Port Erin Beach & Bradda Head

DUAL OPPORTUNITY — beach detecting AND mine dump prospecting in one trip. PORT ERIN BEACH: Victorian resort since the 1830s — that's 190+ years of holidaymakers losing jewellery, coins, and trinkets. The sheltered south-facing bay means good detecting conditions even when other beaches are storm-battered. BRADDA HEAD: The old Bradda Mine (copper and lead) operated above the beach. Mine spoil heaps on the hillside contain mineral specimens — chalcopyrite (copper), galena (lead), malachite (green copper mineral), and quartz. The Milner Tower (a key landmark) sits on the headland. WHY HERE: Two completely different types of treasure hunting in one location. Beach detect in the morning, mineral hunt on the headlands in the afternoon. The beach is sandy and easy to dig. Port Erin has cafés and pubs for warming up.