Dorset · beach metal detecting rules
Can you metal detect on Studland Bay beaches?
Permit neededDetecting at Studland Bay is only allowed with a National Trust permit, applied for by email. Live WWII ordnance can turn up here, so do not dig suspicious objects.
- Covers
- Studland Bay (Knoll Beach, Middle Beach, South Beach, Shell Bay)
- Permission
- Email the National Trust Studland team to apply (address on the Studland Bay page); site phone 01929 450500 listed in search results.
- Watch out for
- The NT's national policy otherwise bars detecting on NT land, including beaches, except under an Archaeological Research Agreement.
- What the source says
"Metal detecting is permitted via a permit system only. Please email us to apply for a permit."
- Source
- www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/studland-bay
- 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.