Milton Keynes, an Ideal Location for TV and Films
MK Council Film Location Guidance Form (PDF, 71KB)
Milton Keynes has already established an excellent track record in film and TV activities, both as a location and as a base for services associated with the sector, and it's accessibility to London and the major film studios has largely contributed to this success. We can provide free advice and help to any location or production enquiry. If the location is privately owned, contact links can be found in the external links section.
Before completing the film permision form please ensure you have a copy of your public liablity insurance, and risk assessment information available. Also Ensure that you have contacted Thames Valley Police (TVP) on 101 where applicable for permissions and advice. You will also need to contact Milton Keynes Council Highways Department on 01908 254604 to discuss any road closures you may require.
Film-makers which are part of school/college projects or affiliated with a charity can film without being subject to the standard fees and charges.
Filming Fees and Application fees are non-refundable.
SmallProductionBased on 1-5 crew members Application feeof £30 Filming fee £150 per day |
MediumProductionBased on 6-11 crew members Application feeof £60 Filming fee £180 per day |
LargeProductionBased on 12-29 crew members Application feeof £120 Filming fee £210 per day |
MajorProductionBased on 30+ crew members Application feeof £150 Filming fee £500 per day |
If the proposed activities are sufficiently complex, extensive or sensitive to necessitate the presence of a MK Council representative, an admin fee will be required.
Filming in residential areas is problematic and this would need to be discussed further if proposed. Notice must also be given if there is a risk that filming might incorporate images of the public, particularly children.
Filming on private property (eg the shopping centres in CMK or MK Parks Trust land), or when using buildings as a backdrop, the owner’s permission must be sought and all necessary arrangements made with them. Often a location fee is required for this, as it would be if use of MK Council property was being considered.
Milton Keynes Council does not have a private bill in place yet to allow a road to be closed for the purpose of filming on the highway. Filming on the highway is permitted and can only be achieved if the road remains open to the public or the road is closed for a public event to which the filming is in association to that event. For further information on road closures and temporary traffic regulation Orders please contact the TRO on 01908 254604. Alternatively you can email the Team TROteam@milton-keynes.gov.uk
All parking enquiries should be addressed to MK Council Parking Dept on 01908 252309, who will then contact its contractor NCP.
Available filming locations
Bradwell Windmill
Peace Pagoda
Winter Gardens
Central Milton Keynes Offices
Grid Roads
Victorian Terraced Housing
Campbell Park
Wolverton Park
Stony Stratford
Gulliver's Land
Grand Union Canal (MK Branch)
Bradwell Windmill
Built in 1816, this limestone tower mill has been recently refurbished and is in good working/turning order. Set within its own millfield, it is adjacent to the Grand Union Canal, a disused railway and a sports ground. Unique features include an interior fireplace and one of the earliest uses of a universal joint. Back to top
Peace Pagoda
Major local landmark built by Japanese monks and nuns based in nearby Buddhist Temple and Garden. Set in North Willen Lake Park, which also features a labyrinth, bird reserve, helipad and BMX track, and has panoramic views across Ouzel valley. The land owner in this instance is The Parks Trust. Back to top
Winter Gardens
Tropically-planted glass/steel 3-storey atrium with glass lift and carp pond. Part of leisure complex including major health club/fitness centre, restaurants and nightclub. Situated in Central Business Exchange modern office zone with further atria, lifts and external pedestrianised squares. Private Land Owner tbc. Back to top
Central Milton Keynes Offices
Extensive and continuous area of low-rise quality modern office development built on 'American' grid square pattern, aligned east-west. Serviced by tree-lined boulevards, parking zones and integrated street furniture. Also includes wine/cafe bars, hotels, city church and gardens/squares. Back to top
Grid Roads
Milton Keynes-wide system of fast dual carriageways intersecting at roundabouts. Generously planted and tree-lined verges and central reservations conceal residential and commercial developments beyond. Comprehensive and complementary network of footpaths, cycleways, subways and bridges create uncluttered and pedestrian-free usage. Back to top
Victorian Terraced Housing
Extensive area of 19th century red-brick housing centred on Wolverton and New Bradwell built to service once-substantial railway works. Built largely of two-storey terraces intersecting at right angles. Wide range of Victorian community facilities eg schools, working men's clubs, churches, pubs, etc. Individual properties available. Back to top
Campbell Park
Modern landscaped civic park with panoramic views of Ouse valley and backed onto by new MK Theatre/Gallery and Xscape Snowdome. Numerous features include events plateau, open air theatre, labyrinth, national standard cricket pitch and pavilion, beacon, and public sculptures. Adjacent to Grand Union Canal. Centrally placed, yet quiet. Landowner is Parks Trust. Back to top
Wolverton Park
Period recreation area associated with Wolverton Railway Works, comprising football pitch, surrounded by redundant velodrome, and bowling green. Flanked by derelict Works buildings, the main Euston line and the Grand Union Canal, the site has an unusual amphitheatre feel. Various spectator stands, one very old. Refurbished changing rooms etc. Private Landowner tbc Back to top
Stony Stratford
Georgian market and coaching town aligned along old A5/Watling Street. Traditional High Street with many pubs and restaurants, one of which, The Peking, is available as a location in its own right. Market Square featured in 'Withnail and I'. Picturesque Horsefair Green. Some Victorian/Edwardian terraced housing. Bordered by River Great Ouse and park/farmland. Back to top
Gulliver's Land
Gulliver's Land Fantasy/theme park centred on Lilliput Land Castle, with 30 family-oriented rides and attractions including Log Flume, Pirate Ship, Old Time Railroad, Wild Mouse Coaster, etc. Adjacent to extensive and self-contained South Willen Lake with its watersports, leisure and related park facilities, and David Lloyd Tennis Centre. Private owner tbc.Back to top
Grand Union Canal (MK Branch)
The Grand Union Canal enters Milton Keynes in the Ouse Valley Park at Old Wolverton and snakes in a dramatic arc right through the east of the city until it leaves Milton Keynes at Water Eaton in Bletchley.
It provides a direct link with the area's industrial past but also a wealth of leisure opportunities for the residents fo the city. There are ideal opportunities for filming locations along the various points including the canal broadwalk, managed by The Parks Trust, which allows you to walk, jog or cycle from historic Linford Manor Park through to Woughton on the Green, on good paths but within sight of the water and its colourful traffic of narrowboats. Among other things to look out for en route are Wolverton Secret Garden (includes Bill Billings famous 100m long train mural), Great Linford Brick Kilns, the narrow boat basin at Pennylands, poplar trees at Campbell Park and a board walk through the reeds between Giffard Park and Willen Park. Back to top
Last Updated: 1 February 2019