Places to Search with a Metal Detector
There are so many places one can find hidden treasure. Even if it’s ancient relics, coins, jewelry, or gold nuggets that you require, there’s a lot you can discover.
Selecting the correct search link raises the possibility of getting a big find. Places that has heavy footfall to increase items, places with historical sites, the one’s that have not yet been found by most detectorists, are mostly very productive.
The only demerit is that the only good search locations are usually private property (aside from certain beaches). As you know, trespassing is still trespassing, whether it’s with a metal detector or not. So always check the rules to know if there is any doubt. It’s not worth it because if you get caught, there might be a lot of problems – like paying fines and also your metal detector might be confiscated.
It is not always easy to get permission, but it is also often possible even when you’re dealing with private landowners.
The most important thing to do is to select the best hunting grounds; there is a higher chance of finding something bigger when you get permission. Below is a list of some of the test places to look when on a treasure hunt.
Be sure to replace your plugs and go with the litter. Make sure your search site is in a better state than it was when you came.
Your own yard
You may not be excited to check your back yard for treasure, but it will be a nice place to test a new detector and drill that smooth, long sweep.
You may like to bury various metals in their garden to know how the detector works (this is called a test garden). You may be lucky enough to find some surprising items like coins, jewelry, or some other unexpected items.
The biggest advantage is that since it’s your back yard you do not need permission!
Note: just in case you haven’t gotten a metal detector, you may like to take a look at this list, which contains divers’ categories that would suite your budget.
Family land
When you’re done with your back yard, the next best thing to do is to ask friends and family if you can check their land. Yards are relatively small, so you may not have any exciting relics, but yet again, you may be surprised.
You may also like to ask your neighbors if they would be interested in your idea.
Sports stadiums
At stadiums and places of sporting events, people usually aren’t paying much attention, so coins and other valuables may fall out.
The only problem is that most of the detectorists are aware of this. So, it is advised to get to the stadium as soon as the game ends. You will need to obtain permission because sports stadiums are private properties.
Local parks
The most important law of metal detecting sites is that more footfall leads to more missing items.
Parks are one of the best places to find coins or jewelry. People often lose valuable items during picnics, playing games, or just walking dogs.
So, it’s best to search for a public gathering after events. You may need to get permission to explore public parks.
Beware people may give you odd looks.
Beaches
It is quite easy to lose valuables on the beach thanks to the combination of water, slippery sun lotion, and playing dynamic games.
Jewelry, coins, and other valuables get lost on the beach each day. Also, water waves may reveal ancient items; this is why beaches are some of the best places to hunt.

For public beaches, you would not need to apply for a permit, but if it’s a private beach, you will need written permission.
The only problem is that beach metal detecting is a very competitive sport. So, it’s best to go late on busy days or after storms for a better chance of discovering a valued item.
Note: waves frequently wash items into pockets. Be sure to keep scanning after finding an item, because there might be several in the same place.
Prospect for gold in known hunting grounds
It’s easier to find coins relics and jewelry than gold nuggets-there are mainly found in specific locations. Because of this, gold mining needs an in-depth study or to be able to understand where gold nuggets may be found.
As a leaner, it’s advised to search for places where gold nuggets were discovered in the past because this way, there is a chance you may find something big.
Note you will require a different detector when searching for gold. You will also require High-frequency VLF pulse induction detectors (these are essential for cutting through mineralization and locating small nuggets). If you need more information, please read my guide to the very best gold metal detectors.
Churches
Buildings are built up and later demolished, but as for churches, most of them have been existing for many years. This is one of the many reasons why it is the prime spots to look when searching for modern jewelry and also ancient artifacts.
You must get approval before going ahead with these procedures. Remember to never search a burial ground because it is considered disrespectful.
Stick to places where people might walk or sit like maybe around big trees and pathways.
Battlefields
In the United States, there are hundreds of civil war battlefields, and also in Europe, there are battlefields from ancient times and the world wars. If you need historical items, these sites above are wonderful choices.
The only problem is that the main battle sites may have already been scanned, but you may still get lucky. If, by any chance, you find anything historical, be sure to track it down and inform the local archaeology department. They’ll be happy to hear about your discovery.
Woodland
Dog walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and hikers usually use woodland paths. So, many valuables may be lost on the way, also you may be lucky enough to find some old relics the footsteps may have changed over time, but
we know for a fact that people walked there.
Be sure to ask for permission though woodlands belong to the public, you still need permission.
Fields
It’s not surprising that many of the largest metal detecting discoveries have been in the fields. Farmlands which has been cultivated for years but probably have not been searched.
Very good hunting grounds include ploughed fields. Former soil is cast-off to the surface, thereby bringing buried
objects with it.
Just as any field can bring forth hidden treasure, taking time to research is also very beneficial. Look around the neighborhood for historical buildings, an old farmhouse, or maybe an old field for town meetings? It is good to idea to start from your library because you may discover local plans, newspapers and other ancient documents, you may like to talk to people who have lived there for years.
And as always, you will need permission to search private grounds.
Other places
Wherever there may be human actions, there could be a hidden treasure. Below are some additional examples:
- Racecourses
- Camping sites
- Piers
- Sea beds
- Picnic grounds
- Schoolyards
- Playgrounds
- Deserted houses or towns
- Stream beds