Filming in the Royal Parks: permits and fees
The Royal Parks manages ten parks across London — including Hyde Park and Richmond Park — each requiring a separate filming permit from the Royal Parks commercial team.
Who issues permits
The Royal Parks’ commercial activities team handles all filming and photography applications across its ten London parks. Each park has its own filming contact and protocol reflecting visitor patterns and ecological considerations.
Process
Submit a filming enquiry to The Royal Parks six to eight weeks before the intended shoot date for commercial productions. The application covers the specific park, proposed areas within it, dates and hours, crew size, vehicles, and equipment. Insurance certificates and risk assessments are required before any permit is issued.
Fees
Fees are calculated on a bespoke basis depending on the park, scale of production, and the level of exclusivity or disruption involved. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens carry higher rates given visitor footfall. Budget from several hundred pounds upward for small shoots; large commercial productions can reach several thousand pounds per day.
What’s covered
All ten parks managed by The Royal Parks: Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James’s Park, Green Park, Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park, Bushy Park, Greenwich Park, Victoria Tower Gardens, and Brompton Cemetery.
Typical restrictions
Exclusivity of parkland is rarely granted as parks remain open to the public. Productions must not disturb wildlife or protected habitats. Vehicles may be restricted to designated routes or excluded from sensitive areas entirely. Seasonal restrictions apply during wildlife nesting periods in spring.
Contact
Apply on The Royal Parks website → royalparks.org.uk