Capernwray – Best Northwest Dive and Training Location
Crystal-clear waters at Capernwray Quarry, perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike.
Whether you're a seasoned diver or just starting your underwater journey, Capernwray Quarry in Carnforth, Lancashire, is the go-to destination for scuba enthusiasts in the northwest. Just off junction 35 of the M6, this former limestone quarry has become a legendary inland dive site and for good reason.
With top-tier facilities, diverse aquatic life, and quirky underwater attractions, Capernwray offers more than just a dive – it's a full-day adventure that has welcomed over 50,000 divers since opening.
Why Capernwray Is the Go-To Dive Site in the Northwest
Unbeatable access, facilities, and a community feel
Capernwray, officially known as Jackdaw Quarry, has transformed into a diving haven. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Superb visibility – Often reaching 10m+ depending on the season
- Diver-friendly layout – Platforms for training, shallow entry points, and clear signage
- Accessible all year – Rain or shine, the site remains open and welcoming
Facilities on-site include:
- Clean toilets and changing facilities
- Café/restaurant serving hot and cold food all day
- Servicing and air fills on site
- A fully stocked dive shop
- Kit hire available for all levels
- Even fish food for the resident trout and sturgeon
Whether you’re coming for a course, a fun dive, or just a swim, Capernwray has everything to keep your day running smoothly.
Fun Fact
Capernwray is one of the few inland sites where you can spot massive sturgeon cruising alongside sunken aircraft and boats.
Underwater attractions at Capernwray include sunken aircraft, boats, and even a gnome garden! (Credit: Graeme Parker)
Explore Capernwray's Unique Underwater Attractions
Wrecks, helicopters, gnome gardens, and more
Capernwray isn't just a training site it's an underwater treasure hunt packed with military relics, sunken vessels, training caves, and playful surprises. Visibility is often excellent, with easy navigation and helpful buoy markers guiding you through this submerged theme park.
Underwater Attractions Map (Credit: Capernwray)
Here are some of the standout attractions:
Wrecks and Boats
- PODSNAP – A 1944 Dickens Class Harbour Minesweeper, 50ft long, lying on her side in 18m. A must-see dive.
- Dreamer – One of the original wrecks, located in 8m near the training area.
- African Queen – Film-inspired and set on a slope in 12m of water.
- Gypsy Moth – Modeled after the famous yacht from Sir Francis Chichester's voyage, resting at 17m.
- Candida II – A quiet, less-visited wreck on the far side at 18m. Great viz and solitude.
- Orca – The newest wreck, a longer swim but usually surrounded by shoals of roach.
Aircraft and Helicopters
- Wessex Dragonfly Helicopter – Built in 1943, sits atop the underwater cave in 14m.
- New Wessex Helicopter – Bright yellow and much larger, mounted on a container at 15m. Unmissable.
Training & Specialist Zones
- Novice Training Area – Two suspended platforms (2m and 6m) in a safely buoyed area.
- The Cave – A converted container simulating overhead environments, great for lining-out practice.
- The Sump – Deepest spot in the quarry at 20m, marked by a large plastic goose.
- The Jetty – Dual piers for deep-water entries, perfect for boat dive simulations.
Quirky Additions
- The Gnome Garden – A whimsical secret hidden beneath the surface. Find it if you can!
- Lord Lucan and Shergar – Two fibreglass horses from Blackpool Pleasure Beach, submerged for you to ride.
- The Cannon – A relic placed at 18m depth. Easy to miss, fun to find.
Whether you’re a beginner or tech diver, there’s something for every level at every depth.
Top Dive Challenge
Try to find all the wrecks, both helicopters, the cannon, and the gnome garden in one day Capernwray’s version of an underwater scavenger hunt!
