Yes - metal detecting is legal across the UK, and you do not need a licence to own or use a detector in England, Wales or Scotland, but you must have the landowner's permission, stay off scheduled monuments and other protected sites, and report certain finds by law. The detail of that last part depends on which country you are standing in.
Jump to: Rules that apply everywhere | England | Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland | Comparison table | FAQ
At a glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Is metal detecting legal in the UK? | Yes, in England, Wales and Scotland, provided you have the landowner's permission and avoid protected sites. Northern Ireland is far more restrictive. |
| Do I need a licence to metal detect? | No licence is needed to own or use a detector in England, Wales or Scotland. You need permission from whoever owns the land. |
| Can I detect on a scheduled monument? | No, not without written consent from Historic England, Cadw or Historic Environment Scotland. Doing so is a criminal offence. |
| Can I detect on access land or a public footpath? | Not without the landowner's permission. In England and Wales, access rights exclude metal detectors, and a footpath only gives a right to pass along it. |
| What must I report in England and Wales? | Possible Treasure must be reported to the coroner within 14 days under the Treasure Act 1996. Other finds can be recorded voluntarily with the Portable Antiquities Scheme. |
| What must I report in Scotland? | Any find of archaeological, historical or cultural significance, of any material, to the Treasure Trove Unit within one month. Finders are not keepers. |
| Can I detect on beaches? | Often yes. The Crown Estate allows detecting on its foreshore in England and Wales without formal consent, but many beaches are owned by councils or estates with their own rules. |
| Can I detect on National Trust land? | No, except as part of an approved archaeological project under a written Archaeological Research Agreement. |
This guide explains the law in plain English. It is not legal advice - if you are unsure about a particular site, ask the landowner or the relevant heritage body before you swing a coil.
What rules apply everywhere in Great Britain?
Do I need a licence to metal detect in the UK?
No. There is no detecting licence in Great Britain. What you always need is the permission of the landowner (and ideally the tenant or occupier too). Without it you are trespassing, and in England and Wales GOV.UK says a finder who was trespassing can have their share of a Treasure reward reduced or removed (gov.uk/treasure).
Get permission in writing, and agree up front how any finds will be shared. The UK Detector app at /app/ includes a printable permission letter you can hand to a farmer or landowner. A landowner's "yes" never covers a scheduled monument on their land.
Can I metal detect on a public footpath?
Not without the landowner's say-so. A public right of way gives you the right to pass and repass along it, not to search or dig. The ground under most footpaths and bridleways belongs to the adjoining landowner, so the permission rule still applies.
What about protected wrecks and military remains?
Within a restricted area designated under the Protection of Wrecks Act 1973, it is an offence without a licence to tamper with, damage or remove any part of the wreck (in Scotland these became Historic Marine Protected Areas in 2013). Under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986, it is an offence without a licence to unearth or disturb the remains of military aircraft or vessels in protected places, including crash sites on land. If you get a signal near a known crash site, leave it.
Do I need to report wreck material?
Yes. Wreck material, including "jetsam, flotsam, lagan and derelict" found on the shore, must be declared to the Receiver of Wreck under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, using the "Report of wreck and salvage" form within 28 days of recovery. Failing to declare without a reasonable excuse is an offence under section 236, and GOV.UK warns it can mean a fine of up to £2,500 and losing any salvage rights (GOV.UK: wreck and salvage law).
Who owns the land I want to detect?
Some big landowners have blanket policies:
- National Trust - the National Trust does not issue detecting licences. It only allows detecting as part of a defined archaeological project, under a written Archaeological Research Agreement issued by a Trust archaeologist, and this applies to all its land, including beaches (National Trust rules on metal detecting).
- Forestry land - in the New Forest, the Forestry Commission Byelaws mean detecting on the Crown lands is not allowed without express permission (New Forest National Park Authority). Ask Forestry England first elsewhere; Forestry and Land Scotland does not allow hobby detecting.
- Ministry of Defence - MOD land needs permission like any other land, and live ordnance makes ranges and training areas dangerous places to dig.
- Councils - many parks, playing fields and beaches are council-owned. Some run permit schemes or byelaws; others say no. Our beach rules by council pages list what each council allows.
Not sure if a spot is restricted? Run the "can I detect here?" check in the app.
Metal detecting laws in England
Is it illegal to metal detect on a scheduled monument in England?
Yes. Section 42 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 makes it an offence to use a metal detector in a "protected place" without written consent from Historic England. A protected place means a scheduled monument, a monument in the guardianship or ownership of the state or a local authority, or land in an Area of Archaeological Importance. Removing an object of archaeological or historical interest found with a detector in a protected place without consent is a separate, more serious offence.
Using the detector carries a fine of up to level 3 on the standard scale (currently up to 1,000 pounds); removing finds can bring an unlimited fine on indictment. Consent for detecting on protected places is called "Section 42 consent" and is normally given only for genuine research (Historic England: Section 42 consent).
