Metal Detecting in Suffolk: Can You Still Find Buried Treasure?

For many years, Suffolk’s rolling fields and ancient landscapes have served as a powerful magnet for metal detectorists (see what we did there?), drawn in by the county’s rich history and the tantalising possibility of unearthing hidden treasures. From Roman coins to Anglo-Saxon artefacts, the soil here has yielded remarkable finds that shed light on Britain’s past. Think this is all hyperbole? Our fine county was the subject of a Netflix drama all about discovering lost riches which we wrote about here. Suitably convinced? Let’s take a look if you could take a place in treasure-finding history.

The county’s archaeological wealth is well-documented. Notably, the Hoxne Hoard, discovered in 1992, remains the largest collection of late Roman gold and silver coins ever to be found in Britain. Similarly, the Wickham Market Hoard, unearthed back in 2008, featured 840 Iron Age gold coins, offering invaluable insights into the Iceni tribe’s economy and culture. Slightly more recently, a 2,000-year-old Roman hoard was discovered by a local detectorist in Euston, Suffolk.

There’s hope for us all, yet.

Before embarking on a metal detecting adventure in Suffolk, it’s crucial to understand some of the legal stuff:

• Permission: Always obtain consent from landowners and tenants before detecting on or around private land. This extends to publicly accessible areas like beaches and footpaths. 
• Permits: For certain public lands, such as Nowton Park in Bury St Edmunds, a metal detecting permit is required. West Suffolk Council offers a 12-month permit covering designated sites for £31.50. 
• Treasure Act 1996: Finds that qualify as treasure, such as items over 300 years old containing precious metals, must be reported to the local coroner. 

Now to suggest where we’d recommend for any budding detectorists:

Rendlesham

Rendlesham is best known for the mysterious Rendlesham Forest UFO incident, which we’ve written fairly extensively about, but for detectorists, it’s the Anglo-Saxon connections that are most exciting. This area is close to Sutton Hoo, the site of the famous ship burial, and archaeologists have already found evidence of royal settlements nearby.

• Why it’s special: Rich early medieval history; potential for Anglo-Saxon finds. 
• Permission: Private farmland dominates the area, so seek permission from landowners. 

Bury St Edmunds – Nowton Park (with permit)

If you’re looking for somewhere accessible and legal without having to negotiate with private permissions, Nowton Park is a solid choice. West Suffolk Council offers annual metal detecting permits for designated public parks, including Nowton.

• Why it’s special: Easy access, managed land with a long history of habitation. 
• Permit required: Apply here 

Framlingham

This picturesque town, crowned by the magnificent Framlingham Castle, has deep Tudor and medieval roots. The surrounding countryside and fields are full of potential for historical finds — Roman coins, medieval buckles, and perhaps even Tudor trinkets.

• Why it’s special: Historic castle, Tudor and earlier activity. 
• Permission: Mostly private land — be sure to get consent from landowners. 

As a bonus tip, we’d encourage you to check out the Suffolk Heritage Explorer to check the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) database for what’s been found nearby — it’s a great way to identify hotspots of activity and historical layers. 

Metal detecting in Suffolk remains a rewarding pursuit for those interested in uncovering the layers of history beneath their feet. With the right permissions, adherence to legal requirements, and a respectful approach to the land, detectorists can continue to make significant contributions to our understanding of the past.

To book yourself a nice tranquil spot to return to after a day of discovering, be sure to take a look at our Barns and Barges for rent in Suffolk.