Filming at National Trust properties: permits and fees
The National Trust manages over 500 historic houses, coastline, and countryside across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland — each property handles its own filming bookings.
Who issues permits
Each National Trust property manages its own filming bookings. There is no central permit — productions contact the individual property manager directly. For multi-property productions, the Trust’s central filming team can help coordinate.
Process
Identify the specific property or properties and contact the relevant property manager. Initial enquiries can go via the National Trust’s central filming contact. The property team assesses feasibility based on the visitor calendar, conservation needs, and operational constraints. Allow eight to twelve weeks minimum for large-scale shoots at heritage interiors, more during peak visitor season.
Fees
Fees are set by individual properties and not published centrally. Grade I and II listed buildings attract higher rates reflecting conservation obligations. Expect day rates ranging from several hundred to several thousand pounds depending on the property, access areas, and production scale.
What’s covered
Over 500 properties across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Notable filming locations include Lacock Abbey, Chartwell, Sissinghurst, Fountains Abbey, Hardwick Hall, and Saltram. Properties in Wales are managed through National Trust Wales; Northern Ireland properties through National Trust NI.
Typical restrictions
Commercial filming must not interfere with the visitor experience. Conservation requirements are set by each property and may include no-contact zones around artefacts and surfaces, approved lighting types only, and restricted access to certain rooms. Seasonal visitor patterns significantly affect availability.
Contact
Apply on the National Trust website → nationaltrust.org.uk