Can You Metal Detect on Beaches?

Holly
Aug 18
3 min read

Updated: Aug 20

For many beginners, beaches are the first place that comes to mind when they think of metal detecting. The idea of strolling along the sand with a detector, uncovering lost jewellery or coins, is an appealing one. But like all detecting in the UK, the answer isn’t as simple as “yes, anywhere you like.” Permission still matters, even by the sea.

The Crown Estate and Its Beaches

Most beaches in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are managed by the Crown Estate. The good news is that the Crown Estate does allow metal detecting, but only under certain conditions.

They publish clear guidance on their website. In simple terms:

Metal detecting is generally allowed on Crown Estate foreshore (that’s the area between the mean high water and mean low water marks).
You don’t need to apply for individual permission, because permission is granted by default.
You must follow their conditions, which include filling in your holes and respecting the environment.

It’s worth bookmarking the Crown Estate’s rules and checking them before heading out: https://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/en-gb/what-we-do/on-the-seabed/coastal/metal-detecting/

What Counts as the Foreshore?

The foreshore is the strip of land that lies between the average high tide and low tide marks. That means the wet sand area where the sea regularly comes in and out.

Above that line — the dry sand, dunes, promenades, or grassy banks — is often owned by local councils or private landowners. Detecting there may require separate permission.

Scotland and the Crown Estate

Scotland is slightly different. While the Crown Estate still manages much of the foreshore, Scottish law treats Treasure finds differently. The law of bona vacantia applies, meaning all ownerless objects, including archaeological finds, belong to the Crown.

In practice, this means you should still seek advice before detecting in Scotland and report significant finds to the Treasure Trove Unit.

Council-Owned Beaches

Not all beaches are Crown Estate. Some are owned and managed by local councils. Each council may set its own rules.

Some councils allow metal detecting freely.
Others restrict it to certain areas.
A few ban it outright.

The best way to check is by visiting the local council’s website or contacting their leisure or environment department directly.

National Trust and Other Bodies

Beaches owned by organisations such as the National Trust are usually out of bounds. The National Trust has a blanket ban on detecting across its land, including its beaches.

Other bodies, such as private estates or conservation charities, may also prohibit it. If in doubt, always check their published policies.

What Can You Keep?

Even on beaches, the same laws apply as on farmland.

Modern coins and jewellery are usually yours to keep, as long as you’re detecting with permission.
If you uncover something that qualifies as Treasure under the Treasure Act 1996, you must report it within 14 days to your local Finds Liaison Officer.
If you find a modern item with obvious ownership, such as an engraved ring, you should make efforts to return it.

The Practical Side of Beach Detecting

Detecting on beaches isn’t only about permissions. It has its own quirks:

Saltwater can interfere with cheaper detectors, so beginners sometimes struggle until they learn their machine.
Sand shifts constantly, meaning finds may appear in one tide and vanish in the next.
You’ll dig a lot of modern rubbish: ring pulls, foil wrappers, and bottle tops galore.

But beaches can also deliver great rewards. Many detectorists have stories of uncovering gold wedding bands or long-lost watches in the sand.

Why Beaches Are Popular with Beginners

Beaches are accessible, easy to dig, and don’t require landowner negotiations if you’re on Crown Estate land. For that reason, they’re a natural training ground. Beginners can practise learning their machines without worrying about damaging crops or digging deep clay soils.

They also carry the thrill of possibility: that glint of metal in the sand might be nothing more than a bottle top — but it might just be the ring someone lost on their honeymoon.

Final Thoughts

So, can you metal detect on beaches? The answer is yes — but with rules attached. On Crown Estate foreshore, you’re free to detect as long as you follow their conditions. On council-owned or privately managed beaches, you need to check the local policy. On National Trust land, it’s a firm no.

As always in detecting, permission is the golden rule. Respect the land, fill your holes, and report Treasure, and beach detecting can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the hobby.