NORMANBY HALL

Protected Area

Cloghfin Port

Why dive here

With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - NORMANBY HALL 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 · max 11m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

The *Normanby Hall* isn’t a grand, intact wreck, and that’s precisely why we love it. Sunk in 1965, this former coaster, originally named *Empire Rancher*, now lies in around 11 metres, scattered but incredibly atmospheric. We’ve found her a fantastic spot for a relaxed dive, especially when the light filters down through the Northumberland water. What you'll find here are the distributed remains: plating, ribs, and machinery, all well-colonised. We spend our time poking around the debris field, imagining the vessel’s working life. Look closely and you’ll spot crabs tucked into every crevice, blennies darting between the metal, and often good-sized pollack lurking in the bigger sections. It’s a photographer's playground, particularly for macro shots, with an interesting mix of industrial history and thriving marine life. The relatively shallow depth means plenty of bottom time, making it ideal for those looking for a longer, more contemplative dive rather than a quick penetration. It's a proper wreck diver's wreck, even in its broken state.