Filming in Nottingham: permits and fees
Nottingham City Council covers the Lace Market, Castle Quarter, and civic spaces — note the city's tram network requires early coordination for road closures.
Who issues permits
Nottingham City Council’s filming team handles applications. Nottingham Castle is managed by the Castle Trust and has its own independent filming permit process.
Process
Apply to Nottingham’s filming service with at least five working days notice. Road closures near the tram routes require coordination with Nottingham Express Transit — allow four weeks for those.
Fees
Admin fees apply for standard street permits. Nottingham Castle location hire is managed separately by the Castle Trust.
What’s covered
Streets in the city centre, the Lace Market, Hockley, and The Meadows. Council-owned parks. Public squares including the Old Market Square. Civic buildings.
Typical restrictions
Nottingham’s tram network through the city centre makes road closures considerably more complex than most UK cities — early coordination with Nottingham Express Transit is essential. Nottingham Castle is an independent venue.
Contact
Apply on the Nottingham City Council website → nottinghamcity.gov.uk
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- Nottingham City 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 5 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?
- Nottingham City 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 Nottingham City Council's filming page at https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/filming. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.