Location Guide • East of England
Metal Detecting in Cambridgeshire
One of England’s finest detecting counties. The Fens produce extraordinary Bronze Age and Iron Age material, while the chalk uplands deliver finds from every period of history.
Top Site Type
Fenland arable
Best Detector Type
Multi-frequency
Region
East of England
Recorded finds · Portable Antiquities Scheme
Metal Detecting Finds Recorded in Cambridgeshire
20,820 archaeological objects have been officially recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Cambridgeshire.
Cambridgeshire Finds by Historical Period
Most Commonly Found Objects in Cambridgeshire
Coin 12,511Brooch 1,027Buckle 890Vessel 444Jetton 364Mount 359Token 321Button 281
Roman and Medieval material leads Cambridgeshire's recorded finds, with coin the most common object type.
Recent Cambridgeshire Metal Detecting Finds
Data and images from the Portable Antiquities Scheme (finds.org.uk), © The Trustees of the British Museum, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Figures reflect objects voluntarily recorded by finders and do not represent all finds made in the county. Last updated July 2026.
Nearby Metal Detecting Clubs
No clubs are currently listed in Cambridgeshire. Browse the wider clubs directory for nearby options.
Cambridgeshire Finds Liaison Officer
PAS Analysis
Of the 20,820 objects recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Cambridgeshire, the Roman period is the strongest (11,088 finds), followed by Medieval, Post Medieval. The most commonly recorded objects are coin, brooch and buckle, with coin alone accounting for 12,511 records.
Geology, Site Types & Detecting Tips in Cambridgeshire
Geology
Chalk in the south (Gog Magog Hills), Greensand fringe, and vast Fenland peat and silt to the north. The Fens are drained and farmed – highly productive. Gravel terraces along the Great Ouse.
Site Types to Target
Fenland arable fields, chalk upland fields, gravel terrace farmland along river valleys, fields near Roman Durobrivae (Water Newton)
What You Can Find
Bronze Age hoards, Iron Age coins and metalwork, Roman coins and military equipment, Viking-period silver, medieval material
Notable Discoveries
The Water Newton Treasure (Roman silver – largest Roman Christian silver hoard found in the empire). Numerous Bronze Age hoards from the Fens. Iron Age Iceni material consistently found.
Detecting Tips
Fenland soils can be mineralised near peat edges – ground balance carefully. Chalk gives brilliant depth. Target field boundaries and old drove roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go metal detecting in Cambridgeshire?
You can detect on private land in Cambridgeshire with the landowner’s permission. You must avoid scheduled monuments, SSSIs and other protected sites. Joining a local club is the easiest way to reach permissioned land.
Is metal detecting legal in Cambridgeshire?
Yes. Metal detecting is legal in Cambridgeshire on land where you have the landowner’s permission, as long as you avoid protected sites and follow the law on reporting treasure and recording finds.
Who is the Finds Liaison Officer for Cambridgeshire?
Cambridgeshire is covered by a Portable Antiquities Scheme Finds Liaison Officer who records finds made by the public. See the FLO section on this page for contact details, or search finds.org.uk.
What finds turn up in Cambridgeshire?
Cambridgeshire has 20,820 objects recorded with the PAS, with the Roman period the most common. The most commonly recorded objects are coin, brooch and buckle, with coin alone accounting for 12,511 records.
Sources & Last Checked
PAS data from finds.org.uk, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Last checked July 2026.
Find local detectorists, clubs, suppliers and FLOs
Detecting in Cambridgeshire?
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