Since beach holidays became popular back in Victorian times, people have been losing items in the sand and surf, meaning Britain’s beaches host a treasure trove of interesting artefacts waiting to be found. 

A new range of affordable, easy to use metal detectors from Minelab gives you the opportunity to turn your next beach trip into a treasure hunt – plus the market-leading brand is sharing its 40+ years of expertise to optimise your adventure.

Metal detecting is a great hobby to enjoy either alone or with friends and family. Fresh air, plenty of walking and some hopeful digging for finds makes it a healthy pursuit, and it’s now more accessible than ever -  reflected by the record number of significant UK treasure finds recently reported by the British Museum!

The new Minelab X-Terra Intrepid costs under £100 (current offer £84.99), is extremely simple to use and easily adjustable to suit both adults and children. It is fully automatic and accurate, with a powerful waterproof design that’s perfect for exploring your favourite beach – plus gardens, fields, forests, streams and more. Minelab’s Target ID system sorts trash from treasure, giving you audio and visual alerts so you know what you’ve discovered before you dig.

If you’ve got a bit more cash to flash, step-up to the Minelab X-Terra Voyager (currently on offer for £119.99), which also comes with key detectorist accessories, including headphones, shovel and backpack. 

“Metal detecting offers an incredible opportunity to connect with history and enjoy the thrill of unearthing hidden treasures. By following legal requirements, ethical practices, and using the right equipment, you’ll not only have a fulfilling experience but also contribute to preserving Britain’s heritage for generations to come, ” says Rob Wells, VP of Minelab Europe.

Here are Minelab’s Top 10 Tips for metal detecting on the beach (and beyond):

1.        The Crown Estate, which owns most of our coastline, automatically grants permissive rights to metal detect on many beaches, with these terms and conditions about responsible detecting and correct reporting of finds: https://www.datocms-assets.com/136653/1720790091-terms-and-conditions-of-metal-detecting-2024.pdf

2.        Metal detecting isn’t allowed on beaches that are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Check on this and any other local bylaws with council websites – here’s Cornwall’s list of detecting-friendly beaches, for example: https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/parks-leisure-and-culture/beaches-in-cornwall/metal-detecting-on-cornwall-council-beaches/

3.        Metal detecting on private beaches requires the permission of the landowner. Minelab has a handy guide to securing permissions here: https://uk.minelab.com/blog/post/minelab-com-how-to-find-landowners-and-secure-permission-for-metal-detecting-in-the-uk

4.        Research the tide times before you visit – it’s ideal to be there around low tide so you have the largest area of beach to explore. And remember to keep an eye on the tide coming back in! The BBC Weather website includes all the information you need: https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast-and-sea/tide-tables

5.        You can keep individual modern coins you find, whether UK or foreign currency.

6.        Other modern items of value – jewellery or smartphones, for example– should be handed in to the local Police station. After a period of time (typically six weeks), if no one has claimed the property, you are legally entitled to claim it as your own.

7.        Older coins and any other historical artefacts must be reported under the Portable Antiquities Scheme (England and Wales). If your find is declared treasure, you could land your share of its value: as Minelab user, Adam Staples, did when he and friends uncovered Britain’s largest treasure hoard, worth £4.3 million! Discover more here: https://finds.org.uk/

8.        Metal detecting on the River Thames foreshore requires a separate permit from the Port of London Authority, which you can get here: https://pla.co.uk/thames-foreshore-permits

9.        If you’re exploring beaches north of the border, Scotland has different laws on treasure finds to the rest of the UK. Crown Estates Scotland has a handy guide here: https://www.crownestatescotland.com/scotlands-property/coastal/metal-detecting

10.   Finally, don’t forget to fill in any holes you dig before you leave the beach. Happy treasure-hunting!

 For more Minelab resources on how to start your metal detecting journey, check out its Beginner’s Guide here

https://uk.minelab.com/blog/post/minelab-com-is-metal-detecting-legal-in-the-uk-a-beginners-guide