London locations
Permits, light and what to expect on the day.
The most recognisable structure in London, plus river and glass towers. That is what brings people to Tower Bridge with a camera.
| Tower Bridge | |
|---|---|
| Who controls it | The bridge and its approaches sit between the City of London and Tower Hamlets, and the south bank is Southwark. |
| Good for | The most recognisable structure in London, plus river and glass towers. |
| Light | Sunrise from the south bank puts light on the bridge. |
| Busiest | Crowds are constant from mid-morning to late evening. |
The bridge and its approaches sit between the City of London and Tower Hamlets, and the south bank is Southwark. Each has its own film office, so confirm which side your camera is on.
Checked on 4 October 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the authority before the shoot.
Sunrise from the south bank puts light on the bridge. Sunset works from the north.
Crowds are constant from mid-morning to late evening. Early is the only quiet window.
Tower Hill on the north side, London Bridge on the south.
A wide lens for the bridge, a long one to lift it behind the subject.
Standing in the middle of the walkway. It is a working route, not a viewing platform.
| Who controls it | More than one authority |
| Permit needed | Yes, from each authority involved |
| Notice to allow | Take the longest notice period |
| Insurance | Ask each one |
| Worth knowing | Confirm which ground you stand on |
| Nearest stations | Tower Hill on the north side, London Bridge on the south. |
| What to carry | A wide lens for the bridge, a long one to lift it behind the subject. |
Rules and fees change. Confirm with the authority named above before the shoot, and treat this table as a starting point rather than a permission.
| Where | What it gives you | When it works |
|---|---|---|
| Shad Thames | Iron walkways between warehouses | Morning |
| Potters Fields Park | The bridge full height behind the subject | Sunrise |
| The north bank by the Tower | Stone and river | Late afternoon |
A location is a corner at an hour, not a postcode. Pick one of these and build the session around it.
An hour in Tower Bridge is three stops, not one.
We start at Shad Thames, because it is the frame most people came for and it is quietest first.
Then Potters Fields Park, which changes the background without changing the light.
We finish at The north bank by the Tower, which gives a different scale and a different mood.
Winter, when the bridge lights are on by late afternoon.
Summer sunrise, which is early enough to have the place to yourself.
Avoid weekends at any time of year.
Strong silhouettes, because the bridge is a strong shape.
Coats that move in wind, which there always is by the river.
Dark colours against pale stone, light colours against the ironwork.
Shad Thames is sheltered by the buildings on both sides.
Hay's Galleria is covered and a two-minute walk.
More than one authority covers this location, so establish which ground your camera stands on before you apply.
A park, a street and a private estate can meet within a hundred metres here.
Apply to each one that applies, and allow the longest of their notice periods.
If the shoot moves during the session, that is more than one permission.
Nearby, with different rules and a different look: Sky Garden, Little Venice and St Paul's.
The full list of occasions is on event photography in London.
Next step
Send the date and intended use; the current permission route can then be checked before the location is promised.
Send the date, location and what you need photographed.