BIDSIE AND BELL - Northumberland & Northeast

We’ll be honest, the Northumberland coast isn’t everyone’s first thought for a dive trip, but sites like Bidsie and Bell make a strong case for pulling on that thick drysuit. This isn't a typical coral reef dive, obviously. We’re talking about a proper piece of maritime history, a 42-meter sailing vessel that met its end back in 1925. She sits upright, largely intact, and you can still make out the bow, stern, and the general shape of her hull, which is always satisfying to see on a wreck. Diving Bidsie and Bell is like stepping into a cold, silty time capsule. The hold is accessible, if you're comfortable with overhead environments and good on your fin kicks to avoid stirring things up. Inside, we often find crabs scuttling around, and sometimes a curious conger eel peering out from a dark corner. Outside, the wreck itself is absolutely smothered in plumose anemones – they really do create a stunning, soft white carpet over the entire structure, swaying gently in the surge. Visibility can be a bit of a gamble, often around 5-10 meters, so pick your day carefully, ideally on a slack tide for the best experience. This dive is definitely for the experienced wreck enthusiast who appreciates history and isn't afraid of a bit of chill.

Location
Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
53.330807, -4.619202
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
0m

Wreck History - BIDSIE AND BELL

Year Sunk
1925
Vessel Type
sailing vessel
Cause
grounding
Tonnage
157 GRT

The Bidsie and Bell was a classic three-masted schooner, a workhorse of the age of sail built in 1873 in Berwick-upon-Tweed. For over half a century, this 42-meter vessel plied the coastal trade routes of the United Kingdom, carrying cargo from port to port. Owned by J. Fisher & Sons at the time of her loss, she represented a vital link in the maritime economy of the early 20th century, a time when sail was steadily giving way to steam.

Her long career came to an abrupt end on January 14, 1925. While on a passage from Garston to Bideford, the Bidsie and Bell was caught in treacherous conditions. She ran aground on the Northumberland coast and was declared a total loss. The sea that had been her home for 52 years ultimately claimed her, leaving her skeletal remains as a final testament to her service.

Today, the wreck of the Bidsie and Bell lies in very shallow water, with some parts potentially visible at low tide. For divers, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history. The remains are scattered, but exploring the timbers and hull sections provides a tangible connection to the golden age of sailing. The wreckage has become an artificial reef, offering shelter to crabs, lobsters, and various fish, blending history with the natural underwater landscape of the Northeast coast.

Marine Protected Area: Holyhead Mountain

Nearby Dive Sites in Northumberland & Northeast

Nearest Dive Centres to BIDSIE AND BELL

Marine Life in Northumberland & Northeast

Home to 132 recorded species including 53 reef fish, 15 whales & dolphins, 11 sharks & rays, 10 other, 10 seagrass & algae, 9 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species