POST MEDIEVAL
A clipped silver penny of Charles I
This silver penny dates to Charles I’s reign, AD 1625–1649. The PAS record identifies it as clipped; the mint remains uncertain.
Explore this findLocation Guide • East of England
Metal Detecting in Norfolk
Consistently one of England’s top detecting counties. Outstanding permission culture, highly productive glacial sands and gravels, and a rich Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman and Viking heritage.
Top Site Type
Glacial sand and gravel arable
Best Detector Type
Multi-frequency
Region
East of England
FROM THE PORTABLE ANTIQUITIES SCHEME
Metal Detecting Finds
in Norfolk
Selected archaeological finds from the PAS records for Norfolk.
- Database records
- 128,652
- Recorded objects
- 166,407
MEDIEVAL
Medieval copper alloy animal bell
An incomplete Medieval copper-alloy harness bell dating c.AD 1150-1400. The bell is broadly conical in shape formed from rolled sheet metal with folded seem…
Explore this findNorfolk Metal Detecting Clubs
Norfolk Finds Liaison Officer
Beaches & Coastal Detecting
Norfolk 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.
Geology, Site Types & Detecting Tips in Norfolk
Geology
Chalk under most of the county, overlain by glacial sands and gravels – ideal for metal preservation and detection depth. River Wensum, Yare and Bure valleys have alluvial deposits. Fenland in the west.
Site Types to Target
Glacial sand and gravel arable fields, river valley farmland, Breckland sandy fields, Norfolk Broads hinterland farmland, Fenland edge
What You Can Find
Bronze Age hoards, Iron Age Iceni tribe coins and torcs, Roman coins and bronzes, Viking-age silver, Saxon material, medieval dress accessories and coins
Notable Discoveries
The Snettisham Treasure (multiple Iron Age gold torcs – the finest in Britain) was found in Norfolk. Numerous major Bronze Age hoards. Norfolk has produced more PAS finds than any other county.
Detecting Tips
The county is so consistently productive that it’s genuinely hard to have a blank day. The Breckland sandy soils are exceptional. Target field boundaries, old trackways and ridge-and-furrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go metal detecting in Norfolk?
You can detect on private land in Norfolk 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 Norfolk?
Yes. Metal detecting is legal in Norfolk 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 Norfolk?
Norfolk 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 Norfolk?
PAS lists 128,652 database records representing 166,407 recorded objects for Norfolk, checked 30 October 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.
Can you metal detect on council-owned land in Norfolk?
Mousehold Heath requires the Conservators’ consent. Harleston Town Council generally restricts recreational detecting. Check other sites individually.
Sources & Last Checked
PAS data from finds.org.uk. Last checked 30 October 2026.
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Detecting in Norfolk?
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