Drone No-Fly Zones in the UK
There's no single "no-fly map" for the UK — restrictions come from the CAA, airport operators, landowners and local authorities. This guide breaks down every category so you can plan a safe, legal flight.
Airspace restrictions (the CAA layer)
Flight Restriction Zones (FRZ)
Every UK airport with an air-traffic control tower has an FRZ — typically a 2 – 2.5 nm radius plus runway extensions to 5 km. You must have Air Traffic Control permission to fly inside one. Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh have particularly complex extensions.
Restricted airspace
Nuclear power stations, defence sites, prisons, and some Royal residences have permanent exclusion zones. Windsor, Sandringham and Balmoral are typical examples.
Military low-flying areas
Not off-limits by default, but fast jets can pass through at 250 ft. Common in mid-Wales, the Scottish Highlands, and Cumbria.
Temporary Danger and Restricted Areas (TDAs/TRAs)
Pop up around royal events, air shows, protests and major sporting events. Always check NOTAMs before flying.
Landowner restrictions
The CAA controls the air. The landowner controls take-off and landing. Even in airspace that's technically legal, you need permission from the person who owns the ground.
- National Trust — default no-fly across the vast majority of properties.
- Royal Parks (Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Richmond Park, etc.) — no drones.
- Forestry England / Forestry & Land Scotland — generally no recreational flying without a permit.
- Local council parks — highly variable; many have by-laws prohibiting drones.
- RSPB reserves — no flying to protect wildlife.
- National Park Authorities — usually prohibit take-off from their own land, but public rights of way and non-Authority land within the park are often fine.
How to check before you fly
- Drone Assist (NATS) — free official UK app showing FRZs, restricted airspace and NOTAMs.
- Altitude Angel Drone Safety Map — web-based, useful for pre-planning.
- NOTAM info — for temporary restrictions.
- Landowner check — a quick phone call or email is worth more than any app.
Common myths debunked
"Sub-250 g drones can fly anywhere."
False. Weight class doesn't override airspace restrictions or landowner rules. A DJI Mini in Heathrow's FRZ is still an offence.
"If Drone Assist says green, I'm safe."
Half-true. Drone Assist covers airspace, not landowner permission. A National Trust car park will show green.
"Public land is fair game."
No. "Public access" and "landowner permission to fly" are different things.
Related reading
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