Drones are becoming popular, and more people are wondering if they can fly them at the beach. It’s perfectly legal to fly your drone at the beach in the UK. In this definitive guide, we will explore the laws surrounding drone flying at the beach. Provide a list of dos and don’ts for those looking to take their drone out for a spin on the sand. As well as the best beaches in the UK for drone photography.
There are 779 beaches around the UK. Making them the most popular and open places to practice flying drones. As long as you follow the guidelines in this guide, you can enjoy flying your drone at the beach without any worry or hassle.
Laws and Best Practices When Flying Drone At The Beach
Flying a drone at the beach can be a lot of fun. However, it’s important to know the laws and best practices surrounding drone flying.
- If you fly or own a drone model aircraft over 250g. You must register its use with the CAA before you fly www.register-drones.caa.co.uk
- The use of drones for commercial purposes need to be licensed for drone use by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
- Always keep your drone or model aircraft in direct sight
- Never fly more than 400ft (120m) above the surface. 400ft Never fly more than 400ft (120m) above the surface and stay well away from aircraft, airports and airfields
- Never fly closer than 50m to people. Even when your drone is more than 50m away from people it is safer to avoid directly overflying them
- Never fly closer than 50m to buildings, cars, trains or boats
- Never fly closer than 150m to a crowd of 1,000 people or more. Never fly directly over a crowd
- Never fly closer than 150m to built-up areas. Never fly directly over a built-up area
- Never fly in an airport’s flight restriction zone
- It is illegal to fly a drone or model aircraft between 250g-20kg that does not show a valid operator ID
Best UK Beaches For Flying Drones
Where you’re doing a coastal survey or just want some drone photography. Drones can be used for all types of intresting photography. However, there is something about drone photography at the beach that can’t be duplicated by other means. The sand, the ocean and the sky make your pictures look amazing. Here are some of the best beaches in the United Kingdom for taking stunning drone shots
1. Fistral Beach, Newquay
Fistral Beach located in the town of Newquay in Cornwall. It’s a short walk from the town centre, and it’s easy to find thanks to its iconic pier.
Fistral Beach is one of the best beaches in the UK for drone photography. The wide-open space and stunning coastal views make it perfect for aerial footage. There are also plenty of places to explore.
So you can take your drone out for a spin and capture some amazing footage.
2. Woolacombe Bay, Devon
Woolacombe Bay is a great place for photography, it offers stunning views of the coast. The bay is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, which can make for some interesting shots. There are plenty of interesting places to explore in the area. The locals are always happy to help out with directions.
3. Lyme Regis, Dorset
There are plenty of beautiful beaches in the UK, but none can quite compare to Lyme Regis in Dorset. This stunning spot is perfect for drone photography. The dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters make for a breathtaking backdrop.
4. Camber Sands, East Sussex
Camber Sands is a stunning beach known for its wide expanse of sand and perfect waves. Perfect spot for a drone photographers looking to capture some beautiful aerial shots.
5. Porthcurno, Cornwall
Porthcurno beach, located in Cornwall. A county in the southwest of England. Porthcurno beach is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters.
Porthcurno makes for a perfect backdrop for drone photography.
6. Watergate Bay, Cornwall
Watergate Bay is a beach located in Cornwall, England. The beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions.
We recommend flying your drone during low tide. This will give you plenty of room to explore. Capturing some stunning shots of the waves crashing against the shore.
Be sure to keep an eye on the tide, and make sure your drone is clear of any rising water levels.
7. Saunton Sands, Devon
Saunton Sands is a beach in Devon, England. It is one of the most popular beaches in the area. Known for its wide range of activities, including surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.
It is also a great place to fly a drone. The beach is located in Saunton parish and can be accessed from the A361.
Drones can be flown at Saunton Sands. The beach can get crowded, so make sure you fly your drone safely and keep it out of the way of other beachgoers.
8. Studland Bay, Dorset
Studland Bay is a bay located in the county of Dorset, England. Studland Bay is the perfect place to test out your skills.
9. Lunan Bay, Angus
Lunan Bay is located in Angus, a county in the East of Scotland. Lunan Bay is a great place to fly a drone. It offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. There are plenty of great places to do photography in Angus, but Lunan Bay is one of the best. With its picturesque coastline and a ruined castle.
Beaches With Drone Flight Restrictions
In the UK, there are a few beaches where drone flying is restricted. This is due to safety concerns, as drones can pose a risk to people and property if not flown correctly.
Examples can be found in the list below.
1. Blackpool
Yes, there are restrictions on flying your drone at Blackpool beach. The beach is a popular spot for tourists, and as such, the airspace is often crowded. For safety reasons, it is important to follow any restrictions that may be in place.
2. West Sands Beach, St Andrews
West Sands Beach in St Andrews is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. It is also one of the few beaches in the UK where drone flying is restricted. This is due to the proximity of Leuchars airbase. This creates a flight restriction zone around West Sands Beach.
3. Lancing Beach, Worthing
As mentioned earlier, there are a few beaches in the UK where drone flying is restricted. Lancing Beach in Worthing is one of these beaches. This is because the beach is located within an airport’s flight restriction zone. For safety reasons, it is important to follow any restrictions that may be in place.
Checking Flight Restrictions
Drones can be great fun to fly, but it is important to always follow the law. In the UK, there are a few beaches where drone flying is restricted. This is due to safety concerns, as drones can pose a risk to people and property if not flown correctly.
If you’re unsure about the laws surrounding drone flying. We always recommend following all drones laws. For more information, visit the Civil Aviation Authority website.
Great resource for checking the restrictions is the No Fly Drones website. This website provides an up-to-date list of all the beaches in the UK where drone flying is restricted.
And that’s our definitive guide on flying drones at the beach!
Drones can provide a whole new perspective on your favourite beach, and they can be a lot of fun to fly too! Be sure to follow the laws and guidelines outlined in this guide. As always check for restrictions beforehand and follow all drone laws.
Have a great time flying your drone at the beach!
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start flying!
Leslie Drones Drone Services is Scotland’s leading drone photography service. We provide professional drone photography and video services to clients throughout Scotland. Our team of experienced drone pilots can capture stunning aerial footage and photos of your property, event or business.
