Drone Flying Rules at Conwy Castle — Cadw Historic Site & Conwy Airspace (2026)

Cadw Drone Policy — What You Need to Know

Conwy Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site managed by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service. Cadw has published a specific drone policy that applies to all of its scheduled monuments across Wales.

The key rules under Cadw’s policy are:

• No recreational take-off or landing: Cadw does not permit recreational drones to take off from or land on any Cadw-managed property. This includes the castle grounds, the surrounding walls, and adjacent Cadw-controlled land.
• Overflight is permitted: Drone operators flying in compliance with the CAA Drone Code may fly over Cadw monuments from a launch point outside Cadw property. You do not need Cadw’s permission to fly over the castle, provided you comply with all CAA regulations.
• Personal use imagery: Cadw requests that aerial imagery of its monuments be used for personal purposes wherever possible.
• Publication and commercial use: If you intend to publicly share, publish, or use aerial footage of Cadw monuments for commercial purposes or publicity, you should inform Cadw and may be asked to provide the content or allow Cadw to use it.
• Commercial filming: Operators requiring take-off or landing access on Cadw sites for commercial or filming purposes must complete Cadw’s drone flying application form. This process involves a risk assessment review and coordination with site staff.

Conwy Town Walls and Surrounding Area

Conwy’s medieval town walls are among the best-preserved in Europe, encircling much of the old town. The walls and their towers are part of the same UNESCO World Heritage inscription as the castle. They are also managed by Cadw, and the same drone policy applies — no recreational take-off or landing from the walls or their immediate grounds.

The town of Conwy itself is compact, with narrow streets and a working harbour. The quayside area along the Conwy estuary offers potential launch points on public land, but you must check with Conwy County Borough Council for any local byelaws restricting drone operations in public spaces.

The Conwy estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an RSPB reserve. While SSSI status does not create an airspace restriction, drone disturbance of wildlife — particularly nesting birds — could constitute an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Avoid flying low over the estuary mudflats during bird nesting season (March to August).

Airspace Around Conwy

There is no CAA Flight Restriction Zone directly over Conwy. However, there are airspace considerations in the wider North Wales region:

• RAF Valley (Anglesey): Located approximately 50 km to the west on Anglesey. The FRZ does not extend to Conwy, but military training routes from RAF Valley cross parts of North Wales. Low-flying military aircraft are common in the area. Always maintain awareness of your surroundings and be prepared to land if you spot fast-moving low-level traffic.
• Snowdonia National Park: While Conwy Castle sits outside the National Park boundary, the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park Authority has its own guidance on drone use within the park. If you plan flights in the surrounding hills, check the park authority’s drone policy.
• Caernarfon Airport: A small aerodrome approximately 30 km to the south-west. Its FRZ is unlikely to affect Conwy, but verify using the NATS Drone Assist app.

CAA Open Category Rules

All drone flights at Conwy must comply with the CAA’s Open Category regulations under CAP 2320 (March 2026):

• Flyer ID: Required for drones 100 g or more. Free online theory test through the CAA.
• Operator ID: Required for drones 250 g or more. £10.33 per year. Must be displayed on the drone.
• 120 m altitude limit: Maximum height above ground level.
• Visual line of sight: Maintain visual contact with your drone at all times.
• 50 m separation (A3): Drones of 250 g or more must keep 50 m from uninvolved persons.
• No crowd overflights: Never fly over organised gatherings, regardless of drone weight.

Conwy Castle is a popular tourist destination, particularly during summer months and bank holidays. Visitor numbers on the castle walls and towers can be high, making 50 m separation from uninvolved persons difficult if you are operating nearby. Plan flights for quieter periods — early mornings or off-season weekdays.

Practical Tips for Flying at Conwy

• Launch from the quayside or open ground: The harbour area and open ground east of the castle offer potential launch sites outside Cadw property. Ensure you have permission from the landowner.
• Wind and weather: The Conwy estuary funnels wind, and conditions at castle height can differ significantly from ground level. Check forecasts for gusts before flying.
• Sub-250 g drones: Operating a drone under 250 g in the A1 sub-category gives greater flexibility near the castle, though you still cannot take off from Cadw land.
• Wildlife awareness: The estuary supports significant bird populations. Avoid disturbance, especially during nesting season.
• Respect other visitors: Conwy is a living town with residents and tourists. Keep noise to a minimum and avoid prolonged hovering over residential areas.

Scheduled Monument Protection

Conwy Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. While this does not create an airspace restriction, any drone collision with the castle structure causing damage could result in criminal prosecution for damaging a scheduled monument, in addition to CAA enforcement. Factor this into your risk assessment and maintain safe distances from the stonework.