Is it illegal to have a crossbow in the UK?

Crossbows occupy a distinctive position in English weapons law. Unlike firearms, they do not require a licence. Unlike knives of certain blade lengths, mere possession is not in itself an offence for adults. However, a framework of restrictions governs sale, purchase, and carrying in public.

The Crossbows Act 1987

The Crossbows Act 1987 creates two main offences. First, under s.1, it is an offence to sell or hire a crossbow or a part of a crossbow to a person under the age of 18. Second, under s.2, it is an offence for a person under 18 to buy or hire a crossbow or a part of a crossbow.

Section 3 makes it an offence for a person under 18 to have with them a crossbow which is capable of discharging a missile, or parts of a crossbow which together (and, if appropriate, with any other parts) can be assembled to form a crossbow capable of discharging a missile, unless under the supervision of a person aged 21 or over. The maximum penalty is a level 3 fine (currently £1,000).

Adults and crossbow ownership

For persons aged 18 and over, owning a crossbow at home is lawful. There is no registration requirement, no licence, and no restriction on the number of crossbows held. The crossbow does not fall within the definition of a "firearm" under s.57 of the Firearms Act 1968, which covers a lethal barrelled weapon (a barrelled weapon of any description from which a shot, bullet or other missile with kinetic energy of more than one joule at the muzzle can be discharged, s.57(1B)), a prohibited weapon or a relevant component part; crossbows are regulated separately by the Crossbows Act 1987.

Carrying a crossbow in public

The restriction on adults arises primarily from s.1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953. A crossbow is an "offensive weapon" under s.1(4) of the Act: it is made or adapted for causing injury to persons. Carrying any offensive weapon in a public place without lawful authority or reasonable excuse is an offence under s.1, with a maximum sentence of four years' imprisonment. Note that s.139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (bladed articles) does not apply to crossbows: that provision covers articles with a blade or sharp point, which is a different category.

Section 139AA of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (inserted by the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015) also creates an offence of threatening a person with an offensive weapon in public or a school.

A crossbow could also constitute an "article made or adapted for use for causing injury to a person" in the context of a specific threatening or assault scenario.

Hunting and pest control

Use of crossbows for hunting in England and Wales is subject to the law on poaching and firearms (where applicable), but there is no general prohibition on using a crossbow to shoot game on land where you have permission. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 restricts methods of killing certain wild birds and animals but does not specifically prohibit crossbow use for lawful pest control.

Air weapons distinction

Crossbows should be distinguished from air weapons, which are regulated under the Firearms Act 1968 (for high-powered versions) and require special justification for possession by persons under 18.

Summary

An adult can own and use a crossbow at home or on private land with permission. Taking a crossbow into a public place without clear lawful purpose (such as transporting it to an archery range in a case) risks an offensive weapon charge. Sales and supply to under-18s are criminal offences.

Updated 16 October 2026: the s.57 test restated from s.57(1) and (1B) of the Firearms Act 1968.