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Where this applies

The "-wales" in this licence's GOV.UK address is a URL artefact, not a devolution split: s.269 of the Public Health Act 1936 extends to England and Wales alike and there is no separate Welsh camping statute in force. s.269(2) is the provision that bites — land may not be used for camping for more than 42 consecutive days, or more than 60 days in any 12 months, without a licence — with s.269(4) deeming the licence granted unconditionally if the council does not respond within four weeks, and s.269(6) providing the exemption certificates held by bodies such as the Scouts. A towed trailer tent sits on the boundary with caravan site licensing and may need a site licence instead. From 28 April 2026 the Development of Tourism and Regulation of Visitor Accommodation (Wales) Act 2026 gives Welsh Ministers a power to disapply s.269 in Wales; it is a power only, not yet exercised, so s.269 remains operative in Wales today.

What this covers

What is a campsite licence and applying to get one

It applies in England and Wales. Other UK nations run their own regimes — check the equivalent for the nation you trade in.

Tourist accommodation, including hotels and campsites

Why you need it

This licence is not an administrative preference — it exists because Parliament created it. The power to require it comes from Public Health Act 1936.

Enabling legislation

Public Health Act 1936 Enabling 1936

Provision anchor: s.269(1)-(3)
Worth knowing: This licence covers tents and other moveable dwellings. If you want to take caravans, you need a caravan site licence under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 instead.

Read it on legislation.gov.uk legislation.gov.uk

We have not yet extracted duties, penalties or exemptions for this Act into the graph, so there is nothing more we can add beyond the source text.

Who issues it

Your local council issues this, acting as the licensing authority for the area you trade in. Councils apply the same statute but set their own fees, conditions and timescales, so two neighbouring authorities can reach you differently.

Where to apply

Our guidance on this

Everything below is written out in full elsewhere on Guvnor — this page points at it rather than repeating it.

Run a campsite, caravan site or holiday park

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Find licences you need for your business

How to identify and apply for the licences, permits, and registrations your business needs using GOV.UK Licence Finder. Covers premises licences, food registration, transport, …

Businesses in the same activities usually need one or more of these too.

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