Filming in Bristol: permits and fees

Who issues permits

Bristol City Council’s filming office manages permits for council-owned land and highways. The Harbourmaster’s office handles additional consents for filming on or adjacent to Bristol Harbour. Certain heritage sites in the city are managed by separate trusts and require their own permissions.

Process

Contact the filming team with a minimum of two weeks notice for straightforward shoots. Complex productions — those involving the harbourside, road closures, or multiple public spaces — should allow four to six weeks. The application covers location specifics, production type, crew numbers, and insurance details.

Fees

Admin fees apply for street permits. Harbour filming attracts a separate harbour fee. Parks hire charges vary by location and shoot duration. Commercial productions pay at higher rates than student or arts-funded projects.

What’s covered

Public highways and pavements, Harbourside public areas around the Watershed and mshed, council parks including Ashton Court and Clifton Down, civic buildings such as Bristol City Hall, and College Green public space.

The city’s Georgian Clifton quarter and the redeveloped Harbourside are among the most requested areas for productions.

Typical restrictions

Harbourside safety briefings are required for shoots near water. Working hours restrictions apply after 23:00. Road closures require a Traffic Management Plan submitted to highways. Drone flights over the harbour or city centre require CAA permission and council sign-off.

Contact

• Email: filming@bristol.gov.uk
• Web: bristol.gov.uk filming

Apply on the Bristol City Council website → bristol.gov.uk