Trusted Resources for Detectorists

Looking for a detector, pinpointer, digging tool, or accessory? These are trusted UK retailers with strong reputations, quality equipment, and reliable customer service.

We only recommend businesses and organisations we believe offer genuine value to detectorists. Some links may become affiliate links in the future, helping support Detectorist Guide at no additional cost to you.

  • Regton

    One of the UK’s longest-established detector dealers, offering major brands, expert advice, and a strong reputation among detectorists.

    Regton.com 

  • LP

    Well-established UK online specialist with a wide product range, reliable service, and strong customer support.

    LPMetalDetecting.com 

  • Crawfords

    Major UK detector retailer and Minelab distributor with physical stores, excellent service, and a broad range of equipment.

    CrawfordsMD.com 

  • Spin A Disk Metal Detectors

    Experienced family-run retailer offering trusted advice, quality equipment, and a strong reputation within the hobby.

    SpinADiskMetalDetectors.com 

  • Unearthed

    Popular UK detector supplier combining a large product range with educational content and practical detecting advice.

    UnearthedUK.com 

  • Detecnicks

    Long-running family business with a Sussex showroom, friendly support, and access to major detecting brands.

    Detecnicks.co.uk 

  • Dragon Detecting

    Fast-growing UK retailer offering competitive prices, major brands, and quick delivery across a wide range of equipment.

    DragonDetecting.com 

  • UK Metal Detectors

    Trusted UK online retailer with competitive pricing, specialist brands, and support for detectorists of all experience levels.

    UKMetalDetectors.co.uk 

Metal Detecting Insurance

Public liability insurance is strongly recommended before detecting on anyone else’s land. It helps protect you if you accidentally cause damage or someone makes a claim against you.

Many landowners will be more comfortable giving permission if you can show proof of insurance. The (AMDS) Association for Metal Detecting Sport and The (NCMD) National Council for Metal Detecting both include public liability insurance up to £10 million as part of its membership benefits for just a few Pounds per year.

  • AMDS

    AMDS (Association for Metal Detecting Sport) — Membership costs £5 per year and includes £10 million public liability insurance for responsible detecting, including commercial rallies and events. Members also receive access to the AMDS Times magazine, member discounts, competitions, and a private members area with hobby resources and support.

    amds.org.uk 

  • NCMD

    NCMD (National Council for Metal Detecting) — Membership costs around £8 per year and includes up to £10 million public liability insurance with no excess for rallies, events, private and group digs. Members also receive access to the NCMD Digging Deep newsletter and support through the Major Finds Excavation Fund for significant discoveries in England and Wales.

    ncmd.co.uk 

Recording Finds & Responsible Detecting

Responsible detecting helps preserve history and protect the future of the hobby. These organisations provide guidance on recording finds, understanding the law, and reporting significant discoveries.

  • Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS)

    The PAS helps record archaeological finds discovered by members of the public. Recording important finds helps preserve valuable historical information and contributes to our understanding of local history.


    Best For: Recording finds and contacting your local Finds Liaison Officer.

    https://finds.org.uk/ 

  • Finds Liaison Officers (FLOs)

    Finds Liaison Officers help identify and record archaeological discoveries. They can advise whether a find should be reported and help ensure important information is preserved.


    Best For: Identification and reporting advice.

    https://finds.org.uk/contacts 

Magazines

Stay informed, improve your skills, and enjoy the hobby even more. These trusted publications are packed with finds stories, equipment reviews, expert advice, historical research, and practical detecting tips from experienced detectorists.

  • Searcher

    One of the UK’s most respected metal detecting publications. Contains exclusive finds stories, field tests and techniques, identification and valuations, rally reports, expert guides and much more. Stay informed on industry developments, and connect more deeply with the wider detecting community.

    TheSearcher.co.uk 

  • Treasure Hunting

    The UK’s leading metal detecting magazine. Each month, we bring you a brilliant mix of real-life stories, expert tips, amazing finds, and all the inspiration you need to get out and enjoy the hobby. Written by detectorists, for detectorists, it’s packed with useful advice to help you read the land, improve your finds, and identify what you’ve uncovered.

    TreasureHunting.co.uk