The best places in England for unearthing lost treasure

  • Data shows Norfolk is the best spot for treasure hunters.
  • Of all the treasures found in the ground, fewer than 5% are discovered by professional archaeologists.

Is it illegal to metal detect UK?

In England and Wales, you need permission from the landowner to go metal-detecting, unless the site is historically protected, in which case all metal-detecting is illegal. If you find treasure – gold or silver – you have to report it. Failure to do so is a crime.

Can I keep treasure I find in the UK?

There’s an unlimited fine or up to 3 months in prison for not reporting treasure. You can voluntarily report items to the Portable Antiquities Scheme if they are not treasure but are still of cultural or historical interest. This is to help keep a record of all finds in England and Wales.

Can you metal detect on UK beaches?

Anyone wishing to carry out metal detecting on the beach often referred to as the Crown Estate foreshore (defined as the land between mean high water and mean low water) may do so without a formal consent from The Crown Estate.

Can you metal detect in public parks UK?

Metal detecting is allowed in our parks, play areas and gardens. However, digging to recover any finds is banned under section 13 of the bye-law relating to pleasure grounds.

Where can you metal detect for gold in the UK?

The Lake District: Mungrisdale, Dunmail Raise and Blencathra Mountain are reputed to be good spots and traces have also been found in Troutbeck and Sedbergh. The Northern Pennines: A wealth of minerals, including gold, has been found here. Nenthead and the River Swale have both had reports of gold finds.

Can you metal detect on Jekyll Island?

Law: Metal detectors: A Jekyll Island ordinance forbids the use of electronic devices for the detection of metals, minerals, artifacts, lost articles or for treasure hunting.

Can you metal detect in a park UK?

Receiving permission for detecting on Scheduled Monuments from Historic England is highly unlikely unless it is part of a permitted archaeological investigation. Metal detecting is not allowed on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) without permission.