Detecnicks
Family-run Bognor Regis metal detector retailer established in 1996, with online sales and a physical shop.
View supplier ›Location Guide • South East
Metal Detecting in West Sussex
The South Downs chalk and Roman connections to Fishbourne Palace make West Sussex a rewarding county. The Weald clay north of the Downs has medieval iron industry connections.
Top Site Type
South Downs chalk arable
Best Detector Type
Multi-frequency
Region
South East
Recorded finds · Portable Antiquities Scheme
Metal Detecting Finds Recorded in West Sussex
16,722 archaeological objects have been officially recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme in West Sussex.
West Sussex Finds by Historical Period
Most Commonly Found Objects in West Sussex
Coin 7,482Buckle 1,171Vessel 1,103Brooch 518Mount 474Token 394Weight 339Strap Fitting 283
Roman and Post Medieval material leads West Sussex's recorded finds, with coin the most common object type.
Recent West Sussex 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 West Sussex. Browse the wider clubs directory for nearby options.
Metal Detector Shops & Suppliers in West Sussex
Beaches & Coastal Detecting
West Sussex 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 16,722 objects recorded with the Portable Antiquities Scheme in West Sussex, the Roman period is the strongest (4,553 finds), followed by Post Medieval, Medieval. The most commonly recorded objects are coin, buckle and vessel, with coin alone accounting for 7,482 records.
Geology, Site Types & Detecting Tips in West Sussex
Geology
Chalk South Downs – excellent preservation. Weald clay in the north, heavy but productive near known settlements. Coastal plain alluvium near Chichester.
Site Types to Target
South Downs chalk arable fields, coastal plain farmland near Chichester (Noviomagus Reginorum), Weald fringe farmland
What You Can Find
Roman coins and high-status material near Chichester (Noviomagus), Fishbourne Palace hinterland finds, Iron Age material on the Downs, medieval material
Notable Discoveries
Fishbourne Roman Palace (one of the finest in Britain) influences the entire Chichester basin. The surrounding fields have produced exceptional Roman material. Bosham and Selsey areas are coastal productive.
Detecting Tips
The Chichester basin farmland is outstanding – Roman, Iron Age and medieval all represented. Don’t overlook the coastal plain east towards Bognor where permissions are easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go metal detecting in West Sussex?
You can detect on private land in West Sussex 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 West Sussex?
Yes. Metal detecting is legal in West Sussex 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 West Sussex?
West Sussex 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 West Sussex?
West Sussex has 16,722 objects recorded with the PAS, with the Roman period the most common. The most commonly recorded objects are coin, buckle and vessel, with coin alone accounting for 7,482 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 West Sussex?
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