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Filmshoot / Permits / Cambridge City Council

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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

Apply on the Cambridge City Council website → cambridge.gov.uk