Barbican Lakeside & Highwalks

The vast former turbine room of Bankside Power Station, now Tate Modern's main entrance and exhibition space. At approximately 3,400 square metres and 35 metres high, it is one of the largest enclosed public spaces in Britain. The architecture is raw industrial — exposed steel beams overhead, polished concrete flooring, and massive scale that dwarfs human figures. Enter via a long concrete ramp from the west (river side) or level entrance from Sumner Street. Natural light enters from high-level windows along the roofline and the glazed north-facing entrance. The sheer scale creates dramatic compositions with strong leading lines from the ramp and overhead bridge. Best in mornings when north-facing windows provide soft, even illumination. The space is frequently reconfigured for annual Hyundai Commission installations, so the visual character changes yearly. No columns obstruct sightlines across the main floor. The overhead bridge at Level 1 provides an elevated vantage point.

One of the world's largest brick buildings, designed by Giles Gilbert Scott with four 103-metre chimneys that define the London skyline. The restored Art Deco interiors feature Italian marble in the Turbine Hall, original switchboards in Control Rooms A and B, and wrought-iron staircases. Malaysia Square at the base provides strong vertical compositions looking up at the chimneys. The riverside position gives morning side-light along Electric Boulevard and golden hour reflections off the Thames. The Chimney Lift (Lift 109) offers 360-degree views at 109m. Now a retail and cultural destination with its own Northern Line station. Commercial filming managed exclusively by Location Collective. Casual photography with handheld cameras permitted throughout public areas; tripods and professional equipment require written permission from the press office.

An Edwardian raised walkway on the northwest edge of Hampstead Heath, commissioned by Lord Leverhulme and designed by Thomas Mawson between 1905 and 1925. The Pergola stretches over 230 metres along a dramatically elevated terrace, supported by columns and arches overgrown with wisteria, climbing roses, and jasmine. Built on spoil from Northern Line tunnel excavations, the elevated position provides views west over West Heath woodland. The colonnaded structure creates repeating architectural frames superb for symmetrical compositions and depth-of-field work. In spring/summer the vine canopy filters sunlight into dappled patterns; winter reveals more stonework and distant views. Added to Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register in November 2025. Secluded and relatively unknown to tourists — easier to get clean shots than most London locations. Nearest stations: Hampstead or Golders Green, both 15 minutes walk.