Drone Flying Rules in Caernarfon — Cadw Castle Grounds & RAF Valley Airspace (2026)

Caernarfon Castle and Cadw Drone Policy

Caernarfon Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site managed by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service. Cadw’s official drone policy permits operators who follow the UK Drone Code to fly over Cadw monuments, but there is an important restriction: recreational drones may not take off or land on Cadw property. This means you cannot launch your drone from the castle grounds, the surrounding walls, or any land managed by Cadw.

If you wish to capture aerial footage of Caernarfon Castle, you will need to find a suitable take-off point on public or private land outside the Cadw boundary, ensure you have permission to launch from that location, and then overfly the site while maintaining compliance with the Drone Code. Commercial operators requiring closer access should contact Cadw directly to arrange a filming permit.

RAF Valley Flight Restriction Zone

RAF Valley is located on the Isle of Anglesey, approximately 15 miles west of Caernarfon across the Menai Strait. As one of the UK’s busiest military airfields — home to fast-jet training operations — it has an extensive FRZ that covers a large portion of the airspace across Anglesey and can extend towards the mainland coastline near Caernarfon.

Flying a drone within any FRZ without prior permission is a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order 2016 (as amended). Penalties can include an unlimited fine, up to five years in prison, or both. Before flying anywhere in the Caernarfon or Anglesey area, you must check the current FRZ boundaries using the CAA’s official NATS Drone Assist app or the CAA airspace map.

If your intended flight location falls within the RAF Valley FRZ, you can request permission by contacting RAF Valley Air Traffic Control on 01407 762241 Ext 7288. Permission is granted at the discretion of the station and may be refused during active flying operations.

Caernarfon Airport Restrictions

Caernarfon Airport (also known as Caernarfon Aerodrome) is a smaller civilian airfield located south-west of the town. It also has its own FRZ, and drone flights within this zone require permission from the aerodrome operator. Even if you are outside the FRZ boundary, you should maintain awareness of manned aircraft activity in the area, particularly light aircraft and helicopters operating to and from the airfield.

The presence of two separate FRZs — RAF Valley and Caernarfon Airport — makes this region particularly complex for drone operators. Always verify your planned flight location against both restriction zones before launching.

Snowdonia National Park Considerations

The Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park boundary extends close to the Caernarfon area. While there is no blanket ban on drone flying within National Parks in the UK, the National Park Authority may impose local restrictions in specific areas. You must maintain 50 metres from uninvolved persons and 150 metres from residential, recreational, commercial, and industrial areas when flying drones weighing 250 grams or more in the Open Category.

Popular walking areas around Caernarfon, including paths along the Menai Strait and near Segontium Roman Fort, may have significant pedestrian traffic, especially during summer months. Plan your flights for quieter periods to maintain safe separation distances.

UK CAA Registration and Rules for 2026

All standard UK drone regulations apply in Caernarfon:

• Drones weighing 250g or more: You must hold both an Operator ID and a Flyer ID from the UK CAA.
• Drones between 100g and 249g: You need a Flyer ID (obtained by passing the free online theory test).
• Maximum altitude: 120 metres (400 feet) above the closest point of the earth’s surface.
• Visual line of sight: You must be able to see your drone at all times without binoculars or other aids.
• Distance from people: Maintain at least 50 metres from uninvolved persons with drones 250g or heavier.
• No flying near emergencies: Do not fly near emergency service operations, including mountain rescue activity which is common in the Snowdonia area.

Best Practices for Flying in Caernarfon

Given the multiple airspace restrictions in this part of North Wales, consider these practical steps before every flight:

1. Check the NATS Drone Assist app for real-time airspace information, including any temporary danger areas or NOTAMs affecting the region.
2. Verify your position relative to both the RAF Valley and Caernarfon Airport FRZs.
3. Confirm that your take-off location is not on Cadw-managed land if you plan to fly near the castle.
4. Carry your Flyer ID and Operator ID (if required) and be prepared to show them if asked by police or CAA officials.
5. Avoid flying during periods of heavy military activity — RAF Valley frequently conducts fast-jet training that can generate sudden low-altitude traffic.