UK DetectorCheck any spot →
Dorset · beach metal detecting rules

Can you metal detect on Swanage beaches?

Permit needed

You need a free licence from the Swanage Information Centre. Detecting isn't allowed between 9am and 6.30pm - one council document limits this to 1 May-30 Sep, the beach regulations state it with no dates, so assume all year unless the Information Centre tells you otherwise.

Covers
Swanage town beach (council-owned)
When
No detecting 9.00am-6.30pm (the council's documents differ on whether this is summer only or all year).
Permission
Free licence from the Swanage Information Centre.
What the source says
"Metal detecting is allowed apart from between 9.00am and 6.30pm each day (1st May and 30th September). A licence is required which can be obtained from the Swanage Information Centre."
Source
www.swanage.gov.uk/userfiles/files/7%20February%202024-supporting%20papers.pdf · January 2024 (Beach management document v1.4, committee papers 7 Feb 2024)
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.