Drone Regulations in Dorset, Bournemouth & Poole: What You Need to Know

Posted on August 24th, 2025

When most people see the stunning aerial shots captured by drones, their first thought is usually “Wow, that looks amazing!” But for anyone considering hiring a drone videographer in Dorset, the next thought is often: “Is this even legal?”

At Dorset Drone Shoots, we understand those concerns. Drone flying is tightly regulated in the UK, and rightly so — safety, privacy, and respect for airspace are all important. The good news is that when you hire us, you don’t need to worry about the paperwork or the rules. We’ve got it covered.

In this blog, we’ll break down what you need to know about drone regulations in Bournemouth, Poole, and across Dorset, and how we make sure every flight is safe, legal, and spectacular.

The Basics: UK Drone Rules

Drones are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Broadly speaking, here are the golden rules for flying drones:

• Keep the drone within visual line of sight.
• Stay at or below 120 metres (400ft) in altitude.
• Keep safe distances from people and property — the closer the drone is, the stricter the rules.
• Certain drones (depending on weight) require a flyer ID and operator ID.

The rules also vary depending on whether the drone weighs more or less than 250g. At Dorset Drone Shoots we use a mixture of drones, including lightweight sub-250g models for tighter locations (such as wedding drone videography in Bournemouth) and larger, cinematic drones for property marketing or big events in Poole.

Local Considerations: Dorset, Bournemouth & Poole

Our region has its own quirks when it comes to drone flying:

• Bournemouth Airport Airspace – Much of Bournemouth and Christchurch sits within controlled airspace, meaning flights need careful planning and, in some cases, special permissions.
• Coastal & Harbour Areas – Locations like Poole Harbour, Sandbanks, and the seafront around Bournemouth Pier are extremely popular, but busy. Here, we manage flights carefully to capture the beauty without compromising safety.
• Heritage & Conservation Sites – Dorset is packed with protected locations, from Brownsea Island to Highcliffe Castle. These need extra planning, and our experience means we know how to navigate the process smoothly.

We take care of all this planning so clients can simply enjoy the results. Every flight we carry out begins with a full risk assessment. This includes:

• Checking weather forecasts and wind speeds.
• Assessing nearby buildings, people, and traffic.
• Reviewing drone maps and airspace restrictions for Bournemouth, Poole, and surrounding Dorset.

We prepare flight plans and, if necessary, contact the appropriate authorities to gain clearance. And because even the best planning can’t prevent the unexpected, we always have emergency procedures in place.

If you’re booking us for wedding drone videography in Bournemouth or Poole, the last thing you want is to worry about whether the drone can legally fly over your venue. If you’re a property developer or estate agent in Dorset, aerial photography and videography can help showcase your listings — and we’ll make sure it’s done safely and legally. If you’re running a public event in Bournemouth, Christchurch, or Poole, safety and professionalism are non-negotiable. That’s where we come in. 

At Dorset Drone Shoots, we combine local knowledge with technical expertise to make sure every flight is both legal and unforgettable. Drone videography opens up incredible opportunities to capture Dorset’s beauty — from sweeping aerial shots of Bournemouth’s golden beaches, to the sparkle of Poole Harbour, to the historic charm of Christchurch. But the key to truly professional aerial footage isn’t just the drone — it’s the expertise behind it. By choosing Dorset Drone Shoots, you’re not just getting stunning footage; you’re getting peace of mind that every flight is carried out safely, legally, and with the highest level of professionalism.

Ready to elevate your wedding, property, or event in Dorset with cinematic aerial footage? Contact Dorset Drone Shoots today — and let’s capture Bournemouth, Poole, and beyond from above.