Drone Flying Rules in Glastonbury — Glastonbury Tor & Somerset Restrictions (2026)

Key Rules for Flying Drones in Glastonbury

Glastonbury presents two distinct drone challenges: the National Trust's policy at Glastonbury Tor, and the statutory no-fly zone during Glastonbury Festival. Outside these specific restrictions, standard CAA rules apply across the town and surrounding Somerset Levels.

Glastonbury Tor — National Trust Policy

Glastonbury Tor is owned and managed by the National Trust. The Trust's drone policy is explicit: personal drone flying is not authorised on National Trust land. This applies to all National Trust sites across the UK, including Glastonbury Tor and its surrounding grounds.

The Trust cites several reasons for this policy:

• Wildlife and farm animals on Trust land are sensitive to disturbance from drones, especially during breeding seasons.
• Visitors value the peace and tranquillity of heritage sites — drone noise disrupts the experience that the Trust protects.
• National Trust byelaws, constituted by Acts of Parliament, prohibit operating airborne vehicles over Trust property without authorisation.

Important note: you can legally fly a drone from public land adjacent to Glastonbury Tor while remaining compliant with CAA regulations, provided you do not take off from, land on, or fly directly over National Trust property. The Trust can restrict activity on its land, but controlling the airspace above is more complex. Practically speaking, the Trust's byelaws and the CAA Drone Code together make it very difficult to fly near the Tor without breaching one rule or the other.

Glastonbury Festival — Statutory No-Fly Zone

During Glastonbury Festival, the CAA issues a Temporary Restriction of Flying order under the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) Regulations. This creates a legally enforceable no-fly zone over Worthy Farm and the surrounding area. The restriction typically covers a radius of several nautical miles around the festival site, from the surface to several thousand feet.

This is not advisory — it is a statutory instrument backed by criminal penalties. Avon and Somerset Constabulary actively investigates any drone incursions during the festival. Drones found within the restricted zone can be seized, and operators face prosecution.

Standard CAA Requirements (2026)

• Flyer ID — required for drones 100g+. Free online test, valid five years.
• Operator ID — required for drones 250g+ or camera-equipped drones 100g+. £10.33/year.
• 120m altitude ceiling — never exceed 120m (400ft) above the surface.
• Visual Line of Sight — maintain direct unaided visual contact at all times.
• 50m from uninvolved people — 150m from built-up areas for drones 250g+.

Airspace Considerations Around Glastonbury

Glastonbury sits in Class G uncontrolled airspace for most of the year. The Somerset Levels are flat and relatively free of aviation hazards, but several factors need checking:

• RNAS Yeovilton (EGDY) — the Royal Naval Air Station at Yeovilton is approximately 10 miles south-east of Glastonbury. Military aircraft, including helicopters, regularly transit the area. Yeovilton's Military Aerodrome Traffic Zone (MATZ) may affect flights in the southern approaches. Always check NATS Drone Assist.
• Glastonbury Festival TRA — during festival week (typically late June), the Temporary Restriction of Flying order covers a wide area. Even if you are not attending the festival, your planned flight area may fall within the restriction zone. Check the specific dates and boundaries in the active NOTAM.
• Bristol Airport — located to the north-west, Bristol Airport's controlled airspace does not extend to Glastonbury, but commercial approach paths may pass over the area. Check current charts.
• Air ambulance — the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance operates across the region. If you see or hear a helicopter, land immediately.

Best Spots to Fly a Drone Near Glastonbury

With the Tor off-limits for launches, drone pilots need to look to the wider Somerset Levels and surrounding countryside. These locations offer excellent conditions:

• Somerset Levels wetlands — the flat, open wetland landscape surrounding Glastonbury is ideal for drone photography. The peat moors offer unobstructed VLOS and dramatic dawn and dusk light across the water meadows. Launch from public rights of way or with landowner permission.
• Glastonbury town outskirts — from agricultural land on the approaches to town, you can capture views of the Tor and St Michael's Tower from a distance while remaining on non-Trust land. Seek permission from the relevant farmer or landowner.
• Burrow Mump (near Burrowbridge) — this dramatic hill about 8 miles south-west of Glastonbury offers elevated views across the Levels. The hill itself is National Trust, but surrounding areas may be accessible. Verify ownership before launching.
• Polden Hills ridge — the ridge running east of Glastonbury provides elevated launch positions with panoramic views across the Somerset Levels to the Tor. Agricultural land with landowner permission.

Avoid flying anywhere near Worthy Farm during festival season, and always check that you are not within the festival TRA even if flying miles away from the festival gates — the restriction zone is typically much larger than the farm itself.

Penalties for Breaking Drone Rules

Glastonbury presents a concentration of enforcement authorities. Penalties vary depending on which rules you breach:

• Flying without registration — up to £1,000 fine.
• Breaching the Drone Code — up to £2,500 fine for altitude, distance, or VLOS violations.
• Festival TRA incursion — breaching a statutory Temporary Restriction of Flying is a criminal offence. Avon and Somerset Police can seize your drone as evidence. Fines are unlimited, and imprisonment of up to five years is possible for endangering aircraft.
• National Trust byelaw breach — flying from Trust land without permission can result in prosecution under Trust byelaws, though enforcement typically begins with a request to stop and leave.
• Privacy violations — Glastonbury's compact town centre means drone cameras can easily capture identifiable individuals. Data protection regulations (UK GDPR) apply to identifiable footage.

Pre-Flight Checklist for Glastonbury

1. Festival date check — before planning any flight near Glastonbury in June, verify whether the Glastonbury Festival TRA is active. Check NOTAMs via the NATS AIS website for the specific restriction dates, radius, and altitude limits.
2. Flyer ID and Operator ID — confirm both are valid. Display your Operator ID on your drone.
3. Land ownership check — verify whether your planned launch site is National Trust land (Tor and surrounds), Worthy Farm (private — festival site), or other land requiring landowner permission.
4. Check NATS Drone Assist — verify RNAS Yeovilton MATZ, any active NOTAMs, and the festival TRA if applicable.
5. Weather — the Somerset Levels are low-lying and prone to mist, particularly in autumn and winter mornings. Fog can reduce VLOS rapidly. Check Met Office local forecasts.
6. Flood awareness — the Levels flood regularly in winter. Your planned launch site may be underwater or on saturated ground. Check conditions in advance.
7. Wildlife season — the Somerset Levels are home to significant populations of wading birds, bitterns, and marsh harriers. Avoid disturbing nesting areas, particularly at RSPB Ham Wall and nearby reserves.
8. Insurance — while not legally required for recreational use, the proximity to a military airfield and the festival TRA makes third-party liability insurance particularly advisable in this area.