Devon · beach metal detecting rules
Can you metal detect on East Devon beaches?
AllowedIndividuals may detect on council beaches at any time. Hold public liability insurance, report significant finds to the council and fill in holes; organised group meets need council permission.
- Covers
- Exmouth to Seaton (incl. Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Branscombe, Beer)
- Permission
- No permit for individuals. Organised group meets need council permission (a booking fee may apply). Phone the council to check who owns a beach.
- Watch out for
- Some East Devon beaches are not council-owned - landowner permission needed first. Coastal SSSIs include Budleigh Salterton Cliffs, Ladram Bay to Sidmouth, Sidmouth to Beer Coast, and the Otter and Exe estuaries (consent may be needed to dig). Much of Branscombe is National Trust land.
- What the source says
"Metal detecting is allowed at any time for individuals."
- Source
- eastdevon.gov.uk/beaches-harbours-and-coastal-information/beaches/beach-safety-a · 2026-07-08
- Checked
- 8 Nov 2026
Detecting somewhere specific?Tap any spot in England on the UK Detector map to check it against scheduled monuments, SSSIs, nature reserves, National Trust land and access land in one go. Free: 3 checks a day.