a blockbuster film lasting several weeks, the site not only provides a film-friendly environment but also offers ample space to meet your specific requirements.

Also see see these listing on the same site:

1383, 1384, 1385 

Fun Farmhouse

Discover an enchanting Grade II listed 16th Century farmhouse exuding immense charm and character, complete with a self-sufficient fruit and vegetable garden. The property offers secure off-road parking for up to four vehicles.

Inside, the living room features a large inglenook fireplace and a cozy log burner, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bespoke kitchen/breakfast room adds a touch of elegance to the space.

A bedroom with a separate log burner and garden entrance provides a tranquil retreat. The ground floor includes a shower room, toilet, and cloakroom for added convenience.

The main bedroom is complemented by an adjoining room that can serve as a nursery, dressing room, or fourth bedroom. The delightful bathroom boasts a double-ended claw bath and a vanity unit. There is also a guest bedroom on the second floor, completing this captivating farmhouse experience.

Try These Shoot Locations in London Today

There are tons of amazing shoot locations in London you might want to use for your next professional photoshoot.

Do you want more help scouting for locations? Locations Direct is here for you. We can help you every step of the way, no matter what kind of shoot you're planning.

Contact us today.