Chatham Historic Dockyard
chatham
Amenities
Summary
400-year-old naval dockyard in Kent used extensively by Call the Midwife and many other productions.
About this location
The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a 400-year-old working Royal Navy dockyard on the River Medway in Kent that closed in 1984 and has since operated as a heritage attraction and major filming venue. The complex includes the world’s largest collection of Grade I listed scheduled monument buildings, covering 80 acres of Victorian and Georgian naval architecture including ropewalks, covered slips, and officers’ houses. Call the Midwife has used Chatham Dockyard as a primary filming location for multiple series, with fans confirming visits and sharing photographs. The dockyard also has extensive film credits including Sherlock, Les Misérables, and various period features.
The site has attracted attention from location scouts working across the region and represents a practical addition to the available filming stock in this part of Britain. Production enquiries should be directed to the site manager or managing authority well in advance of intended shoot dates. The combination of visual character and accessibility makes this location a viable choice for productions of varied scale and budget, from documentary units to mid-budget drama series requiring authentic British settings.
Access notes
- Parking
- On-site parking available — confirm crew-vehicle capacity with the venue.
- Loading access
- Loading access not listed. Confirm access points, door widths, and lift availability with the venue before the day.
- Public transit
- chatham has mainline rail and regional bus connections. Check the nearest station and allow for equipment on-foot from transit.
Ask us about this location
Quick question before you enquire upstream? We often know day-rate ranges, permit lead times, or a direct-to-owner shortcut not shown on the source page.
On the map
chatham — drag to pan, scroll to zoom.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to film at Chatham Historic Dockyard?
- Yes — filming on or around Chatham Historic Dockyard typically requires a permit. Allow roughly 5–10 working days lead time for most UK councils. Interior shoots on private property may also need owner consent.
- Is parking available at Chatham Historic Dockyard?
- On-site parking is available at Chatham Historic Dockyard. Capacity varies — confirm crew-vehicle numbers with the venue before the day.
- How much does it cost to film at Chatham Historic Dockyard?
- Chatham Historic Dockyard sits in the £££ band. Typical UK film-location day rates range from under £200 for simple interior shoots to well over £1,000 for period properties and landmark venues. Confirm with the venue directly.
- What crew size is suitable for Chatham Historic Dockyard?
- Chatham Historic Dockyard can accommodate a large crew of 15+ including feature-film unit requirements, trucks, and extras.
- Has anything been filmed at Chatham Historic Dockyard before?
- Chatham Historic Dockyard appears on Filmshoot's UK location index because it has a documented track record or strong characteristics for film and photography. Specific production credits aren't displayed unless publicly confirmed by the venue — ask the venue directly or check ScreenSkills and IMDb Locations for verified credits.
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