What is an Area of Archaeological Importance?
It is a designation under the 1979 Act covering historic town centres. Five have been designated, all in England: the historic centres of Canterbury, Chester, Exeter, Hereford and York (SI 1984/1286). They count as protected places, so the same metal detector offence applies there as on a scheduled monument.
What if I didn't know a site was scheduled?
Section 42 gives a defence if you took all reasonable precautions to find out whether the place was protected. "I didn't check" will not meet that bar - check the National Heritage List for England or the app's site check first.
Can I detect on an SSSI or access land?
SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Each SSSI has a list of operations that need Natural England's consent, and Historic England notes that detecting on archaeological sites within an SSSI is not permitted without Natural England's permission (Historic England: metal detecting on agri-environment land). Check the individual site's consent list or ask Natural England.
"Right to roam" land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 does not cover detecting. Schedule 2, paragraph 1(k) of the Act expressly excludes anyone who "uses or has with him any metal detector" from access rights (CRoW Act 2000, Sch. 2). Break that rule and you become a trespasser, and under section 2(4) you lose your access right to that land, and other land of the same owner, for 72 hours after leaving. The same Act applies in Wales.
What finds do I have to report in England?
Under the Treasure Act 1996, if you find something you believe, or have reasonable grounds to believe, is Treasure, you must tell the coroner for the district where it was found within 14 days, starting the day after the find or the day you first realised it might be Treasure. Failing to report without a reasonable excuse can mean up to three months in prison, a fine, or both (Treasure Act 1996, s.8). In practice most detectorists report through their local Finds Liaison Officer at the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
If a museum acquires the find, a reward is normally shared between the finder, landowner and occupier. Non-Treasure finds can be recorded voluntarily with the PAS.
What counts as Treasure after the 2023 changes?
The original categories still apply: mainly non-coin objects over 300 years old with at least 10% gold or silver, prehistoric precious-metal finds, and groups of old coins from the same find (Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales). The Treasure (Designation) (Amendment) Order 2023 added a new class from 30 July 2023: any object at least partly made of metal, at least 200 years old when found, that provides "an exceptional insight into an aspect of national or regional history, archaeology or culture" - through its rarity, where it was found, or its link to a particular person or event.
The change only covers finds made on or after 30 July 2023, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It does not have to be gold or silver, so if a find looks significant, report it.
Is there a code of practice in England?
Yes. The voluntary Code of Practice for Responsible Metal Detecting in England and Wales (2017 revision) covers getting permission, agreeing in writing who owns finds, recording findspots accurately and reporting finds to the landowner and the PAS. The National Council for Metal Detecting publishes its own Code of Conduct for members. Neither is law, but both are worth following.
Metal detecting laws in Wales
Are the rules in Wales the same as England?
Mostly, yes - permission, the CRoW exclusion, the Treasure Act (with the 2023 changes) and the 2017 Code all apply. The differences are who you deal with and the scheduled monuments Act.
Can I metal detect on a scheduled monument in Wales?
No, not without consent. Since 4 November 2024, the rule in Wales sits in section 60 of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023, which replaced the 1979 Act provisions for Wales. The offences and penalties mirror England's. Consent is handled by Cadw, which says it will not normally be granted unless the survey is part of a consented excavation or wider research strategy.
Who do I contact about SSSIs and finds in Wales?
For SSSIs, consent comes from Natural Resources Wales rather than Natural England. Treasure is reported to the coroner within 14 days, as in England, and GOV.UK says National Museum Wales can help you report. The Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS Cymru) covers Wales through local Finds Liaison Officers.
Metal detecting laws in Scotland
The permission and scheduled-monument rules are similar to England's. The finds law is completely different.
Do I need permission to metal detect in Scotland?
Yes. Scotland's access rights under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 are not a licence to detect. The Treasure Trove Unit tells finders to make sure they have landowner permission before going to a site, "including public parks". The Scottish Outdoor Access Code also tells people not to use metal detectors on any cultural heritage site (Scottish Outdoor Access Code).
Can I detect on a scheduled monument in Scotland?
No. Section 42 of the 1979 Act still applies in Scotland, with consent given by Historic Environment Scotland (HES). HES says you must not detect on a scheduled monument or protected place unless you have written consent from both HES and the owner, and that consent normally needs to be part of a wider research strategy (HES: metal detecting). HES says its PastMap service shows the locations of all scheduled monuments. For SSSIs, the relevant body is NatureScot.
What finds must be reported in Scotland?
The Treasure Act 1996 does not apply in Scotland. Instead, under Treasure Trove, all portable antiquities of archaeological, historical or cultural significance are subject to claim by the Crown and must be reported - whatever they are made of. HES says you must report anything you think is of archaeological significance within one month of finding it (HES: reporting finds). You do not need to report modern ceramics, glass, modern coins or "bits of tractor" (Treasure Trove Scotland).
