Filming & Photography
Somerset House is a singular, iconic and versatile backdrop for major motion pictures and television alike. With a wide variety of spaces and atmospheres, from the neoclassical courtyard to subterranean streets, Somerset House has provided the backdrop to a host of Hollywood blockbusters, award-winning television shows, advertising campaigns and many more commercial purposes.
With a storied past all of its own, the unique versatility and timelessness of Somerset House’s Georgian architecture sits our central London site as a set much beloved by filmmakers and location managers alike. From cinema to television, from fact to fiction – from Ridley Scott’s Napoleon (2023) and Suffragette (2015) to the Marvel universe – Somerset House has been put to diverse purposes, put to work in myriad ways, and is an ideal setting for both creative and commercial projects.
Although Somerset House sits between the Thames to the south and the Strand to the north, its quiet and seclusion sets it apart from the city as a world unto itself. William Chambers’ renowned neoclassical architecture is transportative, unique and boasts sweeping staircases, subterranean spaces, elegant blank canvas rooms, atmospheric lightwells, terraces, rooftops, and our spectacular central courtyard to name but a few of the hires available, and our spaces are sought after locations for film and photography alike. Contact the Venue Hire team to discuss the availability of our on-site spaces for filming and photography, and see below for some of our most sought-after locations.
“I thoroughly enjoyed filming at Somerset House. A gem of a place and your team were all so great. Very professional, personable and understanding of us. Thank you so much for allowing us in and for all your hard work, enabling a successful shoot in a fantastic location.”
Location Manager
Even if you’re not filming at Somerset House, our well-connected central London location means we are very well situated to host your production teams, cast and crew. Whether it’s catering space, back of house, storage, green rooms – or a base for your video village – we offer reduced rates for production elements and are very happy to accommodate. Contact the Venue Hire team for more information.
External Filming Spaces
The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court
An iconic backdrop, this cobbled quad courtyard is centred around our famous fountains and framed by evocative, eighteenth century architecture. The Edmond J. Safra Fountain Courtyard is peerless as a singular central London location, and can easily be transformed.
The Upper Terrace
An atmospheric cobbled walkway that stretches onward for more than a hundred metres – framed by twinned, symmetrical archways – is a firm favourite with location managers.
The River Terrace
With views of the River Thames to the south, and the Southbank skyline beyond, our River Terrace is another singular location that – backed by Corinthian columns – is a space as timeless as it is contemporary in its atmosphere and character.
Lancaster Place
An external space situated just outside our New Wing, adjacent to Waterloo Bridge, with views of the river beyond. A roadside courtyard space, Lancaster Place is a grand and theatrical entranceway to the Somerset House site – adorned with columns and period, decorative sculpture.
Makerstreet
Situated beneath Waterloo Bridge, with camera positions from Lancaster Place, Makerstreet is ideal for street scenes, with vaulted studios that can be transformed and used as a location.
Rooftops
From our commanding series of rooftops, you’ve 360° views of the London cityscape with views across the skyline. Overlooking Waterloo Bridge and the River Thames, you’ve the Southbank, the London Eye and Westminster to the East, and St. Paul’s Cathedral to the west. An ideal and much-coveted set of locations for high level camera positions, stunts and chase sequences.
“We honestly can’t express how enjoyable last week was for us, everything ran so smoothly and we really appreciate you all reacting to and supporting any last minute things…. I look forward to bringing another film to Somerset House again in the future.”
Location Manager
Internal Filming Locations
The Portico Rooms
A network of graceful and versatile 18th century rooms with two private balconies – one to the north, overlooking our interior Edmond J. Safra Fountain Courtyard and its picturesque fountains, and another to the south, facing the river – the atmosphere and period architecture is ideal for a dinner, reception or ceremony.
The Navy Board Rooms
Steeped in history, the Georgian-era Navy Board Rooms are a theatrical suite of rooms with a unique charisma. Accessed via the sweeping Nelson Staircase – set in a rotunda, a singular architectural attraction in itself – the main space is adorned with marble-backed fireplaces, chandeliers, period detailing, and wooden floors throughout.
Seaman's Hall
A majestic ground floor space located on our South Wing, the Seamen’s Hall boasts original period features: beautiful monochrome marble flooring throughout, Corinthian columns, and large windows offering abundant natural light and panoramic views of the river and the city beyond.
The Lancaster and River Rooms
With dramatic pillars, high ceilings and exposed floorboards set against the stunning views over the Thames, the Lancaster Room adjoins with the River Rooms, with period fireplaces – exposed brick archways are complemented by untreated stone flooring – to avail a versatile and atmospheric blank canvas space. Two open plan, customisable spaces with raw and rich appeal.
East & West Wings
With period detailing, atmospheric long corridors, wooden flooring throughout and large sash windows, the combined ambience of the East and West Wings is a favourite for film and photoshoots alike and can also be put to work as a spacious back of house location.
Lightwells & Deadhouse
The Lightwells and Deadhouse – rarely accessible to the public – are situated one level below our famous fountains. Running along three sides of the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, the Lightwells are a long-time favourite of location managers for major film and television series, offering an undeniably characterful and atmospheric location steeped in London’s riverside history. The Deadhouse, meanwhile, runs directly beneath the Fountain Court, with an abundance of secret passageways, hidden details and evocative 17th Century inscriptions etched into its walls, this underground tunnel boasts an otherworldly ambience. Two versatile, transportative spaces that require little production or customisation for their atmosphere to work to your project’s requirements.
Staircases
Information required on available staircases.
The Nelson Stairs
The Salt Stairs
The Miles Stair
Balconies
Information required on available balconies.
Portico Rooms
River Terrace