Welcome to the fantastic hobby of metal detecting. Greenlight Publishing are the UK's leading resource for detectorists.
If you're just thinking of taking up detecting, are new to the hobby or looking for a gift for a detectorist our Get Started in Metal Detecting pack is for you!
Including 3 month's subscription to Treasure Hunting, the UK's best-selling metal detecting magazine, and two great books: A Beginner's Guide to Metal Detecting and Finds Identified.
All for only £49.50 (saving £10).

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FAQ's for new metal detectorists:

• Where can I metal detect?

A great place to start is your own garden - some fantastic finds have been made in people's back gardens (The July 2026 of Treasure Hunting magazine has an article on exactly this!)
After that you need permission to detect on any land in the UK - make sure you get permission from the owner before you start. 
Beaches can also be a good option but check out the local rules first - Crown Estate beaches generally allow detecting, check out their website for further information.
Attending organised rallies or digs is a good way to get out detecting if you don't have your own permissions.

• Which metal detector should I buy?

There are loads of great detectors out there for beginners - whilst an experienced detectorist might pay over £1000 for a top of the range machine, there are plenty of decent metal detectors available for £200-£300 where you don't need a degree in engineering to understand them. A quick read of the manual and you can switch on and go. Manufacturers to look out for include Minelab, Nokta, XP, Garrett & Viking.

• What accessories do I need to get started in metal detecting?

The only thing you absolutely need to get started is some sort of digging tool/spade. After that a pinpointer is very useful (for narrowing down the exact location of a target once your detector has signalled it), also a finds pouch to keep anything you've found safe while out in the field. Headphones are also very useful, essential if you're planning to detect near others such as on group digs. Don't forget not to wear steel-toe capped boots that your detector will pick up on.

• What are the best metal detecting books to buy?

Greenlight Publishing has a great range of books dedicated to metal detecting. Over 100 titles in stock covering all aspects of the hobby from a beginner's guide, to advanced detecting techniques, how to find the best sites and many books dedicated to identifying, valuing and preserving the finds you make. The best-selling metal detecting books include:

• A Beginner's Guide to Metal Detecting and Metal Detecting: All You Need to Know to Get Started  – 2 great books packed full of information for anyone new to the hobby of detecting
• Finds Identified Series – 3 beautiful hardback books from the team at the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme, packed full of metal detecting finds.
• Coins of England – Updated annually this is the bible of coin identifcation in the UK.
• Site Research and Successful Detecting Sites – these books are full of invaluable information about where to detect.

• What is the best UK magazine for metal detecting?

Treasure Hunting magazine has long been established as the UK's leading metal detecting magazine. Published every month since 1977, every issue is written by experienced detectorists and is packed full of great stories, helpful tips, field tests on the latest metal detectors and so much more! Available from good newsagents or direct from the publishers, either as a single issue or on subscription from only £5.50 - click here to see all the options.