Drone Flying Rules in Pembrokeshire — Coastal National Park & Wildlife Restrictions (2026)

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the only coastal national park in the UK. There is no blanket ban on drone flying within the park, but the Park Authority has published clear guidance for recreational drone operators.

You must have permission from the owner of the land where your drone takes off and lands. This applies to all flights, whether recreational or commercial. Much of the coastal land is owned by the National Trust, the National Park Authority, private farmers, or the Ministry of Defence, and each landowner sets their own rules about drone access.

The Park Authority specifically prohibits drone flying at two sites it manages directly: Castell Henllys Iron Age Village and Carew Castle and Tidal Mill. Drones may not take off, land, or be operated from these locations.

Commercial and Filming Flights

If you are being paid for drone work, carrying out surveys, or using your drone for any business purpose, you must hold third-party liability insurance. Commercial operators should contact the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority filming team before operating within the park boundary.

Haverfordwest Airport Flight Restriction Zone

Haverfordwest Airport is a licensed aerodrome in the centre of Pembrokeshire. It has a Flight Restriction Zone that restricts drone flights in the surrounding area. Flying within this FRZ without prior permission from the airport is a criminal offence under the Air Navigation Order 2016.

If you need to fly within the Haverfordwest Airport FRZ, contact the air traffic control team at the airport and submit a request. They will advise on their permission process, and approval is assessed case by case. Always verify the current FRZ boundary using the NATS Drone Assist app or the CAA interactive airspace map before flying anywhere in central Pembrokeshire.

Military Ranges — No-Fly Zones

Pembrokeshire hosts several MOD training ranges that are strict no-fly zones for drones:

• Castlemartin Range: The largest MOD range in the area, covering a significant section of the southern Pembrokeshire coast. Live firing exercises take place regularly. The range is closed to the public during firing, indicated by red flags and range sentries.
• Penally Range: Located near Tenby. Military training activities may restrict access to surrounding areas.
• Manorbier Range: Adjacent to Manorbier village and beach. Check the MOD firing times before planning any flight in the area.

Never fly a drone within or near these military ranges. Check the MOD firing schedules published on the GOV.UK website and local range notice boards before visiting.

Wildlife Protection on the Pembrokeshire Coast

The Pembrokeshire coast is home to internationally important populations of breeding seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, Manx shearwaters, and gannets. Grey seals breed on remote beaches throughout the autumn months. These species are particularly vulnerable to disturbance from drones, and the consequences can be severe.

Disturbing protected species is a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum has published specific guidance for recreational drone users, advising operators to:

• Keep a minimum distance of 150 metres from seabird colonies and seal haul-out sites.
• Avoid flying during the breeding season for seabirds, typically April to August.
• Watch for signs of disturbance such as birds leaving nests, alarm calling, or seals entering the water.
• Land immediately if you observe any wildlife disturbance.

Islands such as Skomer, Skokholm, and Grassholm are managed by Natural Resources Wales and the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Drone flights over these islands are not permitted without prior consent from the managing authority.

National Trust Land

The National Trust is a major landowner along the Pembrokeshire coast path and surrounding areas. The National Trust does not permit drone flights from any of its properties without specific prior permission. Recreational requests are rarely approved. You may not take off or land on National Trust land, even if you intend to fly over adjacent areas.

Cadw Heritage Sites

Several Cadw-managed scheduled monuments are located in Pembrokeshire, including Pembroke Castle grounds and Bishop's Palace at St Davids. Cadw does not allow recreational drones to take off or land on its properties. Flights over Cadw monuments from adjacent land should be conducted in accordance with the CAA Drone Code. If a drone strikes a scheduled monument, this may be treated as a heritage crime.

CAA Registration Requirements

All standard UK drone rules apply in Pembrokeshire under the Air Navigation Order 2016 and the ATMUA Act 2021:

• Flyer ID: Required for any drone weighing 250g or more, or any camera-equipped drone from 100g. Pass the CAA online theory test to obtain this.
• Operator ID: Required for drones 250g or more. Must be displayed on the drone.
• Maximum altitude 120 metres above ground level.
• Maintain Visual Line of Sight at all times.
• Minimum 50 metres from uninvolved people for drones over 250g.

Fines of up to 2,500 pounds apply for breaches of drone registration and flying rules.

Best Locations for Drone Flying

• Freshwater West Beach: A wide beach outside the main military ranges. Verify MOD firing schedules and check for wildlife on the dunes.
• Marloes Peninsula: Open headlands with dramatic coastal views. Avoid flying near the Skomer boat departure area and keep well clear of seabird cliffs.
• Preseli Hills: Inland open moorland offering mountain scenery. Less crowded than coastal areas, but verify landowner permission and check for nesting birds during spring.
• Newgale Beach: A long sandy beach. Busy during summer weekends, so maintain the 50-metre distance from beachgoers.

Key Points to Remember

1. No blanket drone ban in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, but landowner permission is required for take-off and landing.
2. Castell Henllys and Carew Castle are park-managed no-fly sites.
3. Haverfordwest Airport has an active FRZ. Never fly inside it without permission.
4. Castlemartin, Penally, and Manorbier MOD ranges are strict no-fly zones.
5. Keep at least 150 metres from seabird colonies and seal haul-out sites.
6. Register with the CAA and always check airspace maps before flying.