May 12th, 2022 by Sarah Miles

If you are looking for a hobby that is really fun and interesting, gets you outdoors, is inexpensive, has an element of physical exercise but doesn’t demand high fitness levels, and can even be educational then metal detecting really is the perfect hobby.

Metal detecting: what is it all about?

The pastime of metal detecting is really simple; you take a metal detector and use it to search for metal objects that may be hidden in locations such as fields, woods, and beaches. The metal detector uses an electromagnetic field to find metal objects hidden in the ground. Those who engage regularly in this hobby are called detectorists and there are estimated to be around 30,000 of them in the UK and many more taking up the hobby on a casual basis.

The items found by detectorists can be astounding. One of the most significant examples must be 6000 Anglo-Saxon artefacts that were discovered in Staffordshire using a metal detector bought for £2.50 at a car boot sale. The ‘Staffordshire Hoard’ sold for more than £3.2 million!

Why it makes such a great hobby

There are a number of reasons why people enjoy detecting, especially in the spring and summer when the weather is good. Here are just a few:

• It requires no previous skills or knowledge
  Metal detectors are pretty simple items to operate, especially entry-level machines. Just a few times of using it will allow you to familiarise yourself with its functions and develop a successful technique. In terms of choosing places to search, you can do as much or as little preparation as you want. Some like to do lots of research and focus on locations with links to historical events or previous finds while many are happy to pick at random and see what turns up.
   
• It demands little physical fitness but can help build it
  Metal detecting obviously involves walking around but you can do this at your own pace, so you don’t need to be super fit. Because you are moving around, it is a form of physical exercise and can actually help you improve your fitness, without it feeling like a chore. It can be a great way for everyone from children through to grandparents to spend time together.
  
• It’s an outdoor activity
  Many parents worry about their children spending too much time indoors, looking at screens. While the prospect of a walk may not entice them outdoors, the opportunity to potentially find some hidden treasures might. Everyone can benefit from spending more time in the fresh air, and getting some much-needed vitamin D. It is also a great way for older couples to get out and enjoy some time in the sunshine and get some gentle exercise. 
   
• There is little to no cost involved
  Other than the initial cost of buying a metal detector (which you can pick up for less than the cost of one match ticket for a premiership football game), there is very little ongoing cost to this hobby because you are really just exploring the outdoors (remember, you do have to seek permission to search on private land). In terms of value for money for the time spent engaged in this activity, it's one of the lowest cost hobbies you could take up.
   
• It’s fun, interesting, and educational
  Metal detecting is especially great for families as you can make a game from it, seeing what you can find. There’s some real excitement around the potential of finding something valuable or fascinating, plus it’s an opportunity to get them interested in history and spend some quality time together.                               

MYLEK XP PLUS All-Terrain Metal Detector Kit

Price: £74.99

Buy Now