Commercial filming and photography at Kew

Stunning locations

A range of indoor and outdoor filming sites: over 320 acres of open gardens; more than five stunning glasshouses and conservatories; and a selection of historical buildings. 

You can create a variety of themes and styles including: 

• Grecian temples
• Japanese gardens
• American/Canadian forests
• Period houses and gardens
• Mediterranean landscapes
• Tropical rainforests
• Scientific laboratories
• Museums and art galleries
• English country garden

You can download our brochure on the unique film and photography locations we have to offer. 

Located just 25 minutes by train from central London, Kew Gardens provides a countryside setting within a stone’s throw of the city. We can also offer Unitbase parking on-site.

As a popular visitor attraction, open to the public 363 days a year, 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 to the unique surroundings

For more information please contact commercialmedia@kew.org

Photography permits

We offer four different types of permits here at Kew: student, wedding/engagement, family and artist. The fee for a student permit is £50+VAT; for a wedding/engagement, family or artist permit it is £75+VAT. This allows you to shoot in the Gardens during the Garden opening hours on a pre-arranged date. The permit does not include access to the Gardens and all visitors must pay the Garden entrance fee on arrival.

Check ticket prices

Please note the following restrictions apply to the photography permit;

• The permit gives permission for the private use of images only; it does not give permission for the sale of images of the buildings or other views of Kew
• The permits are non-refundable unless the Gardens need to close to the public 
• The permit grants access to the outdoor Gardens for your photo shoot only; 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. 
• No access is permitted in any areas unopened to the public including walking or standing 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 are empowered to check Photographic 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 gardens or regulations be breeched
• Kew has over 320 acres of beautiful gardens but do note we cannot guarantee that all external locations are always available, due to being a working garden. If you have a preferred external location in mind, do 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 48 hours in advance or more
• We are only able to only issue permits on a date when there is not a wedding taking place in the Gardens. Please confirm the date with a member of the team before you purchase your permit

If you have any questions or require any more information please do not hesitate to get in contact.

If you would like to purchase a photography permit, please email the Commercial Media team at commercialmedia@kew.org. You must purchase the permit 24 hours before you wish to come to the Gardens, and they can only be purchased Monday to Friday via the Commercial Media team. You cannot purchase it on the day at the gates.

What our clients say

'Shooting in Kew Gardens was amazing, a tropical paradise in the city. The 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

'We had a great experience shooting at Kew. I was a little apprehensive prior to the shoot as I had no experience shooting in a public location with access restraints, but on the day it all ran very smoothly with the Kew staff being extremely organised and accommodating. We had a great shoot and would consider it again in the future. Thank you for all your help on the day.'
Laura Vinden – Decorating Stylist at Home and Gardens Magazine

'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 – Junior 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 

'Our Kew representative and the stewards couldn’t have been more helpful on the day. Plus it was such beautiful location to shoot in. Both factors helped make the shoot day run smoothly.'
Joanna Moran – Photography Director at ShortList Media Ltd

'Kew Gardens was the perfect location for our fashion shoot. Our Kew representative was great fun to work with. They delivered a brilliant service. They helped make the impossible possible! Our shooting conditions were anything but easy – early mornings and long days, freezing temperatures outside and hot and humid indoors – but thanks to a great team at Kew, the pictures came out amazing.'
Björn F Gerling and Sophie Meister – Production Berlin, Paris department