The Yorkshire Wolds chalk gives this county exceptional detecting potential. Viking-age material, Roman roads, and Bronze Age barrow fields make the East Riding one of the north’s finest counties.
FROM THE PORTABLE ANTIQUITIES SCHEME
Selected archaeological finds from the PAS records for East Riding of Yorkshire.
MEDIEVALA Medieval silver coin; a penny of Edward IV dating from AD 1461-1464, first reign, heavy coinage, Class IV, Durham mint, local dies, with…
Explore this findPhoto: ikw1945 / West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service · CC-BY
Licence label and image metadata on the linked PAS record.
POST MEDIEVALAn incomplete copper alloy strap mount or perhaps a scabbard hook for a sword belt fitting of Post Medieval date, AD 1500 - 1700.
Explore this findPhoto: ikw1945 / West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service · CC-BY
Licence label and image metadata on the linked PAS record.
No county-linked FLO profile is listed here. Browse the FLO directory to check reporting contacts and area coverage.
East Riding of Yorkshire has a coastline, and beach detecting follows different rules to farmland. Most foreshore between the high and low water marks in England is Crown Estate land, and the Crown Estate operates a general permission for recreational detecting on much of its managed foreshore, though you should check the current terms. Council-owned beaches often need the local authority’s permission, and some beaches are privately owned or leased. Always check for scheduled monuments, SSSIs and local byelaws before detecting, and never detect where it is signposted as prohibited.
Chalk Wolds in the north and centre – excellent preservation and depth. Humber estuary clays and alluvium in the south. River Hull valley gravel terraces.
Wolds chalk arable fields, Humber estuary farmland, fields adjacent to Roman roads (Ermine Street), Viking-period settlement areas
Bronze Age metalwork from barrow field contexts, Iron Age Arras culture chariot fittings, Roman coins and military equipment, Viking-age silver and Norse-style jewellery, medieval material
The Arras Culture chariot burials have produced remarkable Iron Age metalwork from this area. Consistent Viking-age finds from the Wolds and Vale of York.
The chalk gives depth comparable to southern England. Take your time on the Wolds – many fields have never been systematically detected. Roman road fields are a reliable starting point.
You can detect on private land in East Riding of Yorkshire with the landowner’s permission, and on much of the Crown Estate foreshore if you are on the coast. You must avoid scheduled monuments, SSSIs and other protected sites. Joining a local club is the easiest way to reach permissioned land.
Yes. Metal detecting is legal in East Riding of Yorkshire 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.
East Riding of Yorkshire 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.
PAS lists 32,931 database records representing 45,827 recorded objects for East Riding of Yorkshire, checked 2 November 2026. These are recorded entries rather than a count of every find made. The period and object-type categories shown in the PAS section are selected, incomplete lists.
Follow East Riding’s coastal guidance and do not disturb boat or RNLI launching areas. Check who manages the particular beach or park and obtain any necessary permission.
PAS data from finds.org.uk. Last checked 2 November 2026.
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