Filming in Gwynedd: permits and fees
Gwynedd Council manages filming on county highways and land; Caernarfon Castle is Cadw-managed, and the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park has a separate permit authority.
Who issues permits
Gwynedd Council covers filming on county highways and council-managed land across north-west Wales. The council operates bilingually — all official communications are in both Welsh and English. Key filming assets within the county sit under separate management:
- Caernarfon Castle and town walls — Cadw (Welsh Government)
- Harlech townscape — Harlech Castle managed by Cadw; town streets under Gwynedd Council
- Snowdonia National Park — Eryri National Park Authority
Process
Contact Gwynedd Council for county highway and council land filming. Allow four weeks. For Caernarfon Castle, apply to Cadw directly. For anything within the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park boundary, apply to the Eryri NPA separately — this includes most of the upland and mountain landscape.
Fees
Council fees on request. Cadw fees are set by Welsh Government and are location-specific. Eryri NPA sets its own fees.
Bilingual requirements
Gwynedd is the heartland of the Welsh language. Productions involving local community engagement should consider Welsh-language communication requirements. Gwynedd Council’s team can advise.
Contact
- Email: gwynedd@gwynedd.llyw.cymru
- Web: gwynedd.llyw.cymru
Apply via Gwynedd Council → gwynedd.llyw.cymru
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- Gwynedd 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 28 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?
- Gwynedd 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 Gwynedd Council's filming page at https://www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.