Beach Metal Detecting in the UK: A Beginner's Guide to the Rules. Beach metal detecting is an incredibly rewarding hobby, offering fresh air, gentle exercise, and the tantalizing possibility of unearthing lost coins, forgotten jewellery, or even a piece of history.
We explain the benefits, how to get started and the top treasure spots in the UK. Metal detecting is more popular than ever, with around 20,000 people enjoying the pastime in England and according to Government figures, they are finding an incredible 95% of the country's treasure and archaeological discoveries.
Can you keep what you find metal detecting in the UK?
Under UK law there is no such thing as “finders keepers”. You always need the landowner's permission to detect on an area of land and to keep anything you find on their land.
All the foreshore in the UK has an owner. Metal detecting, searching or digging is not a public right and as such it needs the permission of the landowner.
How much should I spend on a metal detector in the UK?
£300–£500: Ideal for beginners looking for a dependable, easy-to-use setup with solid features. See our beginner metal detectors. £500–£1000: Perfect for hobbyists wanting a more advanced machine with better depth, separation, and audio control.
ANCIENT GOLD! The Metal Detecting Find of a Lifetime (Dream Come True!)
Is metal detecting worth doing?
You should go metal detecting because there is the possibility of finding coins, rings, gold, and maybe even lost rings or treasures like Indian head pennies. There are many items you could find, and they may not all be worth money, but they will still be interesting to learn about.
In conclusion, metal detectors can indeed pick up gold, but their effectiveness depends on various factors, including the type of detector, soil conditions, and the size of the gold. For those interested in gold prospecting, investing in a high-quality metal detector designed for gold hunting is crucial.
Anyone can make an application for a Standard permit, which costs £32 per day (£75 for three years). This allows you to dig to a depth of 7.5cm, but as a result of a recent clamp-down/clarification you need the permit even if you are only surface-collecting on the foreshore without any digging.
Any and all finds should be reported to the landowner and the Portable Antiquities Scheme, detectorists must abide by the provisions of the Treasure Act and must seek expert help if they find something large or an object made from unusual material and that they must call the police if they discover any human remains.
One of the most straightforward ways to make money from metal detecting is by selling the items you find. This could include coins, jewelry, historical artifacts, or even scrap metal. Some detectorists have stumbled upon valuable relics or rare coins that fetch a high price from collectors.
You then have the opportunity to pick this property or money up from the police station and claim them as your own. However, if you choose to keep the money or property after finding it in the public place, this fulfils the definition of the offence of Theft under section 1 of the Theft Act 1968.
Where is the best place to metal detect in the UK?
There are a number of things you will need to check before you grab your detector and head off, but beaches are fantastic places to detect metal. As beaches are so busy even in the British summer, it also means that many people lose items during their visit.
A significant portion of the UK's foreshore in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland is owned by The Crown Estate. The good news is that, generally, you can metal detect on their foreshore without needing a specific permit, as long as you adhere to their conditions.
Andy and Becky want to buy the cottage they have seen at auction. Andy wonders why he and Lance go metal detecting; to be "time travellers", Lance replies. As the show ends, Lance and Andy walk past the oak tree and notice the coins that have just fallen from the magpie nest above them. They've found their gold.
What metals cannot be detected by a metal detector?
While most metal detectors can detect ferrous metals (iron, steel), non-ferrous metals like austenitic stainless steel, aluminum, copper, lead, and titanium can be more difficult to detect with traditional systems.
Do Cheap Metal Detectors Really Work? Yes. Cheap metal detectors can find coins, jewelry, and even gold. Cheap metal detector may lack advanced features, but they work well for beginners.
The best times for metal detecting often revolve around the tides. Low tide exposes more of the beach, revealing areas that are underwater most of the time. This can be the perfect opportunity to explore areas that are less accessible during high tide.
There are approximately 20,000 detectorists in England and Wales, and 348 of their discoveries were acquired by or donated to UK museums in 2019. Of the found treasure, 84% were “object cases”, meaning non-coin finds.
Quickly, the Port of London Authority (PLA) intervened and ruled that mudlarks couldn't sell their finds. Now, they keep everything or donate their objects to museums.
Did you know that the depth of the Thames changes drastically? ♒ The River is around 20 metres at its deepest but only around 1.5 meters deep at Tower Bridge.
