Filming in Cambridge: permits and fees
Cambridge City Council covers public streets and open spaces; University of Cambridge colleges manage their own filming permissions for college buildings and The Backs.
Who issues permits
Cambridge City Council handles public highway and open space permits. University of Cambridge colleges and the university’s central location service manage all filming on college property. The Backs — the riverside green areas behind the colleges — are college-managed.
Process
Apply to the council for public space filming. For college buildings, The Backs, and university-owned sites, contact the relevant college bursar or the University’s filming service directly. Allow at least two weeks for council permits; college bookings may require significantly longer lead times given high demand.
Fees
Council permit admin fees apply. College location fees are set independently and vary considerably between colleges.
What’s covered
City streets, Market Square, and council-managed parks. Public areas of the city centre. Note: King’s College Chapel and all college fronts require direct college permission.
Typical restrictions
Market days and the tourist season (June to September) create significant pedestrian management challenges. The Backs and most college fronts require direct college permission. The River Cam punting area near King’s Bridge involves multiple landowners.
Contact
- Email: filming@cambridge.gov.uk
- Web: cambridge.gov.uk/filming
Apply on the Cambridge City Council website → cambridge.gov.uk
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- Cambridge City Council 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?
- Cambridge City Council 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 Cambridge City Council's filming page at https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/filming. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.