Getting Started in the Hobby of Metal Detecting: The Complete UK Guide

Why Choose Metal Detecting?
A hobby that blends history and adventure
Unlike many pastimes, metal detecting gives you a direct link to history. Every item you uncover—whether a medieval coin, a Victorian button, or a Roman brooch—was once handled by someone in the past.
Affordable and accessible
Metal detecting is a relatively inexpensive hobby compared to activities like fishing or golf. Entry-level detectors are available from around £150–£250, while good mid-range machines cost £400–£700.
A hobby for all ages
Children, parents, and retirees all enjoy detecting. Many clubs welcome families, and the NCMD (National Council for Metal Detecting) allows juniors to join under adult supervision.
Health and wellbeing
Detecting provides hours of walking, bending, and digging—great for fitness. It also reduces stress, encourages time outdoors, and builds connections with fellow enthusiasts.
The Legal Framework: What You Must Know First
Metal detecting in the UK is highly regulated. Before stepping into a field with your detector, you must understand and follow the law.
Permission is essential
Every piece of land in the UK is owned by someone. To detect legally you must obtain permission from the landowner. Verbal permission is acceptable, but a written agreement protects both you and the landowner.
The Treasure Act 1996
The Treasure Act governs the reporting of finds. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you are legally required to report potential Treasure within 14 days. This includes:

• Items over 300 years old containing at least 10% gold or silver.

• Coin hoards.

• Groups of prehistoric base-metal objects.

Scotland has different legislation known as Treasure Trove, where all archaeological finds belong to the Crown and must be reported.
Scheduled monuments and protected sites
It is illegal to detect on Scheduled Monuments, battlefields, or other protected archaeological sites. Always check the Historic England, Cadw, Historic Environment Scotland, or Northern Ireland Environment Agency registers.
Beaches and Crown Estate

• On most Crown Estate foreshore (between high and low tide) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, detecting is allowed as a permissive right.

• In London, detecting on the Thames foreshore requires a permit from the Port of London Authority (PLA).

• In Scotland, the Crown Estate Scotland does not require a foreshore permit, but the Scottish Treasure Trove system applies.

Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS)
All significant finds should be reported to your local Finds Liaison Officer (FLO), who records them in the PAS database. This helps preserve knowledge of Britain’s heritage for researchers and future generations.
Choosing Your First Metal Detector
Selecting the right detector is key to enjoying the hobby.
Entry-level detectors
Best for beginners, priced from £150–£300. Brands include Garrett, Minelab, Nokta, and Quest. These machines are lightweight, easy to use, and suitable for coins and small artefacts.
Mid-range detectors
Priced £400–£700, offering advanced discrimination, waterproofing, and better depth. Popular choices include the Minelab Vanquish series, Garrett ACE Apex, and Nokta Legend.
High-end detectors
Professional machines costing £800–£1,200+. Examples: Minelab Equinox 900, XP Deus II. These detectors are highly adjustable, ideal for experienced users and challenging soil conditions.
Features to look for

• Ground balance: essential for mineralised soil.

• Discrimination modes: helps ignore junk targets.

• Coil size: larger coils go deeper, smaller coils are better for trashy ground.

• Weight and ergonomics: lighter detectors reduce fatigue.

• Waterproofing: useful for beach detecting.

Essential Equipment and Accessories
Beyond the detector itself, you will need some basic kit.

• Headphones: Wired or wireless, they help hear faint signals.

• Digging tool: A strong spade or trowel—never use garden forks, which damage finds.

• Pinpointer: A handheld mini detector to quickly locate a target in the soil.

• Finds pouch or bag: Keeps your coins and artefacts safe.

• Gloves and kneeling pad: Protects hands and knees while digging.

• Finds storage: Small containers or coin flips for delicate items.

• Permission paperwork: Always carry a copy of your landowner agreement and NCMD card.

Getting Permission: Approaching Landowners
This is often the hardest step for beginners, but it is crucial.
How to ask

• Be polite and professional.

• Introduce yourself and explain the hobby.

• Show your NCMD membership for insurance.

• Offer to share finds or provide landowners with copies of interesting discoveries.

