Commercial filming and photography at Wakehurst

Beautiful throughout the year, Wakehurst has a truly diverse landscape, with 500 acres of plants from all over the world.

From classic walled gardens to blooming meadows, atmospheric forests, looming rock outcrops and bubbling streams - as well as our Grade I listed Elizabethan Mansion with its wood-panelled library - we've got the perfect backdrop for your film or photography shoot.

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Bloomers Valley

The valley features open clearings to sloped paths and wooded edges that change throughout the year; it's a meadow full of wildflowers during summer and stark open skies in winter.

Coronation Meadow

Open from May to October, a sweeping wildflower landscape, rich in colour and shifting with every season.

Bethlehem Wood

In mid-April, Bethlehem Wood is carpeted with bluebells in one of Britain’s greatest wildflower displays. Throughout the year, silver birches glow in the sunlight, and in autumn the American trees create a rich yellow canopy.

Horsebridge Wood

Our North American woodlands are home to fresh spring greens and the rich golden tones of autumn: a constantly shifting palette of colour, light, and mood.

Coates Wood

Dramatic and versatile, here you can be transported from Australasia to South America; a combination of evergreen and deciduous trees provide natural textures, dappled light, and seasonal transformations.

Himalayan Glade

A pristine mountain landscape: misty mornings, dappled light through towering trees, and the sound of water from nearby streams create a setting that feels both intimate and epic.

Rock Walk

A rugged backdrop, moody and dramatic, with large ancient yew roots clinging to the sandstone rock.

Winter Garden

A dramatic, colour-rich landscape designed to dazzle even on the greyest days.

Walled Garden

Enclosed by historic stone walls, the heritage planting here provides the perfect period setting, with manicured borders bursting with seasonal colour.

Iris Dell

A secluded fairyland atmosphere with boardwalks over reflective pools and plenty of bold seasonal colour.

The Slips and Black Pond

Layered foliage creates a wilderness, fantasy look that can move between moody or whimsical.

Westwood Lake

This natural woodland lake setting is known for its lush greenery and wildlife spotting.

Mansion Pond

Romantic and elegant, this period setting is surrounded by manicured lawns, ornamental shrubs and striking autumn foliage.

Mansion at Wakehurst, Claire Takacs © RBG Kew

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The Mansion

Its stately stone façade, grand staircases, and period details make this an authentic setting for historical and upscale productions, with dark wood panelling, hand-carved mouldings, and centuries-old fireplaces.

Make a booking

The first step to booking a shoot at Wakehurst is to fill in the application form.

For any queries, please email commercialmediawakehurst@kew.org

Rates

All fees are based on crew size and charged on a per hour basis, for a minimum of two hours.

0-10 crew: £150 + VAT per hour
11-20 crew: £200 + VAT per hour
21-30 crew: £300 + VAT per hour
31-50 crew: £750 + VAT per hour
51-80 crew: £900 +VAT per hour
80+ crew: £1,000 + VAT per hour

Important information

As a popular visitor attraction, open to the public, all crews are supervised by a member of Kew staff at all times during any filming or photography. This is to ensure that the gardens are used responsibly and that the crew has logistical support while on-site.
We ask all crews to be respectful of Kew’s property and plant collections, and that all operations on-site are carried out with consideration of the unique surroundings.
Wakehurst is available 24 hours a day for filming and photography (subject to pre-agreed and contracted hours).
Filming and photography fees are based on crew size and on a per hour basis. See rates for further information.
All crews are required to have valid public liability insurance and will be required to submit a risk assessment, electrical kit list etc.
Parking and large unit base available for a supplement fee, subject to availability.
Base rooms available.
Buggy for crew and kit transportation available on request.
Limited access for crew vehicles to come physically onto site before or after public opening hours.
Drone filming is permitted when agreed in advance. Include information on the application form if interested.
Bio-generators permitted for larger shoots, please enquire for further information.

Photography permits at Wakehurst

We offer various types of permits here at Wakehurst, based on a maximum shoot size of 5 individuals, including the photographer:

Pre-wedding or engagement
Wedding photography
Portrait photography (e.g. for work profiles)
Family portrait permits
Artist permits
Student permits for photography only (no filming without additional fee)

A permit allows you to shoot in the Gardens during the opening hours on a pre-arranged date. The permit does include free access to the Gardens for a maximum of 3 people. If extra tickets are required, they can be purchased online or on the day.

All permits are subject to standard terms and conditions which will be sent to you once you have enquired via email.

We do not offer a separate permit for non-commercial film shoots. If you would like to film, please fill out the commercial filming application form.

Fees

£65 + VAT all permits (except student permits)
£45 + VAT for student permits (college or university)

Please note: All permits must be purchased at least 48 hours prior to the shoot date and cannot be purchased on the day.

To purchase a photography permit, email CommercialMediaWakehurst@kew.org

Wakehurst is now working in collaboration with Sussex Film Office, whose aim is to make sure that filming in Sussex is a brilliant experience for all. We are proud to work with them to help coordinate and produce successful filming in Sussex.