Somerset House
london · WC2R
Amenities
About this location
Somerset House is a large neoclassical building complex situated on the south side of the Strand in central London, overlooking the River Thames, just east of Waterloo Bridge. The Georgian era quadrangle is built on the site of a Tudor palace (“Old Somerset House”) originally belonging to the Duke of Somerset. The present Somerset House was designed by Sir William Chambers, begun in 1776, and was further extended with Victorian era outer wings to the east and west in 1831 and 1856 respectively. This heritage property has attracted film and television productions in search of period-appropriate interiors and . The combination of architectural scale and historical character provides a controlled environment for shoots requiring authentic detail. Location managers should verify current access procedures, pricing, and any exclusivity restrictions directly with the site manager or relevant authority before confirming in a production schedule.
Access notes
- Parking
- On-site parking available — confirm crew-vehicle capacity with the venue.
- Loading access
- Loading access not listed. Confirm access points, door widths, and lift availability with the venue before the day.
- Public transit
- london has mainline rail and regional bus connections. Check the nearest station and allow for equipment on-foot from transit.
Ask us about this location
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On the map
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FAQ
- Do I need a permit to film at Somerset House?
- No council permit is usually needed for filming at Somerset House itself, but you'll still need the owner's written permission, and any spill-over onto public highway or pavement may require a council permit.
- Is parking available at Somerset House?
- On-site parking is available at Somerset House. Capacity varies — confirm crew-vehicle numbers with the venue before the day.
- How much does it cost to film at Somerset House?
- Somerset House sits in the £££ band. Typical UK film-location day rates range from under £200 for simple interior shoots to well over £1,000 for period properties and landmark venues. Confirm with the venue directly.
- What crew size is suitable for Somerset House?
- Somerset House can take a medium-sized crew of up to around 15 — most commercial, music-video, and short-form productions fit comfortably.
- Has anything been filmed at Somerset House before?
- Somerset House appears on Filmshoot's UK location index because it has a documented track record or strong characteristics for film and photography. Specific production credits aren't displayed unless publicly confirmed by the venue — ask the venue directly or check ScreenSkills and IMDb Locations for verified credits.
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