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Filming in the South Downs National Park: permits and fees

The South Downs National Park Authority manages filming on NPA land across 100 miles of chalk downland; Arundel Castle, Seven Sisters, and town centres involve separate authorities.

Who issues permits

The South Downs National Park Authority manages filming on NPA land across the park’s 100-mile extent from Winchester to Eastbourne. The park spans East Sussex, West Sussex, and Hampshire — meaning highway and town centre filming within the park boundary routes through three different county councils. The NPA actively encourages well-managed commercial filming as an economic activity.

Key locations:

  • Arundel Castle — private estate, direct contact required
  • Horsham — Horsham District Council, outside NPA
  • Seven Sisters chalk cliffs — NPA and East Sussex County Council

Process

Contact the South Downs NPA for NPA-managed land. For town filming within the park (Arundel, Alfriston, Midhurst, Petersfield), contact the relevant district council. Allow four weeks.

Fees

NPA fees on application. Private estate and heritage fees set separately.

Chalk downland access

Chalk downland is sensitive to vehicle damage, particularly after rain. Production vehicles off public roads require specific NPA permission and may be subject to seasonal access restrictions to prevent permanent scarring of the turf.

Contact

Apply via the South Downs National Park Authority → southdowns.gov.uk