In 2027, in a chaotic world in which women have somehow become infertile, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea.
Bothel and Threapland, Sunderland, Blindcrake, Cumberland, England, CA7 2JN, United Kingdom
Buenos Aires, Calle Argentina, Nueva Caracas, Catia, Caracas, Parroquia Sucre, Municipio Libertador, Distrito Metropolitano de Caracas, Distrito Capital, 1030, Venezuela
Scene: (on location)
Tate Modern, Bankside, Southwark, London Borough of Southwark, Greater London, England, SE1 9TG, United Kingdom
Buenos Aires, Calle Argentina, Nueva Caracas, Catia, Caracas, Parroquia Sucre, Municipio Libertador, Distrito Metropolitano de Caracas, Distrito Capital, 1030, Venezuela
Buenos Aires, Calle Argentina, Nueva Caracas, Catia, Caracas, Parroquia Sucre, Municipio Libertador, Distrito Metropolitano de Caracas, Distrito Capital, 1030, Venezuela
Scene: (on location)
2, Bakehouse Mews, Gun Hill Park, Aldershot, Rushmoor, Hampshire, England, GU11 1BX, United Kingdom
Beadnell Court, 78, Cable Street, East Smithfield, St. George in the East, Wapping, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Greater London, England, E1 8GT, United Kingdom
Cosmos Records, 324D, Hackney Road, Haggerston, London Borough of Tower Hamlets, London Borough of Hackney, Greater London, England, E2 7AX, United Kingdom
Westminster Muslim Cultural Centre, 30, Winchester Street, Tachbrook Estate, Pimlico, City of Westminster, Greater London, England, SW1V 4RW, United Kingdom
Coventry Road, Sapcote, Blaby, Leicestershire, England, LE9 4JU, United Kingdom
Scene: (on location)
Alfonso Cuarón’s dystopia imagines a Britain of 2027 where no child has been born in 18 years – and shot its collapsing world in real London and the faded seaside town of Bexhill-on-Sea, staging some of cinema’s most famous unbroken long takes in genuine streets.
Where was Children of Men filmed?
The film was shot in London and around England – Battersea Power Station, the Tate Modern, Woolwich and Rickmansworth – with the extraordinary refugee-camp battle filmed in Bexhill-on-Sea on the East Sussex coast.
Every Children of Men location, explained
1
Bexhill-on-Sea – the Bexhill camp
The film’s climactic siege – a single, astonishing long take – was shot in Bexhill-on-Sea, whose faded seafront became the refugee internment camp.
2
Battersea Power Station and Tate Modern – the Ark of Arts
The “Ark of the Arts” that hoards civilisation’s masterpieces uses Battersea Power Station (with a floating pig, in a nod to Pink Floyd) and the Tate Modern at Bankside.
3
London streets and the Mall
The film uses real London – Woolwich, The Mall in Westminster, and city streets – to sell its near-future Britain as recognisably now.
4
Rickmansworth and the countryside
Quieter scenes used Stockers Farm near Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire, grounding the fugitive stretch in the English countryside.
Planning a visit
The Tate Modern at Bankside is free and central, and Battersea Power Station has been redeveloped into a visitable destination. Bexhill-on-Sea on the East Sussex coast is a quiet seaside town with more cinematic history than it lets on.
Children of Men Fun Facts
1
The long takes are legendary The car ambush and the Bexhill battle are famous unbroken long takes, using hidden cuts and custom rigs to feel like one continuous shot.
2
A floating pig over Battersea The Ark of Arts scene floats an inflatable pig over Battersea Power Station – a direct homage to Pink Floyd’s Animals album cover.
3
Bexhill became a war zone The genteel seaside town of Bexhill-on-Sea was transformed into the film’s brutal refugee camp.
4
Real blood on the lens During the battle long take, blood spattered the camera lens – and Cuarón kept it in, since stopping would have broken the shot.
5
Now regarded as prophetic Widely praised on release, the film’s vision of borders, migration and collapse is often called eerily prescient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the final battle filmed?
In Bexhill-on-Sea on the East Sussex coast, staged as one extraordinary long take.
What is the Ark of Arts?
It hoards the world’s masterpieces, filmed at Battersea Power Station and the Tate Modern – complete with a floating pig homage to Pink Floyd.
Can you visit the Children of Men locations?
Yes – the Tate Modern is free and central, Battersea Power Station is redeveloped and open, and Bexhill-on-Sea is a public seaside town.
Who directed Children of Men?
Alfonso Cuarón, known for its celebrated long takes.
