HMS Falmouth

Protected Area

Withow Gap, Skipsea

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - HMS Falmouth offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeDolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) and Orcas · 118+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The HMS Falmouth. What a ship she was, and what a dive she offers now. We love a good cruiser wreck, and this Weymouth-class light cruiser, sunk by a mine in 1918, is particularly special. Lying in the often-turbulent waters off Flamborough Head, the Falmouth sits broken but still recognisable, especially the stern section with its impressive propeller. It's not a shallow dive, and you'll need good conditions to really appreciate her, but when the visibility opens up, it’s a truly atmospheric exploration. You can trace the deck guns, now encrusted with colourful anemones and dead man’s fingers. Conger eels are a common sight, peeking out from darkened compartments, and the whole structure buzzes with fish life. Look for schools of juvenile pollock darting through the superstructure. It's a dive for experienced wreck enthusiasts who appreciate history and don't mind a bit of a challenge. Our favourite part is navigating the internal sections when the currents allow, feeling the sheer scale of this once-mighty warship. Just be sure to time your dive around slack water; those North Sea currents can be fierce.