WATER LILY - Northumberland & Northeast

The Water Lily wreck sits in a manageable 11 metres, making it a cracking dive for almost anyone. We love this old sailing vessel for its accessible history, the kind you can actually touch. Built of wood back in 1871, she went down in 1899 after a run-in with the SS Rebecca, and you can still see the bulk of her timber frames, often draped in long strands of kelp that sway with the gentle surge. It’s not a deep dive, so you get plenty of bottom time to really poke around. Our favourite part is navigating the skeletal remains, imagining the deck above, and finding the shy crabs tucked into crevices. You'll likely spot blennies peeking from holes, and the occasional curious dogfish might glide past. Visibility in Northumberland can be a bit of a lottery, but on a good day, with a bit of sunshine filtering down, the light plays beautifully through the kelp forest that’s grown up around her. We'd suggest checking the tides; slack water gives you the best chance to really explore without fighting any current. It's a proper piece of maritime history, brought to life by the marine growth that's made it home.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

53.484970, -3.082453

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

11m

Marine Protected Area: Ravenmeols Hills