On screen – filming in the Peak District and Derbyshire
Derbyshire and the Peak District, including the famous National Park, are fast becoming some of the most sought-after UK locations for film, television and digital entertainment capture.
Combine dramatic and gritty northern landscapes with picturesque villages, striking industrial features and un-matched heritage properties - along with proximity to major cities and film hubs - and it’s easy to see why producers, directors and creatives are increasing choosing our part of the East Midlands.
We’re ready to introduce you to the local knowledge, passion and expertise to help your next location run perfectly.
Why Derbyshire and the Peak District?
We can bring affordability, accessibility and the rights contacts to support your next production. The benefits of choosing our area include:
- A growing and proven track record of major feature, HETV, cross-band TV drama, TVC, corporate and photography production
- Local expertise to help you navigate the access and permissions needed to shoot in stunning landscapes and properties
- A variety of attractive, often highly unique locations and features in northern England, less than an hour from major city and transport hubs
- Flexible tech and unit base provision, often close to primary locations
- Well-respected and solutions-driven highways teams to manage engaging vehicle work
Key local landowner contacts and film liaison officers can guide you through working within protected areas, including the boundaries of the National Park.
What’s On Offer
Landscapes
Expansive and windswept moorlands, rocky escarpments and forests along with rolling ridgelines and plateaus. Drystone wall-enclosed fields, gentle valleys and rippling wooded rivers.
Property
An unrivalled list of world-class heritage properties spanning the centuries; from landscape-scale estates to discrete and secretive parochial halls, with hidden literary links. Bustling villages, towns and smaller hamlets, many unchanged by time in their traditions.
Industry
We are the birthplace of much of England’s modern industrial heritage and this is reflected in the mills, bridges and viaducts still found in the landscape today. Former railway tunnels remain accessible along with the flat and surfaced railway routes which they once supported. Local mineworks provide locations that are ready to expand upon with set design or post-production.
Water
A comprehensive network of reservoir complexes, adjacent woodlands and supporting infrastructure including heritage dams and contemporary viaducts.
Road network
Twisting and expansive b-roads, rural vistas and set-piece locations in both brooding uplands and quieter, hedgerow-lined landscapes offer broad tracking shot options. The region already has a reputation for responsive, pragmatic and practical closure or stop-go opportunities.
Specialist
Quarry locations capable of hosting major feature, hero stunt work and set design at scale.
Something else?
With many hidden and untapped gems within the region’s portfolio, get in touch to see if we have what you need.
Accommodation
With our range of extensive regional contacts, we can get you talking to the right places; from crew support to discrete and luxury locations for talent.
Film Crew Friendly Accommodation
Business Directory Casa Hotel
Situated in the heart of the historic market town Chesterfield. Casa Hotel is your ultimate destination for luxury and comfort.
Business Directory Buxton Crescent Spa Hotel
A stay at the Buxton Crescent is the perfect opportunity to sleep in a magnificent heritage building, with all the service and amenities of a 5-star hotel.
Business Directory Bike & Boot Leisure Hotels
A new Leisure Hotel brand for the 21st century - welcoming walkers, dog owners, cyclists and adventurers to the Peak District
Business Directory Peak Edge Hotel
A historic boutique hotel and restaurant with modern adaptions nestled in the idyllic peak district, proudly stands as the recipient of multiple prestigious awards.
Primary Locations
Chatsworth House and Estate
Eldon Quarry, Monsal Dale, Magpie Mine… (Devonshire Group)
Contact for more details filming@chatsworth.org
Peak District National Park Authority
Stanage Edge (and the wider estate), North Lees Hall, Monsal Trail and tunnels, Windgather Rocks
Contact for more details: tom.marshall@peakdistrict.org.uk
Severn Trent
Ladybower, Derwent & Howden Reservoirs, Derwent Dam, Ashopton (‘Ladybower’) viaduct
Contact for more details: donna.marshall@severntrent.co.uk
United Utilities
Macclesfield Forest and reservoir, Errwood Reservoir
Contact for more details: Kathryn.Frazer@uuplc.co.uk
Need to know
Can I get a general filming licence for the county/the Peak District?
No, generic licences for filming and photography aren’t available but we can make sure you’re speaking to the right people (usually the primary landowner) to start this process. Most major landowners have dedicated colleagues able to support film and location liaison.
Can I film in the National Park?
Yes, there are no overall restrictions limiting filming within the National Park. However, much of the area is owned privately – not by the National Park Authority – so we can get you in touch with the right teams for the location you’re interested in.
Are there tight restrictions on drone/aerial work in the National Park?
The Peak District contains many areas that are protected, as are some of the region’s operational reservoirs. Aerial work can be assessed on a case-by-case basis and only the most at-risk locations have year-round limitations.
How much are filming permits in Derbyshire & the Peak District?
The cost of a location licence or permit is set by the relevant landowner at the location. Our partners typically offer competitive rates reflecting the location opportunity, facilities and requirements.
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