Who owns finds in Scotland?
Not the finder and not the landowner. Claimed finds are allocated to museums, and the finder is normally eligible for an ex gratia reward. In Scotland the finder does not get to keep a reportable find, and keeping an unreported find can expose you to a charge of theft. Report through the Treasure Trove Unit.
What about Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland has its own, much stricter regime under the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. According to the Department for Communities, a licence is required to search for archaeological material if the search disturbs the ground. NI is outside the scope of this guide - read the Department's guidance before detecting there.
Can I metal detect on UK beaches?
Often, yes - but who owns the beach decides the rules.
- Crown Estate foreshore (England and Wales): you may detect on Crown Estate foreshore, the land between mean high water and mean low water, without formal consent, strictly subject to its terms and conditions and the Treasure Act 1996. This does not cover the seabed, river beds or other Crown Estate land, and leased stretches may carry their own rules (The Crown Estate).
- River Thames: detecting or mudlarking on the Thames foreshore needs a separate permit from the Port of London Authority.
- Council, estate and private beaches: a large share of the coast is not Crown foreshore at all. Councils, private estates and the National Trust own many beaches, and some ban detecting or need a permit. See beach rules by council.
- Scotland: Crown Estate Scotland says no permit is required for access to Crown foreshore, but you must follow the Treasure Trove procedures and stay off scheduled monuments.
How do the laws compare? England and Wales vs Scotland
| Rule | England | Wales | Scotland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence to own or use a detector | Not needed | Not needed | Not needed |
| Landowner permission | Always required | Always required | Always required |
| Scheduled monuments law | 1979 Act, s.42 | Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023, s.60 (from 4 Nov 2024) | 1979 Act, s.42 |
| Who gives consent on protected sites | Historic England | Cadw | Historic Environment Scotland |
| SSSI consent body | Natural England | Natural Resources Wales | NatureScot |
| Access/roaming land | Detecting excluded (CRoW Act 2000, Sch. 2) | Detecting excluded (CRoW Act 2000, Sch. 2) | Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 - get landowner permission; no detecting on heritage sites |
| Finds law | Treasure Act 1996 (+ 2023 changes) | Treasure Act 1996 (+ 2023 changes) | Treasure Trove; Treasure Act does not apply |
| What must be reported | Possible Treasure only | Possible Treasure only | All finds of archaeological, historical or cultural significance, any material |
| Deadline and who to tell | 14 days - coroner (via FLO) | 14 days - coroner (via FLO or National Museum Wales) | One month - Treasure Trove Unit |
| Who shares a reward | Finder, landowner and occupier | Finder, landowner and occupier | Finder (ex gratia award) |
| Voluntary recording | Portable Antiquities Scheme | Portable Antiquities Scheme | Reporting is compulsory, not voluntary |
| Protected wrecks | Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 | Protection of Wrecks Act 1973 | Historic Marine Protected Areas |
Before every trip, run the location through the "can I detect here?" check, print a permission letter from the app for any new landowner, and check beach rules by council if you are heading for the coast.
Frequently asked questions
Is metal detecting legal in the UK?
Yes. It is legal in England, Wales and Scotland with the landowner's permission, as long as you avoid scheduled monuments and other protected sites and report finds as the law requires. Northern Ireland has a much stricter licensing regime.
Do I need a licence to metal detect in the UK?
No licence is needed to own or use a detector in England, Wales or Scotland. You do need permission from the landowner every time.
Can I metal detect on a public footpath or right-to-roam land?
No, not without the landowner's permission. A footpath only gives a right of passage, and the CRoW Act 2000 expressly excludes metal detectors from access rights in England and Wales.
What happens if I detect on a scheduled monument?
Using a detector on a scheduled monument without written consent is a criminal offence with a fine up to level 3, and removing finds from one can bring an unlimited fine. Consent comes from Historic England, Cadw or Historic Environment Scotland and is normally only given for research.
How long do I have to report Treasure?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you must tell the coroner within 14 days of the find, or of realising it might be Treasure. Your local Finds Liaison Officer can help you do this.
What are the metal detecting laws in Scotland?
You need landowner permission and must not detect on scheduled monuments without HES consent. All finds of archaeological, historical or cultural significance must be reported to the Treasure Trove Unit within one month, because the Crown can claim them.
Can I metal detect on the beach?
Usually yes on Crown Estate foreshore in England and Wales, without formal consent, if you follow its terms. Northern Ireland is different: any search for archaeological material that disturbs the ground needs a licence. Beaches owned by councils, estates or the National Trust may ban detecting or need a permit, and the Thames foreshore needs a Port of London Authority permit.
Can I metal detect on National Trust land?
No. The National Trust only allows detecting as part of an approved archaeological project under a written Archaeological Research Agreement.