Filming in Wiltshire: permits and fees
Wiltshire Council manages filming on county highways and land; Stonehenge, Lacock, Avebury, and Longleat all require separate permissions from English Heritage, the National Trust, or private owners.
Who issues permits
Wiltshire Council is the unitary authority for the county outside Swindon. It manages filming on county highways and council-managed land. Most of Wiltshire’s internationally recognised filming destinations sit under independent management:
- Stonehenge — English Heritage
- Avebury — National Trust and English Heritage (jointly managed)
- Lacock Abbey — National Trust
- Longleat — privately owned by the Thynne family estate
- Wilton House — privately owned
- Corsham Court — privately owned
Process
Contact Wiltshire Council for county highway and public land applications. Allow four weeks minimum. For Stonehenge, contact English Heritage’s events and filming team separately — Midsummer and equinox dates are heavily restricted. For Lacock, route your enquiry through the National Trust’s national media team.
Fees
County highway filming fees are set by the council. Location hire for council assets is on application. Heritage and private estate fees are negotiated individually — Stonehenge commercial agreements are substantial.
World Heritage Site considerations
Both Stonehenge and Avebury sit within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Any filming that could affect the setting of either monument requires careful consultation. English Heritage will advise on restricted zones and seasonal protocols.
Contact
- Email: info@wiltshire.gov.uk
- Web: wiltshire.gov.uk
Apply via Wiltshire Council → wiltshire.gov.uk
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- Wiltshire 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 28 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?
- Wiltshire 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 Wiltshire Council's filming page at https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.