Can I metal detect on the beach in Weymouth?

Q: Can I metal detect on the beach in Weymouth?

Allowed, with hours. The council's leaflet says no licence is needed to detect on the dry sand above the foreshore, but on fine days when the beach is busy you should only detect before 10am or after 6pm. Source: https://media.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/2019/05/Metal-Detecting-on-Weymouth-Beach-1.pdf (checked 8 Nov 2026).

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Dorset · beach metal detecting rules

Can you metal detect on Weymouth beaches?

Allowed, with hours

The council's leaflet says no licence is needed to detect on the dry sand above the foreshore, but on fine days when the beach is busy you should only detect before 10am or after 6pm.

Covers: Weymouth beach (main sand beach and promenade)
When: On fine days when the beach is well populated: no detecting between 10am and 6pm.
Permission: No licence needed. Advice from the Beach Control Office, 01305 239832.
Watch out for: Chesil Beach - contact the Fleet Nature Reserve, 01305 760579.
What the source says: "On fine days when the beach is well populated detecting should not continue beyond 10am or start before 6pm."
Source: media.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/2019/05/Metal-Detecting-on-Weymouth-Beach-1.pdf · File uploaded May 2019; still linked from the Beach Policies page (modified 2026-04-28)
Checked: 8 Nov 2026

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