After the success of BBC 4's The Detectorists in the autumn of 2014, an endearing bitter-sweet comedy following the loves and fortunes of a pair of unlikely friends allied by their passion for metal detecting, there has certainly been an upsurge in interest in this pastime. However, the magical blips and beeps of a metal detector as it passes over the ground and the irresistible factor of chance involved in making a find have long enthralled tens of thousands of enthusiasts in the UK.
Whether you are a long-standing detectorist (responsible and professional in your detecting, of course) or a would-be detectorist in possession of your first metal detector raring to go, what could be more fabulous than teaming up your passion with a camping trip, pitching up on the same ground that you can explore subterraneously during your stay? No need to drive for long periods before getting stuck in; you could be detecting as the first shafts of dawn break the hill, fresh brew in hand.
But are there any such campsites in the UK, we hear you cry? And how would an eager detectorist-camper find one? Aha - we've done some digging (sorry) on this matter for you... Of course, it's probably worth stating the obvious at this point: that detecting on these sites is at the discretion of the site owner and before the detector is lovingly removed from the back of your car, a conversation needs to be had about when, exactly where and (of course) how the booty will be shared if a Saxon hoard is uncovered!
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Campsites that allow Metal Detecting in Wales
This could be some of the most scenic metal detecting you indulge in...mountains in view!
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Beautiful Pembrokeshire is already endowed with a healthy set of vital statistics when it comes to enjoying a camping or touring break away. For a detectorist, then, a stay at Tir Bach Farm in view of the Preseli mountains, might just equate to 'the perfect camping break'.
The 26 acre farm is set in beautiful surroundings, including a stretch of ancient woodland leading down to riverside walks - did we mention it was scenic? Detectorists should, on arrival, speak with the owners and request information about the areas where detecting is permitted.
And, after a great day exploring and hunting, stretch out beside the communal campfire, or beside your tent under an astonishingly sky: the lack of light pollution makes for great star gazing here.
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Tir Bach Farm, Pembrokeshire
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Explore the remains of a World War One POW Camp
This campsite in the Scottish Highlands is almost certainly one of a kind. Caolasnacon Caravan & Camping Park
, set in stunning Argyllshire scenery, is based on the site of a World War One Prisoner of War Camp.
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The owners of Coalasnacon are happy to allow responsible detectorists staying on the campsite to explore the ruins, including the remains of an explosive store, incinerator and shower bases used by the German prisoners.
The POW camp at Coalasnacon formed a pair with one in nearby Kinlochleven and both camps were involved in building the road on the south side of Loch Leven, working from both ends.
There aren't many campsites as relaxed or picturesque as this in the UK. Pitch up where you fancy, build a campfire on the loch shores, indulge in the incredible mountain views and breath! The site has some electric hook ups but on a first come first served basis, so you'll need to get in quick!
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Caolasnacon Caravan & Camping Park, Highlands
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Campsite that allows Metal Detecting in Herefordshire
The historic area around the Welsh border town of Ross on Wye, listed in the Doomsday book as a settlement, is home to a multi-layered history. For those who like to walk alongside the ghosts of an area by detecting for traces of the past, it's a great spot for a camping or touring break.
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Not least because of the outstanding beauty of the Wye Valley where steep sided, wooded river banks wind their way through rolling countryside. Stay at Meredith Farm Certificated Site and the owners will grant responsible detectorists the permission to detect on 25 acres of ancient pastureland adjoining the campsite.
Meredith Farm offers spacious and tranquil camping for those who want to drop out for a while: no music, no parties but, apart from that the site is very permissive. Want to build a campfire? That's fine. With only 20 pitches in over 25 acres, you can slip into a world of your own with very little effort at all!
There are over a mile of mowed walks along the stream and through the fields, so plenty of opportunities to relax and explore.
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Meredith Farm Certificated Site, Herefordshire
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North Yorkshire campsite for Detectorists
This site is perhaps one for the beginner detectorists or for those detecting mums, dads, grandads and grandmas who want to induct their offspring into the world of metal detecting.
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Set in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside just outside of the town of Richmond you'll find Hillcrest Park, a family run 6 acre campsite with a 2.5 acre field which the owners, Ed and Kate, are happy for detectorists to use.
Exuding tranquility and with stunning views over Teesdale, this campsite is an ideal base for those who want to explore the geography, culture and history of the Yorkshire Dales.
The site offers tent, caravan and motorhome pitches, some hard-standing with 10amp hookup, as well as camping pods; the toilet and shower blocks are centrally heated.
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Hillcrest Park, North Yorkshire
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Campsites that allow Metal detecting in Scotland
The history of the border between Scotland and England being so rich, detectorists might well feel a tingle of excitement at the possibility of staying at this campsite in Dumfries and Galloway which allows detecting on-site.
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For those with a caravan, book a stay at peaceful, family run Newark Farm near the ancient town of Sanquhar and enjoy not only the stunning views, fabulous walking, bike riding and local fishing opportunities, but the chance to explore the subterrenean geography of this working farm too.
Although digging up the campsite itself isn't allowed (!), the owners are happy for detectorists staying at their site to explore the farmland around the camping area, as long as sods are replaced, of course!
If you're going to make your life's best find anywhere, it could well be here! Notable discoveries in the local area include a 1223 papal seal, discovered on the site of the old monastry, now on display in the local museum...the history is palpable.
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Newark Farm, Dumfries and Galloway
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Another Scottish Campsite for Detectorists
The 300 acres of farmland and woodland surrounding this campsite are not only magnets for countless species of iconic Scottish Wildlife (red squirrels, red deer and otter included!), they also represent days of fun for detectorists wanting to stay on the site.
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Stay at Barnsoul Caravan Park in Dumfires and Galloway, offering tent, caravan and motorhome pitches including hard standing and electric hook ups, camping pods or lodges in which to lay your head after a day's detecting.
Although modestly sized and steeped in the countryside, the site is well appointed with a new shower block, camping kitchen and a launderette.
The campsite owns the surrounding woodland and farmland and the owners are happy for you to explore the grounds with your detector. Simply check in with the warden on arrival and get a map of the site; the warden will explain the areas in which you can hunt.
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Barnsoul Caravan Park, Dumfries and Galloway
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St Ives campsite that allows Metal Detecting
For those detectorists who like a sandy foray or two once in a while (with all the necessary Crown Foreshore Permits in place, of course!) then heading to the St Ives area of Cornwall, with its many sandy beaches, is already going to sound enticing.
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Imagine our delight, then when the owner of Lower Penderleath Farm got in touch to say that detectorists are welcome to both stay and detect on this site.
Set in the glorious Cornish countryside just 3 miles from St Ives and 5 miles from historic Penzance, Lower Penderleath offers a quintessentially Cornish camping experience. This site will place you within easy reach of all the things we like to do best when visiting this Queen of counties: coastal path walking, beach lounging, wave surfing and local beverage supping all included.
Lower Penderleath is a tent-only site, with the option to sit around your BBQ or firebowl during the evenings after a long day of detecting.
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Lower Penderleath Farm, St Ives, Cornwall
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Campsite Chatter has extensive listings of campsites across the UK. Want to find great camping near the places you want to visit, the things you want to do and with the facilities that you and your require or family require? Then go to our Find a Campsite page, enter the type of pitch you are looking for, check the required facilities and then enter either a postcode and radius or click on a county on the blue map. Alternatively, if you want to challenge yourself by trying something new, why not check out our Camping Specialisms. Happy holidays!
By Bekah Mardall, Campsite Chatter.
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