Can you metal detect on Folkestone and Hythe beaches?

Council policy (adopted when it was Shepway DC, 2014) says metal detecting is not permitted on council owned or tenanted land, including land with public access; only approved research may get a permit. Foreshore owned by the Crown Estate follows the Crown Estate's own terms instead.

Covers

Dungeness/Romney Marsh coast to Folkestone

Permission

Only for an approved programme of research: permit from the council's Asset Management Team; NCMD Code of Conduct applies.

Watch out for

Crown Estate foreshore (between mean high and low water) is outside the policy. MOD Hythe and Lydd ranges are live-firing areas - keep out when flags are flying. Dungeness is an SSSI/NNR.

What the source says

"In general, metal detecting on Shepway DC owned and tenanted land (including land to which the public has a right of access) is not permitted."

Source

www.folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/downloads/file/2799/metal-detecting-policy · 2014-09-09 (Cabinet report; policy dated July 2014)

Checked

8 Nov 2026 · confidence: medium