Can I metal detect on the beach in Dorset?

Q: Can I metal detect on the beach in Dorset?

Likely not allowed. Dorset Council's 2022 policy bans metal detecting on any land it owns or manages unless part of an approved archaeological project. The policy does not mention beaches specifically, and many Dorset beaches are run by town/parish councils with their own rules (see exceptions). Source: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/metal-detecting (checked 8 Nov 2026).

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Dorset · beach metal detecting rules

Can you metal detect on Dorset beaches?

Likely not allowed

Dorset Council's 2022 policy bans metal detecting on any land it owns or manages unless part of an approved archaeological project. The policy does not mention beaches specifically, and many Dorset beaches are run by town/parish councils with their own rules (see exceptions).

Covers: Lyme Regis to Studland/Poole Harbour (excluding BCP area); many beaches are run by town/parish councils or the National Trust
Permission: Only as part of an approved archaeological investigation/research programme, by written agreement with the Senior Archaeologist (Claire Pinder, 01305 224921). No blanket permission is granted.
Watch out for: Weymouth beach (Weymouth Town Council: allowed outside busy hours, no licence); Swanage beach (Swanage Town Council: free licence, hours limit 1 May-30 Sep); Charmouth foreshore (Charmouth Parish Council: day pass or annual permit); Studland Bay (National Trust: permit by email); Chesil Beach - contact Fleet Nature Reserve 01305 760579 (per Weymouth TC leaflet); Lyme Regis Town Council beaches - no official statement found.
What the source says: "Archaeological fieldwork and metal detecting are not permitted on land owned or managed by Dorset Council"
Source: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/metal-detecting · Policy approved September 2022
Checked: 8 Nov 2026 · confidence: medium

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