Commercial filming and photography at Kew
Our stunning gardens provide a versatile and visually rich setting for filming and photo shoots throughout the year.
Kew Gardens offers endless inspiration for film and photo shoots, whatever the season.
Kew's iconic glasshouses are full of tropical, Mediterranean and desert plants all year round. Our gardens are home to spring blossoms, glowing autumn leaves, sweeping lawns and historic buildings. We’re only 25 minutes from central London by train, with on-site unit base parking to make your visit easier.
A member of our staff will be on hand during your shoot to support you and help protect the Gardens. Please treat our plants and buildings with care, and enjoy working in one of the most extraordinary green spaces in the city.
Apply for commercial filming and photography at Kew Gardens
For more information, email commercialmedia@kew.org
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Filming locations at Kew
Important information
Glasshouses
Palm House
With its soaring Victorian glass architecture, towering tropical plants and dramatic natural light, this world-famous landmark provides a striking and versatile setting.
The Nash Conservatory
Originally built at Buckingham Palace, this beautifully restored 19th-century glasshouse is filled with natural daylight through floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, with views onto the Gardens.
Temperate House
The largest Victorian glasshouse in the world offers refined architecture on a grand scale, with two beautiful white spiral staircases and elevated walkways.
Princess of Wales Conservatory
Offers a chance to travel the world within a single glasshouse. Home to ten distinct zones, from lush tropical foliage and orchids to desert landscapes.
Davies Alpine House
A distinctive contemporary glass house with curved glass that creates a modern and futuristic design.
Historic buildings, temples and gardens
Marianne North Gallery
The Gallery is lined floor-to-ceiling with vivid botanical paintings from around the world. Its Victorian character and distinctive colour palette make for a unique backdrop.
Mediterranean Garden and King William's Temple
Two of the most picturesque and historic spots in the gardens. Let the classical Roman-style temple and surrounding gardens transport you to Greece, Italy and the sunny south of France.
Japanese Landscape
A traditional Japanese gateway set within a serene garden of raked gravel and sculpted rocks, surrounded by blossoming cherry trees in spring.
Queen’s Garden
Step back in time to a 17th century-style royal garden, designed to showcase the plants and architecture of the Regency period and overlooked by historic Kew Palace.
.jpg.webp?itok=vWai6GLs "Alpine plants in the Rock Garden, Ellen McHale © RBG Kew")
Rock Garden
A dramatic landscape of rugged stonework, cascading water, and alpine planting, designed to evoke remote mountain environments. Its winding paths, varied elevations, and naturalistic textures offer a striking, immersive setting.
Natural and wild locations
Redwood Grove
Travel to the heart of the great redwood forests of California. A woodland setting defined by towering trunks, dappled light, and a majestic sense of scale.
.jpg.webp?itok=Czr6j6SH "Great Broad Walk Borders, RBG Kew / Jeff Eden")
Great Broad Walk Borders
A grand, formal walkway edged with colourful seasonal plants and neatly trimmed hedges, creating a bold and elegant setting.
Bamboo Garden and Minka House
A tranquil setting inspired by traditional Japanese landscapes. Dense bamboo planting creates a strong sense of enclosure and atmosphere, while the authentic wooden Minka House adds architectural character.
The Hive
An immersive sculpture rising from an open meadow, inspired by the life and movement of a beehive.
.jpg.webp?itok=FpoydAsI "Visitors at Lake Crossing, Kew Gardens © RBG Kew")
Lake and Crossing
A modern bridge with a graceful, curved design connects the north and south shores of our lake, surrounded by trees, lawns and the sounds of nature.
Location fees
We base filming and photography location fees on crew size and the time you require on site. As a World Heritage Site and registered charity, all funds raised from filming and photography go back into Kew’s conservation and research work.
Photography permits for personal use
We offer four types of personal photography permits at Kew:
- Student: £50 + VAT
- Wedding/engagement/proposal: £75 + VAT
- Family/maternity: £75 + VAT
- Artist (painting or drawing): £75 + VAT
Each permit allows photography within the Gardens during normal opening hours on a pre-arranged date. Please note that the permit does not include Garden entry, and all visitors must pay the standard admission fee on arrival.
You must purchase the permit at least 24 hours before you wish to come to the Gardens. You cannot purchase a photography permit on the day at the gates.
Permits can be purchased from Monday to Friday by emailing commercialmedia@kew.org.
- The permit gives permission for the personal use of images only; it does not give permission for the sale of images of the buildings or other views of Kew
- The permit is non-refundable unless the Gardens need to close to the public on the day of your permit
- The permit grants access to the outdoor Gardens for your photo shoot. It does not permit you to shoot within any of the Glasshouses, our Galleries or buildings including The Hive, Kew Palace, The Pagoda and Queen Charlotte’s Cottage.
- You may not access any areas closed to the public
- You may not walk or stand on the beds or plants
- You may not bring any live flowers into the Gardens, including a bridal bouquet
- No lighting equipment is authorised to be used on site, including separate flash units and associated power leads
- No drones can be used onsite
- There are no onsite facilities in the gardens for hair and makeup; this must be done before you enter the Gardens
- All equipment must be kept off paths
- Garden visitors must not be obstructed
- The Gardens’ Constabulary and staff may check photography permits to ensure that they are correctly stamped and dated
- The photography shoot is subject to the standard Garden regulations
- The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew reserves the right to withdraw the permit at any time, should the conditions or regulations be breached
- We cannot guarantee that all external locations will be available. If you have a preferred external location in mind, please let us know
- If you are unable to visit the Gardens on the date your permit states, we are able to reschedule your permit date once if you contact us at least 48 hours in advance
- We are only able to only issue permits for dates when there are no weddings taking place in the Gardens. Please confirm the date with a member of the team before you purchase your permit.
For more information or to purchase a photography permit, email the Commercial Media team from Monday to Friday at commercialmedia@kew.org.
Non-commercial filming and media enquiries
Non-commercial filming that the Kew press office considers essential in the promotion of Kew’s work is handled free of charge, or part-charged, depending on the nature of filming and how long the filming will take. The press office will make the final decision on whether or not to take on filming.
If you have a media enquiry related to Kew’s work and activities, contact the Press Office.
What our clients say
'Shooting in Kew Gardens was amazing, a tropical paradise in the city. The Kew team who looked after us were really friendly and super organised. The golf buggies were really helpful to get around quickly. Also lunch in the Orangery is not to be missed!'
Gemma Oliver, digital image manager at Oliver Bonas
'Porter Magazine had a brilliant experience shooting at Kew Gardens. Shooting outside in public places can be very stressful but their team worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of our shoot. We would definitely consider coming back.'
Leila Hartley, producer at Porter Magazine
'We had an amazing day shooting our new collection within the Nash Conservatory and surrounding Gardens. The team at Kew were so helpful and accommodating, we had the most wonderful experience. Kew Gardens has such a special and unique atmosphere; we are very much looking forward to coming back in the future.'
Emma Victoria Payne, Bespoke Bridal Wear Knightsbridge
