Wreck of Solway Queen - Northumberland & Northeast

We’ve spent our fair share of time shivering our way into drysuits on the Northumberland coast, and the Solway Queen is always a strong contender for a dive day. It’s not a deep dive, making it accessible for most, but the character of this wreck is what keeps us coming back. You’ll drop down onto a scattered remains of a paddle steamer, the stern section often the most intact, with ribs reaching up like skeletal fingers into the green North Sea light. The bow is a bit more broken up, but still holds plenty to poke around in, especially with a good torch. What we love about the Solway Queen is how well it’s integrated with the environment. It’s absolutely covered in plumose anemones, creating these soft, undulating white carpets, a striking contrast to the dark metal. We always find plenty of wrasse darting in and out of the plating, and if you’re patient, you might spot a ling tucked away in a crevice. It’s a superb dive for those who enjoy exploring history and finding life thriving where it shouldn’t. Visibility can be a typical North Sea affair, so aim for slack tide on a neap to get the best views.

Location

Northumberland & Northeast, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

54.835308, -5.460094

Type

wreck

Marine Protected Area: Cloghfin Port