Top Film and Photography Locations in Brighton & East Sussex
Brighton and East Sussex are bursting with cinematic charm, dramatic coastlines, and hidden gems — making them ideal for filmmakers, photographers, and content creators alike. Whether you’re shooting fashion, film, commercials or branded content, this region offers diverse, visually striking backdrops all within easy reach of London.
As a Brighton-based production van hire service, we’ve worked with crews all over the South East and know which locations truly deliver on camera. Here are some of our top picks for your next location shoot.
1. Brighton Seafront & Palace Pier
The iconic Brighton seafront is instantly recognisable and full of energy. From sunrise silhouettes on the beach to candy-coloured shots on the pier, this location is a favourite for fashion and lifestyle campaigns. The pier itself offers playful, nostalgic visuals, while the beach huts at Hove Lawns give a splash of pastel charm.
2. The Lanes & North Laine
For gritty urban vibes or creative character, head to the narrow alleyways of The Lanes and the colourful streets of North Laine. Expect graffiti backdrops, independent shopfronts, and textured walls — perfect for editorial shoots, music videos, or street-style content. These areas also offer fantastic low-light and night-time shooting opportunities.
3. Brighton Pavilion & Gardens
If you’re after regal elegance with a twist, Brighton Pavilion brings exotic architecture and landscaped gardens into the frame. With its domes and intricate design, it’s ideal for period-style film work, wedding photography, or dramatic portraiture.
4. Seven Sisters Cliffs & Birling Gap
One of the most dramatic natural landscapes in the UK, the white chalk cliffs at Seven Sisters are unbeatable for cinematic impact. Ideal for travel content, fashion shoots or drone footage, this location offers sweeping coastal views and breathtaking contrast. Birling Gap provides easier access and parking, which is helpful when working with crew and kit.
5. Camber Sands
Looking for wide, open beach shots without the crowds? Camber Sands near Rye offers expansive dunes and golden light. It’s a favourite for car commercials, music videos, and fashion editorials thanks to its unspoilt, timeless look — and it feels miles away from the urban bustle, even though it’s less than two hours from Brighton.
6. Lewes & Its Surrounding Countryside
The historic town of Lewes is full of charming cobbled streets, rustic textures and traditional English architecture. Surrounding it are rolling hills, woodlands, and winding roads, making it ideal for narrative film, nature photography or vintage-style shoots.
7. South Downs National Park
For sweeping rural landscapes, the South Downs are hard to beat. Whether you need a quiet nature backdrop, a walking trail or an epic wide shot for a dramatic scene, this protected area offers complete tranquillity. The natural lighting and golden hour here is simply magical.
8. Ditchling Beacon & Devil’s Dyke
High vantage points with panoramic views make these locations popular with outdoor filmmakers and drone operators. Expect dramatic skies, windswept grassland, and excellent natural light throughout the year.
Working On Location? We’ve Got You Covered
No matter where you choose to shoot in Brighton or East Sussex, our Production Van provides the ideal mobile base. With on-board power, W/C, dressing space, makeup area and seating, you’ll have everything your team needs to stay comfortable and efficient on location — even in remote or rural spots.
Need Advice or Support With Your Next Shoot?
If you’re planning a location shoot in Brighton or Sussex, we’re happy to offer advice based on experience. We’ve supported teams shooting everything from feature films to fashion lookbooks, and can help you find the right setup for your production.
Contact us today to check availability or request a quote. We’ll help make your shoot smooth, professional, and well-supported – wherever you decide to roll camera.
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📞 Call: 0777 077 1234
Production Van Brighton – Supporting Shoots Across Sussex