Metal Detecting in Northumberland
The most northerly English county, dominated by Hadrian’s Wall, Cheviot Hills and coastal lowlands. Roman military finds are exceptional; the coastal plain and Tyne valley are most accessible for detecting.
Recorded finds · Portable Antiquities Scheme
Metal Detecting Finds Recorded in Northumberland
3,979 archaeological objects have been officially recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Northumberland.
Northumberland Finds by Historical Period
Most Commonly Found Objects in Northumberland
Post Medieval and Medieval material leads Northumberland's recorded finds, with coin the most common object type.
Recent Northumberland 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 Northumberland. Browse the wider clubs directory for nearby options.
Beaches & Coastal Detecting
Northumberland 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.
PAS Analysis
Of the 3,979 objects recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme in Northumberland, the Post Medieval period is the strongest (1,207 finds), followed by Medieval, Roman. The most commonly recorded objects are coin, spindle whorl and buckle, with coin alone accounting for 1,319 records.
Geology, Site Types & Detecting Tips in Northumberland
Geology
Carboniferous sandstone and limestone near the Wall. Cheviot granite and volcanic rocks in the north (acidic). River Tyne and Till valley alluvium. Coastal sand dunes.
Site Types to Target
Tyne valley arable farmland, Hadrian’s Wall corridor fields, coastal lowland farmland, Milfield Plain (Neolithic/Bronze Age activity)
What You Can Find
Roman military fittings and coins from the Wall corridor, Milfield Plain Neolithic and Bronze Age material, Viking and Anglian material in the coastal lowlands
Notable Discoveries
The Wall corridor has produced exceptional Roman military equipment over many decades. Milfield Plain is one of England’s most significant Neolithic landscapes.
Detecting Tips
The Wall corridor is well-picked near main sites – seek permissions further from the obvious forts. The Milfield Plain has extraordinary Neolithic potential that has barely been explored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go metal detecting in Northumberland?
You can detect on private land in Northumberland 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.
Is metal detecting legal in Northumberland?
Yes. Metal detecting is legal in Northumberland 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 Northumberland?
Northumberland 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 Northumberland?
Northumberland has 3,979 objects recorded with the PAS, with the Post Medieval period the most common. The most commonly recorded objects are coin, spindle whorl and buckle, with coin alone accounting for 1,319 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 Northumberland?
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