OLD ENGLAND
Protected Area
Mersey Narrows and North Wirral Foreshore
Why dive here
With 118+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and orcas - OLD ENGLAND offers some of Northumberland & Northeast's richest wreck diving.
Old England, now that’s a site we always enjoy. It’s a very shallow wreck, barely deeper than a bathtub, honestly. But don’t let that fool you. This old barge, driven ashore on Burbo Bank way back in 1900, is now a magnet for all sorts of curious critters. We love hovering over the broken hull, watching tiny scorpionfish try their best camouflage act against the rust-red plates. You’ll find its bones spread across the sand, a skeletal outline of its former self. It’s less about penetration here and more about a slow, deliberate explore of the nooks and crannies. We often spot blennies peeking out from under corroded girders, their comical eyes following your every move. It’s a fantastic site for photographers, especially macro enthusiasts, as the light penetration is incredible and the resident gobies are usually quite obliging models. The current can pick up a bit, so we’d suggest timing your visit for slack tide, making it a calm, easy drift over the remains. It's a proper British classic, proving you don’t need depth for character.
Typical OLD ENGLAND Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Nearest Dive Centres to OLD ENGLAND
Dive shops near OLD ENGLAND
Aquaventurers
Blue Planet Aquarium
Delph Watersports Centre
Shipmates
Fins Scuba
Blackpool Area Diving Centre
Reviews for OLD ENGLAND
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for OLD ENGLAND
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