BASE jumping in the UK: the law and safety

• What you need first: A solid skydiving background first. See the skydiving route.
• How long it takes: A short read. Get legal advice for your own case.
• What's next: Skydiving track: first course. Licence track: A licence. Safety track: skydiving kit, costs and safety.

No official UK source names BASE

We looked at GOV.UK, the CAA, legislation.gov.uk and British Skydiving. None of the pages we read talk about BASE jumping by name. So we won't tell you it's legal, or illegal, in any one place.

What the CAA covers

• Jumps from aircraft: the CAA says "all parachute dropping carried out from civil registered aircraft over the UK is regulated by the CAA". Article 90(1) of the Air Navigation Order 2016 says, subject to its paragraphs (9) to (11), "a person must not drop, be dropped or be permitted to drop to the surface or jump from an aircraft flying over the United Kingdom except under and in accordance with the terms of either a police air operator's certificate or a parachuting permission granted by the CAA".
• Parachutes themselves: article 23(1) of the same Order lists "any parachute including a parascending parachute". Article 23(2) says that, subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), "nothing in this Order applies to or in relation to" those aircraft. Paragraph (3) then lists the articles that do still apply.

We haven't found official guidance on how these rules apply to a jump from a building, bridge or cliff. Don't assume either way.

Land and structures

Landowners and councils can make their own rules. GOV.UK's model countryside byelaws, for example, include this one: "No person shall, except in case of emergency or with the consent of the [byelaw making authority], take off from or land upon [the land] in an aircraft, helicopter, hang-glider or hot-air balloon." Each authority uses its own wording, so read the byelaws for the place itself.

Every building, bridge, mast and cliff has an owner. Ask them first, in writing. If they say no, that's the answer.

Safety

• If you train abroad, ask the provider to put its requirements in writing.
• Do the long skydiving route first.
• Never jump alone, without permission, or in a spot that puts the public at risk.

Source: Parachuting, CAA; Air Navigation Order 2016, article 90 and article 23, legislation.gov.uk; Model byelaws, GOV.UK; When to call 999, NHS; checked October 2026.

There is no UK governing body for BASE jumping. British Skydiving governs skydiving, which is the experience you need first, so it's the official place to start.

Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.

The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.