HMS WARWICK - Cornwall & Devon

The HMS Warwick is one of those wrecks that really sticks with you, a proper deep dive that’s well worth the effort. Lying at 55 metres, she’s a destroyer, torpedoed by U-413 in 1944. We love how intact she is, especially given her age and the trauma she went through. Descending, you can often feel the slight chill of the thermocline before the wreck even comes into view, then slowly, the dark shape emerges from the gloom. The Warwick rests upright, largely in one piece, which is always a treat. You can trace her lines from bow to stern, spotting where her four-inch guns would have sat, though they’re long gone now. Our favourite bits are around the midships, where the structure is a bit more broken, creating nooks and crannies for life to hide. Expect to see plenty of conger eels, often peering out from pipes or under plates, and big ballan wrasse darting through the superstructure. Visibility can be a bit variable, but when it's good, seeing the full profile of this wartime casualty is genuinely moving. This is definitely one for experienced technical divers, comfortable with the depth and potential currents.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.499218, -5.422283
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
55m

Marine Protected Area: Kelsey Head

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to HMS WARWICK

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for HMS WARWICK

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories