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Filming in Berkshire: permits and fees

Berkshire has no single unitary film office — filming is administered by each of the six unitary authorities (Bracknell Forest, Reading, Slough, West Berkshire, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham). Windsor and Maidenhead covers the most filming activity, including Windsor Great Park and the riverside.

Who issues permits

Berkshire is split into six unitary authorities, each handling its own filming applications. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) receives the most filming enquiries due to Windsor Castle, Windsor Great Park, and the River Thames towpath. West Berkshire handles permit applications for the North Wessex Downs AONB and Greenham Common. Reading Borough Council processes permits for the town centre and university areas. Bracknell Forest, Slough, and Wokingham each manage their own public spaces.

Process

Identify which unitary authority covers your location and contact them directly. For Windsor and Maidenhead, use the RBWM filming request form with risk assessment and public liability insurance (£10M minimum). Allow two weeks for standard applications; longer for road closures near Windsor Castle or Eton. West Berkshire asks for similar documentation via their countryside and estates team. Productions spanning multiple Berkshire authorities should contact each separately — there is no single coordination office.

Fees

Each authority sets its own fees. RBWM charges £150–£500 per day for council land; Windsor Great Park (Crown Estate) has separate commercial rates. West Berkshire and Wokingham typically quote per application. Small handheld shoots in public spaces are often free. Road closure costs are additional and vary by authority.

What’s covered

Council-owned parks, car parks, highways, and public buildings within the relevant unitary authority area. Windsor Great Park is managed by the Crown Estate and requires a separate commercial filming licence. National Trust properties (Cliveden, Basildon Park) need their own permissions.

Typical restrictions

Windsor Castle and its immediate vicinity are subject to extensive security restrictions and Thames Valley Police coordination. The AONB in West Berkshire has conditions on vehicle access and noise. Drone filming near Heathrow flight paths is heavily restricted across much of east Berkshire. Windsor town centre has high pedestrian density — weekend filming requires additional stewarding.

Contact

FAQ

Who issues this filming permit?
Berkshire Councils issues filming permits for its area. Applications go through the council's filming / events team — not the local parks department or police, although those may also be consulted.
How long is the lead time?
Allow at least 14 working days. Complex applications involving road closures, drone use, or multiple locations need more — plan 2–4 weeks ahead where possible.
What's the typical cost?
Berkshire Councils quotes filming fees case-by-case based on scale, duration, and public-realm impact. Small documentary crews are often charged an admin fee only; feature-film shoots involving road closures cost meaningfully more.
What does this permit cover?
The permit typically covers streets, parks, civic buildings. Private property and other national-body land (e.g. Crown Estate, National Trust, Royal Parks) may need separate consent.
How do I apply?
Apply via Berkshire Councils's filming page at https://www.berkshirefILMoffice.co.uk/. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.