Filming in North Yorkshire: permits and fees

Who issues permits

North Yorkshire Council became a single unitary authority in April 2023, absorbing the former county council and seven district councils. The council issues permits for filming on council-managed highways, parks, and civic buildings across the county. Many headline filming locations — Castle Howard, Fountains Abbey, and Whitby Abbey — are managed separately by private estates, the National Trust, or English Heritage, each of which issues its own permissions.

Process

Contact the council’s economic development team with full production details, including crew and vehicle numbers, dates, locations, and a risk assessment. Smaller shoots on public land can often be processed within two to three weeks. Anything involving road closures or significant traffic management requires more time — allow at least four to six weeks. The North York Moors National Park falls under a separate National Park Authority and has its own permit process.

Fees

Council permits carry an admin fee. Road closure notices and traffic management orders attract additional charges. Location hire fees for specific council-owned assets are set by the managing department. English Heritage, National Trust, and private estate fees are bespoke and negotiated directly with each landowner.

What’s covered

Council-maintained roads and streets across market towns including Scarborough and Harrogate. Public parks and open spaces. Civic buildings in Northallerton and other towns. Agricultural land and rights of way within council ownership.

Notable locations under separate management

• Castle Howard — private estate, contact direct
• Fountains Abbey and Fountains Hall — National Trust
• Whitby Abbey — English Heritage
• North Yorkshire Moors Railway — independent heritage railway
• Skipton Castle — independent charitable trust
• Allerton Castle — private estate

Contact

• Email: enquiries@northyorks.gov.uk
• Web: northyorks.gov.uk

Apply via North Yorkshire Council → northyorks.gov.uk