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
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- This permit is issued by National Trust, a national body covering uk-wide. Applications go direct to them rather than the local council.
- How long is the lead time?
- Allow at least 56 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?
- National Trust 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 parks, civic buildings, outdoor, residential, commercial. 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 National Trust's filming page at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/filming-at-our-places. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.