With lockdown rules in the UK easing further on Monday 15th, a number of inland British dive sites have begun to open their doors. Many British scuba divers have been heading to the coasts over the past couple of weeks, but the news is set to be popular for those who live inland and have been desperate to receive their diving fix.
We’ve compiled a list of the most popular inland British dive sites along with information about their current opening times. Of course, restrictions could come back into place and the individual dive companies could also change their terms so we do recommend contacting them directly prior to planning a dive.
Stoney Cove
Stoney Cove reopened to divers yesterday on the 17th June. Divers need to have a valid Stoney Cove registration and will need to purchase pre-paid tickets via the Stoney Cove website.
The site will be open Wednesday through Sunday 8.30am-4pm. There is no need to arrive early as pre-paid tickets are required, and Stoney Cove will be limiting the number of divers per day in order to enforce social distancing. Deep dives, decompression dives and teaching are not currently recommended.
St Andrews Diving
St Andrews Lakes Diving and Watersports opened its doors on Monday 15th June. Like Stoney Cove, they are also asking divers to purchase a pre-paid ticket prior to arriving with a maximum of 20 divers being allowed on the site at one time.
Vobster Quay
Vobster Quay has slowly started to re-open in line with the government guidelines. They are currently only open for open water swimming and hope to be open for divers by the end of June. While there is currently no official date for scuba diving, they are keeping their Facebook fans regularly updated.
While we do not currently know the exact date for Vobster Quay to reopen, opening times for open water swimmers have been extended from 8am-8pm each day. Pre-booked tickets are required.
The National Diving and Activity Centre (NDAC)
The NDAC is currently closed; however, they are putting steps in place to hopefully reopen soon as evidenced by their Facebook page. When they reopen, they will only accept card transactions and on-site bookings.
While we currently do not know the expected opening date for NDAC, they do have a PADI Open Water course advertised on their website starting on the 4th July. So, hopefully it won’t be too much longer. We recommend keeping an eye on their Facebook page and website for more information.
Dosthill Quarry
In an announcement dated the 12th June, Dosthill Quarry has re-opened for open water swimmers. Scuba diving is currently not permitted, but they are currently hosting beta trials with the aim of opening for both lessons and casual diving very soon. Full information can be found on the Dosthill Quarry website.
Capernwray Diving Centre
Capernwray Diving Centre plans to reopen on the 23rd June for normal summer hours including late nights on Wednesdays. Divers will need to register via an online booking system, as limited numbers will be accepted on site, and then pay upon arrival. Groups are also not being accepted so divers must register as individuals.
Capernwray Diving Centre has advised divers to expect price increases due to the limited numbers being permitted and their increased costs. Equipment hire will be available and The Porthole Restaurant will be open for takeaway food.
Capernwray Diving Centre website
Delph Watersports Centre
The Delph opened its doors to divers and open water swimmers on Monday 15th June. They have extended their diving times from 9am-9pm Monday – Thursday and normal hours on Friday-Sunday. An online booking system is in place to ensure social distancing guidelines are met.
Spectators are asked not to attend the centre unless surface support is needed, and an arrive, dive and drive system is in place to limit the number of people on-site. Groups of up to six people are allowed but changing rooms are not open. Takeaway food will be available, and air fills are available for those diving.
Delph Watersports Centre website
Wraysbury Dive Centre
Wraysbury Dive Centre re-opened on Monday 15th June with reduced hours: 9am-3pm Mon-Sun. To ensure social distancing guidelines are met, a limited number of people will be allowed on-site at one time. Unlike the other centres on this list, advanced booking is not available at Wraysbury Dive Centre.
Spectators will not be allowed on site, but diving groups of up to six people are permitted. Diving lessons are permitted so long as the dive school conforms to current government guidelines. The entry fee of £15 must be provided in cash upon arrival, and the ‘arrive, dive, drive’ manta is being followed. Changing rooms are closed but takeaway food and air fills will be available.
Which of these British dive sites will you be heading to now they’ve reopened?
