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Devon · beach metal detecting rules

Can you metal detect on South Hams beaches?

No published rule found

No official South Hams statement found; its website blocked automated search (HTTP 403). A forum lead says the council site once said no detecting at Blackpool Sands (privately owned) - unverified.

Covers: Wembury to Dartmouth/Slapton, incl. Bigbury, Thurlestone, Salcombe, Start Bay
Watch out for: Blackpool Sands is a private estate beach (forum lead only, unverified). National Trust land, including beaches, closed to detecting except approved archaeology (official NT policy).
Source: www.southhams.gov.uk/search?query=metal+detecting
Checked: 8 Nov 2026 · confidence: low

We couldn't find a published rule. Foreshore owned by the Crown Estate follows the Crown Estate's terms; for council-owned beaches, ask the council before you dig.

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