Other land areas or specific locations where permission may required or caching is not allowed
This database contains a list of land areas where permission may be required or where caching is not allowed.
Click the Area column to sort alphabetically.
Caches are allowed with proof you have permission or the location meets certain conditions.
Caches are not allowed for the reasons given.
Area | Comments | Allowed or not? |
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Airports, airfields whether civilian or military and military bases | Due to the current terrorist threat in the UK civilian and military airports have increased security patrols round the perimeter including the area under the runway flight paths. The same security applies to military bases. Caches placed close to such locations may not be published. Please use common sense when thinking about putting a cache in such a location.
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Churches, churchyards, cemeteries and graveyards | Caches will not be published in churches, churchyards, cemeteries or graveyards without proof of permission from the incumbent or managing authority (such as the parish council or local council). The restriction applies to the churchyard/cemetery itself and any boundary wall or fence around it. This restriction came about after several caches were placed in churchyards and then had to be removed after complaints from the incumbents. Forum post announcing this requirement. Guideline: Do not place geocaches in restricted, prohibited, or otherwise inappropriate locations. The geocache is in an area that is sensitive to additional foot or vehicular traffic. Examples may include archaeological sites, historical sites, and cemeteries. | ![]() |
Dry stone walls or other walls | Due to the construction of dry stone walls considerable damage has been done in the past by geocachers removing stones searching for a container. For this reason caches WILL NOT be allowed in, on or up against such structures under any circumstances.
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Prisons | Caches should not be placed near prison entrances or perimeter walls where the actions of cachers may arouse suspicion. Prisons have CCTV cameras covering these areas. Please use common sense when thinking about putting a cache in such a location. | ![]() |
Railway stations or railway property | A popular location for caches is near railways stations and they are usually called 'Sidetracked' with the station name. A security situation in London resulted in a review of how caches are placed at or near railway stations. In addition, Network Rail have refused permission for caches on their property which may include not just stations, but railway car parks, crossings, bridges, culverts and railway line boundary fences. | ![]() |
Schools, Children’s Playgrounds and areas primarily designed for Children | Geocachers may feel uncomfortable searching for a cache near children or parents with children. For this reason caches will not be allowed on play equipment or within or close to playgrounds. Nor will caches be allowed on school property, boundaries or within sight of the school buildings, recreation areas and areas designed to be used by children such as Scout / Girlguiding Huts, Nursery Schools etc. | ![]() |
War memorials or other memorials to the dead | Caches are not allowed on such memorials or within the boundary or any enclosure or garden such as a wall, chain or fence surrounding the memorial without proof of permission. This requirement for permission has been brought in as a result of concerns raised by members of the community that such locations are sensitive and should be treated with respect. Forum post announcing this requirement. Guideline: Do not place geocaches in restricted, prohibited, or otherwise inappropriate locations. The geocache is in an area that is sensitive to additional foot or vehicular traffic. Examples may include archaeological sites, historical sites, and cemeteries. | ![]() |
Culverts, Mines, Adits, Caves and Underground Quarries | There have been issues with disturbing bats which frequently roost in some of these locations. It was decided there would be no restrictions on placing caches in these locations but to avoid any issues cache owners would be asked to show they have permission from the relevant landowner. Please note that caches in culverts under roads managed by Highways England and in culverts under railway lines (Network Rail) will not be allowed. Both these organisations have made this request and it's explained in the UK Geocaching Polices Wiki: Highways England - Network Rail. | ![]() |
Roundabouts | Caches will only be allowed on roundabouts where there is pedestrian access either onto it or across it in the form of footpaths, underpasses and crossings. This is to avoid any distractions to motorists using the roundabout. Please note that on roads managed by Highways England caches will not be allowed on roundabouts even if they have pedestrian access. HE have requested that no caches are placed on their road network. More details about HE are in the Landowner Agreement Database. Guideline: Do not place geocaches in restricted, prohibited, or otherwise inappropriate locations. | ![]() |
Electricity distribution equipment | Electricity sub stations are inappropriate locations for caches. Caches will not be allowed in substations, including on the perimeter fencing. Electricity pylons are also not appropriate locations if climbing is required. Caches will only be allowed if the cache is hidden within 6 feet of the ground and this is confirmed in a note to reviewer during the review process. Guideline: Do not place geocaches in restricted, prohibited, or otherwise inappropriate locations. | ![]() |