Hawker Siddeley 748 (Credit: Graeme Parker)
Helicopter (Credit: Graeme Parker)
Thunderbirds 4 (Credit: Graeme Parker)
Capernwray's gnome garden (Credit: Graeme Parker)
Diving Bell (Credit: Graeme Parker)
Podsnap 50ft Boat (Credit: Graeme Parker)
Capernwray’s Freshwater Wildlife
Sturgeon, trout, roach, and one mysterious eel
Capernwray is home to one of the most vibrant freshwater ecosystems you’ll find at any UK dive site. Between dives on aircraft and wrecks, you’ll likely be swimming among some surprisingly large and surprisingly friendly fish.
- Roach and Perch – These schooling fish hang out near platforms and wrecks, adding life and motion to every dive.
- Trout – Large and inquisitive, often approaching divers closely especially if you’ve bought some fish food from the shop.
- Sturgeon – Capernwray’s celebrities. Several sturgeon, including two over 6ft long, patrol the quarry. Keep an eye out for the striking albino sturgeon.
- The Eel – Sightings are rare, but stories abound. Ask a regular about the elusive Capernwray eel you might just be lucky enough to spot it.
Whether you're practicing skills or just exploring, keep your camera handy. The local residents are anything but shy.
Capernwray Sturgon (Credit: Graeme Parker)
Capernwray Trout (Credit: Graeme Parker)
Capernwray Trout (Credit: Graeme Parker)
Staying Overnight? Check These Spots
If you're travelling from further afield, why not make a weekend of it? There are two standout options for staying right on the edge of the quarry:
- Jackdaw Quarry Retreat – A luxurious lodge with incredible quarry views.
- Jackdaw Quarry Lodge – Stylish and comfortable, perfect for divers looking to relax after a day underwater.
Waking up to misty quarry views and being just steps away from your next dive? Yes, please.
Jackdaw Quarry Retreat – tranquil and luxurious accommodation
Jackdaw Quarry Lodge – tranquil and luxurious accommodation
Best Practices for Visiting Capernwray
Tips Before You Go
- Book your spot online, especially on weekends.
- Arrive early to grab good parking and set up calmly.
- Bring layers – the weather can change quickly in Lancashire.
- Plan for multiple dives – there’s plenty to explore.
- Bring a logbook – Capernwray is a memorable one to add.
Safety and Training
- Capernwray is ideal for open water training and skill refreshers.
- The site is well-patrolled and has trained surface staff.
- Emergency O2 is available on site.
- Remember: always dive within your limits and communicate clearly with your buddy.
Safety First
Even though it’s an inland site, always follow safe diving procedures. Cold water and depth can challenge even experienced divers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Capernwray
How much does it cost to dive at Capernwray? Day diving fees vary by season, but expect around £15-25 per day. Annual memberships offer better value for regular visitors. Check their website for current pricing.
What's the water temperature like? Capernwray's water temperature ranges from 4-6°C in winter to 18-20°C in summer. A dry suit is recommended year-round, though experienced divers use thick wetsuits in summer.
Can beginners dive at Capernwray? Absolutely! Capernwray is one of the UK's premier training sites. The novice area has platforms at 2m and 6m depth, perfect for Open Water courses and skill development.
Do I need to book in advance? Booking is recommended, especially on weekends and during summer. Walk-ins are often accommodated, but guaranteed entry requires advance booking online.
What depths can I expect? The quarry reaches a maximum depth of 20m at "The Sump." Most attractions are between 8-18m, with shallow training areas from 2-6m.
Is there parking available? Yes, Capernwray has ample on-site parking. Arriving early ensures you get a spot close to the facilities, especially on busy weekends.
Capernwray is more than just a quarry it's a community hub, a training ground, and a freshwater escape. Whether you're diving with friends, earning your certification, or feeding giant fish, there’s something magical about this northwest gem.
Pack your gear, bring your appetite, and make a day (or weekend) of it.
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About the Author
Adam Silvester
Advanced Scuba Diver & Divers Buddy Founder (100+ Dives)
Adam Silvester is an Advanced Scuba Diver and passionate explorer with a deep love for technology. Whether he's diving into the ocean's depths or exploring the latest innovations in tech, Adam brings curiosity and enthusiasm to everything he does. With a unique perspective shaped by adventure and discovery, he writes to inspire others to push boundaries both above and below the surface.