It is tricky to fly first and foremost, but not impossible.
A good impression and guide for spots for the whole of the UK is:
Where To Fly Your Drone in the UK (account required for to display restrictions on the map, but they have a good forum on Grey Arrows).
The official restriction map by the CAA:
NATS UK | UAS Restriction Zones
There are basically these important zones:
- EG R157 HYDE PARK
- EG R158 CITY OF LONDON
- EG R159 ISLE OF DOGS
- EG RU128A LONDON HEATHROW
- EG RU135A LONDON CITY
- EG RU143A LONDON HELIPORT (Battersea)
- River Thames is partly a corridor for helicopters
The difficult thing is, even if you are allowed to fly by the CAA, you might not be cleared for takeoff/landing on public grounds due to byelaws. Every Borough has different ones and not all are listed online. Makes it very tideous. Here is a good summary for you to start:
Complete Guide to Flying Drones in London [2022 Update]
The good thing is, with the < 250 g
Mini 3 Pro you are able to fly in the designated congested areas, which once where off limits so that opens a lot more possibilities. With my
M2P I couldn't do any sort of flying whatsoever.
And for your plans of the Tower Bridge: East of, it is possible to fly, but be aware you are not allowed to cross the Thames. That would involve the Port Authority. So better stay close to the embankment. I tried to, but when I was there early in the morning (recommened to get there early to avoid the crowds and catch the sunrise from behind), the weather was quite a letdown.
I am used to be not able to fly in my city as it is strangely completely designated as an FRZ, which might be legally tackled sooner or later. So, eventhough the most interesting parts from a cityscape and architectural viewpoint (the City, Canary Wharf, the Royal Gardens etc.) are certainly forbidden there are still plenty of good spots to get good shots of the skyline of this magnificent city. I especially adored Greenwich, which has no byelaw to restrict it (except the Royal Park of course).
Just bear in my mind the airspace is regulated by the CAA, takeoff/landing (assuming public grounds) are regulated by Boroughs or other authorities. Royal Parks are always a no no (sadly).
One last thought: be sure you also have all the mandatory certificates. To legally fly, you need an operator ID affixed to your drone (even if below 250 g if you have a camera). This costs £10 a year and a simple flyer ID which lasts 5 years (free). Besides that, they will ask you for insurance too. All can be easily done from home over the CAA's website:
Registering a drone or model aircraft | UK Civil Aviation Authority
And no, I've never ran into any issues or got asked from official side to identify.
Most important thing is to apply common sense and be respectful.
If I ever get the time, I will share some pictures I made during my always too short stay of London.
Hope you can got some insights with these lines.
Happy and safe flying and enjoy your trip!
