Best Song Ever: 5 London Locations That Made One Direction Music Videos Iconic

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For a generation of fans, One Direction’s biggest hits are forever entwined with the majestic, sprawling backdrop of London. When the band wanted to celebrate their British and Irish roots, they turned the entire capital into their playground, filming guerrilla-style in public squares and even hijacking the River Thames.

If you’re embarking on the ultimate Directioner pilgrimage, these five iconic London locations are essential stops—complete with the perfect angles for recreating your favourite video moments!

1. Trafalgar Square (The Impromptu Dance Party)

This massive public square, home to Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery, is one of London’s most famous meeting points—and it features prominently in two major videos.

  • The Video: “One Thing” (2012)

  • The Scene: The band is seen riding around London on an open-top bus before making an impromptu performance and general fun near the fountains and the central steps. They also visit this site in the montage for “One Way or Another (Teenage Kicks).”

  • The Shot to Get: Stand near the base of Nelson’s Column or the giant lion statues, and capture the busy, chaotic energy of the square that the boys perfectly captured.

  • Keywords: Trafalgar Square, One Direction One Thing, London Landmarks, Music Video Locations, Nelson’s Column.

2. Houses of Parliament and Big Ben (The Ultimate London Backdrop)

No ‘love letter to London’ video is complete without the world’s most recognizable clock tower (officially the Elizabeth Tower) and the adjacent Houses of Parliament.

  • The Video: “One Way or Another (Teenage Kicks)” (2013)

  • The Scene: The boys are seen dancing and messing around in front of these iconic Gothic Revival structures, capturing the quintessential image of the UK government and history.

  • The Shot to Get: The best view is often found across the Thames on the South Bank, near the London Eye, which allows you to frame all three structures (Big Ben, Parliament, and the Eye) together.

  • Keywords: Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, One Direction One Way or Another, London Eye, Westminster Palace.

3. Tower Bridge (The Midnight Memories Climax)

While the Tower of London is a historic castle, the adjacent Tower Bridge is the dramatic Victorian marvel that provides one of the most exciting climax shots in a 1D video.

  • The Video: “Midnight Memories” (2013)

  • The Scene: The exhilarating video, which involved the band hijacking a police boat, ends with the five members standing on the very edge of the bridge, silhouetted against the dark London sky.

  • The Shot to Get: Find the spot where the bridge meets the South Bank (near the Tower of London) and look for the angle that captures the bridge’s towering gothic structure.

  • Keywords: Tower Bridge, Midnight Memories Video, London Nightlife, River Thames, One Direction Locations.

4. Millennium Bridge (The Wobbly Dance)

This pedestrian suspension bridge linking St Paul’s Cathedral to the Tate Modern provides a sleek, modern architectural contrast to the city’s historical sites.

  • The Video: “One Thing” (2012)

  • The Scene: The band performs a brief, fun dance sequence near the South Bank side of the bridge, with St Paul’s Cathedral dominating the background.

  • The Shot to Get: Stand near the south side and try to replicate their walk, or use the metallic cables of the bridge to frame the dome of St Paul’s.

  • Keywords: Millennium Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, One Direction One Thing, London Walkways.

5. Brick Lane (The East End Vibe)

While not as heavily featured as the central landmarks, the East End, particularly the area around Brick Lane, has always been a key backdrop for the band’s street style and photo shoots, linking them to London’s creative and alternative side.

  • The Video: “One Way or Another (Teenage Kicks)” (2013) and various iconic photo shoots.

  • The Scene: Look for murals and street art near Brick Lane and the surrounding areas (like Shoreditch) that mimic the urban, authentic energy seen in their casual shots and montages.

  • The Shot to Get: Capture the vibrant graffiti and street art near the railway bridges, or stand in front of the colourful, historic buildings that line the market street.

  • Keywords: Brick Lane, East London, Street Art, Shoreditch, Music Video Backdrop, Fashion Shoot.

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