Written agreements
Use a permission template that outlines access terms, finds sharing, and responsibilities. Many templates are provided by the NCMD and clubs.
Clubs, Groups, and Communities
Joining a club can make detecting more enjoyable and accessible.

• Local clubs: Offer organised digs, mentoring, and social events.

• National Council for Metal Detecting (NCMD): Provides membership, £10m liability insurance, and advocacy for the hobby.

• Online forums and Facebook groups: Good for advice, but always verify the legality of any digs advertised.

Responsible Detecting: Codes of Conduct
Following good practice is vital for preserving history.
NCMD Code of Conduct

• Always obtain permission.

• Fill holes and leave land as you found it.

• Respect crops and livestock.

• Record significant finds with the PAS.

• Report Treasure as required by law.

Portable Antiquities Scheme Code (2017)

• Use GPS, grid references, or apps to accurately record find spots.

• Avoid disturbing archaeological contexts.

• Work in partnership with archaeologists when appropriate.

Identifying and Recording Finds
Common finds

• Coins: Roman, medieval hammered silver, Georgian coppers, Victorian pennies.

• Artefacts: Buckles, brooches, buttons, lead tokens, musket balls.

• Modern items: Ring pulls, shotgun cartridges, nails—part of the learning curve!

Recording

• Photograph each item with a scale.

• Note grid references using OS maps or apps like What3Words.

• Store finds safely until reported.

Treasure and Hoards
If you discover a hoard or a potential Treasure item:

1. Stop digging once you identify a cluster.

2. Mark the location securely.

3. Contact your FLO immediately.

4. The FLO and archaeologists will excavate professionally.

Failing to follow the Treasure Act can result in prosecution and loss of rewards.
Beaches and Water Detecting
Freshwater detecting
Popular in rivers and lakes, but always check landowner rights. Many reservoirs and lakes are strictly off limits.
Beach detecting
Allowed on most Crown Estate beaches, but you must respect local bylaws. Tide times, sand depth, and erosion play big roles in success.
Equipment for wet detecting
Use waterproof machines like the Minelab Equinox or XP Deus II, and stainless-steel sand scoops for efficient recovery.
Safety Considerations

• Permissions and insurance: Always carry your NCMD membership card.

• Weather: Dress appropriately and stay hydrated.

• Livestock: Avoid fields with bulls, protective cows, or nervous horses.

• Unearthed hazards: Live ammunition, knives, or chemical waste—mark the site and inform authorities.

• Night detecting: Not recommended without permission and appropriate safety gear.

Building Knowledge and Skills
Learn history
Research local maps, archives, and historic environment records (HERs) to identify potential hotspots. Roman roads, medieval villages, and Victorian parks are all rich detecting grounds.
Attend rallies
Pay-to-dig rallies allow beginners to detect on pre-arranged land. They are useful for building confidence, though they can be crowded.
Study your finds
Buy identification books or use online resources to learn more about coins, buckles, brooches, and tokens. Joining a club also provides access to more experienced detectorists.
Ethics and Public Perception
Metal detecting is sometimes criticised by archaeologists and the public when done irresponsibly. By:

• Respecting the law,

• Recording finds, and

• Working with FLOs and museums,

you help maintain a positive image of the hobby and ensure its future.
FAQs for Beginners
Q: Do I need insurance?
Yes. NCMD membership provides £10m liability cover, required by most clubs and rallies.
Q: Can I detect in woodlands?
Only with explicit landowner permission. Some woods are protected.
Q: Can I keep what I find?
Yes, if it isn’t Treasure and your agreement with the landowner allows it. Many detectorists split finds 50/50.
Q: What if I find a modern ring or phone?
Report lost property to the police or landowner. Returning lost rings is a popular and rewarding service.
Conclusion: Start Your Detecting Journey Today
Metal detecting in the UK is a hobby rich in history, law, and community spirit. By investing in a good entry-level detector, joining the NCMD, securing permissions, and working with FLOs to record your finds, you can enjoy the thrill of discovery while protecting the nation’s heritage.
Whether you unearth a medieval penny, a Bronze Age brooch, or just a handful of old buttons, every dig brings you closer to the people of the past. With patience, respect for the law, and passion for history, you’ll soon be part of the vibrant world of UK detectorists.