Filming permission in London

Five factors that shape the rules

Who manages the location

Rules differ depending on whether it's a public road, a Royal Park, private land, or a station or transport network. Spaces that look public are often private estates.

Purpose of the shoot

Personal photos and commercial shoots (monetised content, ads, brand work) may be treated differently. YouTube doesn't automatically mean you need permission, but commercial intent is a factor.

Equipment

Tripods, lighting, boom mics and large gimbal rigs are more likely to need checking than a handheld smartphone.

Scale of the shoot

Group size, how long you shoot and whether you block foot traffic all matter. Shoots with a crew or models are more likely to need permission or prior notice.

Drones

Central London has extensive airspace restrictions and drone flights are tightly regulated. Always check the rules of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and any permissions required for each location.

Places to check in particular

• Royal Parks

  Including Hyde Park, St James's Park, Regent's Park, Greenwich Park and Richmond Park. Commercial shoots or shoots using equipment may require prior permission.

• Trafalgar Square / Parliament Square

  The managing authority has filming rules, and commercial shoots or shoots using equipment may require an application.

• South Bank

  The riverside walk is a mix of areas run by different managers. On venue grounds (such as the Southbank Centre), follow the venue's rules.

• Transport for London (Underground and buses)

  Filming in stations and on vehicles has its own rules. Check in advance if you plan to use a tripod or bring a crew.

• Railway Stations

  Major stations such as King's Cross and St Pancras are run by their operators. Check each operator's policy before filming inside the station.

• Canary Wharf

  Large parts of the area are managed as private land. Security staff may approach you if you use a tripod or professional equipment.

• King's Cross estate

  The area around Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard is managed as private land.

• Private estates / shops and arcades

  Including Burlington Arcade, Kingly Court, department stores and restaurants. Get the manager's permission before filming inside shops or on the premises.

About the labels on spot pages

The "Filming Permission" label on each spot page uses three levels as a rough guide for what to check before shooting. It does not guarantee whether permission is required.

Handheld shooting is common

Personal handheld shooting is common in public spaces. Check separately for commercial shoots, tripods or larger groups.

Check before shooting

The site's management has its own filming rules. Check in advance for commercial shoots or any use of equipment.

Permission often required

Filming is tightly controlled here. Anything beyond casual smartphone shots often requires permission.

Filming etiquette

• Respect people's privacy and image rights when faces are clearly visible
• Don't block walkways or linger on residents' doorsteps (especially on colourful residential streets)
• If security staff or managers approach you, follow their instructions
• For commercial or brand work, confirm the location's permission status with your client before shooting
• Check official sources such as Film London for the latest guidance on filming in London