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Metal Detecting Clubs

Should I join a Metal Detecting Club?

There are many metal detecting clubs around the UK most of which have got Facebook groups which you can join for free, ask questions and learn before you buy.
One of the problems with Metal Detecting Clubs, is that they become inundated with membership requests. Since the BBC programme, ‘Detectorists‘ with Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones, the hobby has become so popular, spaces are limited and it’s not unusual to have a 2 year waiting list. There are a list of known Metal Detecting clubs here.

Before you join any club, my advice is to join the NCMD (National Council for Metal Detecting) who for only £8 per year, will provide you with full liability insurance. You can join here.

If you can’t join a Metal Detecting UK club, you could consider going on an organised dig. Most of the Facebook groups below will allow you to pay to attend a dig provided you have valid insurance. They usually cost between £15 and £25 per day to attend and are a great way to meet new people, experience the finds first hand, get advice and of course get to visit some great permissions.

Here are a list of some very active groups on Facebook if you would like to join.

The best way to start is to join a few groups – listen and learn and see the sorts of finds that people locate and what sorts of machines they use and where they find them, field, pasture, ploughed, beach, UK or worldwide.


My advice to any new starter is to ‘lurk’ around for a while and not just jump in and say “Hi I’m just starting out so what sort of Metal Detector should I buy?” as that usually is met with a groan and some sarcastic comments.

On the whole the groups are friendly and will help ‘newbie’s’ just starting out, but if you do your research, you can most of the answers here in my FAQ’s so you don’t have to ask basic questions and make yourself look foolish.