Drone Rules in Wimbledon London — Common, Park & Event Restrictions (2026)

Wimbledon Common — Drones Are Banned

Wimbledon Common is managed by the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators under the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act 1871. Under their byelaws, the flying of any model aircraft, including drones, is not permitted on the Common. This applies to the entire 1,140-acre site encompassing Wimbledon Common, Putney Heath and Putney Lower Common.

The Conservators cite privacy concerns and wildlife disturbance as key reasons for the ban. Their officers are attested as constables under the 1871 Act and can enforce these byelaws directly.

Professional or Commercial Filming

Requests for drone use on the Common are generally refused but considered on a case-by-case basis. If you need aerial footage for professional purposes, contact the Conservators' office in advance. Expect to provide full details of your operation, insurance documentation and your Operator ID. Approval is not common and charges may apply.

The Wimbledon Championships — Temporary Flight Restriction

Each year during the Championships (typically late June through mid-July), the CAA publishes a NOTAM establishing a temporary no-fly zone over the All England Lawn Tennis Club. The restriction typically covers a circle with a radius of 0.75 nautical miles (roughly 1.4 km) centred on the club grounds, from ground level up to 1,500 feet above mean sea level.

The restriction applies between 0500 and 2200 UTC on each day of the tournament. No drone of any weight or category may fly within this zone without express written permission from the Championships Safety Officer.

Additional Anti-Drone Measures

The tournament organisers deploy anti-drone detection technology around the grounds. DJI also activates geofencing zones during the Championships period, preventing DJI drones from taking off or entering the restricted area without a verified account unlock. If you fly a non-DJI drone into the zone, you are still breaking the law and subject to prosecution.

Merton Borough Parks

The London Borough of Merton, which covers Wimbledon town, maintains its own parks and open spaces outside the Common. Merton Council restricts drone flying in its managed parks. Before flying in any Merton park, check the council's current byelaws and seek written permission from the parks team. Without explicit approval, assume drones are not permitted.

2026 CAA Registration Requirements

Regardless of where you plan to fly, the UK-wide rules from 1 January 2026 require:

• Flyer ID — Required for all drones weighing 100g or more. Obtained by passing the free online theory test on the CAA website. Valid for 5 years.
• Operator ID — Required if you own or are responsible for a drone weighing 250g or more. Must be renewed annually. You must be 18 or over.
• Remote ID — All drones must broadcast their identity and location while in flight from the key date specified by the CAA.

General Flying Rules That Apply Everywhere

• Maximum altitude: 120 metres (400 feet) above the closest point of the ground
• Maintain visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times
• Never fly over or within 50 metres of people not under your control (Open Category A3)
• Do not fly within a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) without ATC permission
• Night flying requires a visible green flashing light on the drone

Where Can You Fly Near Wimbledon?

Options are limited in this part of south-west London. The Common is off-limits, Merton parks are restricted, and the Championships create a seasonal no-fly zone. Your best approach is to identify private land where the landowner grants permission, ensuring the site is outside any FRZ and away from built-up areas. Always check the NATS Drone Assist app or the CAA's airspace map before every flight.

Penalties for Breaking the Rules

Flying a drone illegally in the UK can result in fines of up to 2,500 GBP for breaching the Air Navigation Order. Flying within a restricted zone around an airport or during a NOTAM restriction can lead to more serious charges, potentially carrying a prison sentence of up to five years. Breaching local byelaws on the Common is a separate offence enforced by the Conservators' constables.