Filming in Lincolnshire: permits and fees
Lincolnshire County Council manages filming on county highways and directly operates Lincoln Castle; Lincoln Cathedral and Stamford town centre require separate permissions.
Who issues permits
Lincolnshire County Council covers filming on the county highway network and council-managed land. Unusually, the county council directly owns and operates Lincoln Castle — making it one authority contact for both castle and highway applications. Lincoln’s city streets are managed by City of Lincoln Council, not the county. Stamford townscape falls under South Kesteven District Council.
Process
For county highway filming, submit an application with traffic management plans and public liability insurance documents. Allow at least four weeks. For Lincoln Castle, contact the heritage team directly. Lincoln Cathedral is managed independently by the Dean and Chapter, separate from both city and county councils. Lincoln High Street requires City of Lincoln Council approval.
Fees
County highway filming carries permit and processing fees. Lincoln Castle location hire is set by the county council’s heritage team. Other council land is priced on application.
What’s covered
County highways and rural road network. Lincoln Castle and county heritage assets. County parks and open spaces. County civic buildings in Lincoln.
Notable separately managed locations
- Lincoln Cathedral — Dean and Chapter, independent
- Lincoln High Street — City of Lincoln Council
- Stamford townscape — South Kesteven District Council
- Grimsby Dock Tower — North East Lincolnshire Council
- Grantham House — National Trust
Contact
Apply via Lincolnshire County Council → lincolnshire.gov.uk
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- Lincolnshire County 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?
- Lincolnshire County 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 Lincolnshire County Council's filming page at https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.