Filming in Portsmouth

Portsmouth’s varied locations are perfect for filming whether you simply want a quick shot of the coast or are planning a full scale feature.

Portsmouth’s rich maritime history and unique cultural heritage can provide the backdrop for your production – from historic warships to luxurious yachts, seaside piers to rugged beaches, there are plenty of unique filming opportunities available.

Our Flickr account shows a selection of the best filming locations in Portsmouth, including period buildings, striking architecture, pretty parks and blooming gardens, to the cutting edge port and industrial estates – not to mention four miles of unforgettable seascape and the iconic Victorian pier.

View photos of Portsmouth’s filming locations on Flickr

Portsmouth City Council has a duty to look after its residents and businesses, and while we understand that most production companies act in a responsible and professional manner, a filming application form must be completed well in advance of the start of shooting.

The filming application form enables the council to take appropriate measures to ensure filming runs safely, all relevant documentation has been submitted and that effective liaison with all stakeholders has taken place.

Once the application for filming has been received the council will establish whether permission to film should be granted, and issue the appropriate location release.

In public areas, small-scale filming with hand-held equipment will not normally be charged for. This includes student filming and news coverage.

For all other non-news filming, a £70 + VAT admin fee will be charged. If the filming requires council land or property, locations fees may also be charged.

Read through the list of fees and charges

Please allow at least ten working days for us to process your filming application.

For any production that requires access to one of our buildings,  a site visit is recommended well in advance of filming to ensure the safety and suitability of the location. For this reason, we recommend allowing at least three weeks notice.

Applications requiring traffic management orders will take may take much longer, and applications requiring full road closure could take up to six months.

After deciding on your preferred Portsmouth filming location, please read our filming policy and submit a filming application form to filming@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

The council will then assess your application, provide access to the location(s), and ensure everything is in place for your production to run smoothly.

If you are looking to film at Portsmouth International Port, Portico Cargo Terminal or The Camber in Old Portsmouth, please email port.communications@portsmouth-port.co.uk with a brief outline of your requirements before you submit any forms to us.

List of fees and charges

Portsmouth Filming Policy

Apply to film in Portsmouth

Student filming guidance

PCC land map