Beadnell is one of the most popular bases on the North East coast for diving clubs exploring the wrecks in and around the Farne Islands. The Bishop Auckland Sub-Aqua Club (a few are them pictured left) are regular visitors. Mark Knox from the club writes:

Beadnell - our second home!
"Bishop Auckland Sub Aqua Club has been in existence since 1970 and over the years has made strong ties with the local divers and fishermen wholive there; most well known are the likes of Selby Brown and Stan Hall. Back in the 70's divers within the club were amongst the first to find wrecks and dive them from the Farne Islands down as far as Amble in depths ranging from 20 - 70m! Since then the dive sites have remained, but the condition of many have deteriorated through passage of time or through salvage operations. However the quantity and quality of dive sites has always been excellent and this is the major attraction to the club members as well as others further afield. Whether you are diving on a reef or wreck you can be presented with visibility of 20m in the height of the summer which is comparable with sites abroad (with a little less sunshine).

The club has always based itself in Beadnell over its history by tent or caravan and many individuals are well known, for good reasons I may add. Popular excursions involve scenic dives at the Farnes with the seals at Longstone with lunch in the presence of Longstone Lighthouse and the history it holds, or on one of the most well known wrecks - SS Somali, which although heavily salvaged still presents a fantastic dive and is only 1.5 miles offshore from Beadnell. The dive boats can be seen congregating preparing for the mass onslaught of divers on the Somali (10-20 boats is not uncommon) at slack water which occurs approx.1.5 hours after high or low tide at Beadnell. All diving is evident on the club websites photo gallery, which has everything from diving on reefs, wrecks and night dives!

The village of Beadnell has changed slightly over the period the club has used it as its second home, but only for the addition of more houses and changes in launch facilities. Originally boats were launched from the small slip opposite the campsite which involved a lot of hard work and can still take place with permission from the campsite operators. Luckily the present facilities at Beadnell harbour provide the ideal launching site. However now there are more dive boats and travelling dive parties from all over the country this facility is in urgent need of upgrade, to preserve the balance between local people, holiday makers and the divers as well as the local environment. Let's hope the interested parties along with the local authorities can ensure that many more people can enjoy the delights diving from Beadnell has to offer and the local economy requires by providing better facilities in the future. One fact can be guaranteed - Bishop Auckland Sub Aqua Club will continue to dive from Holy Island to Amble using Beadnell as its home. In the Summer with blue skies, clear water and white sandy beaches there is no better view coming back after a great day diving."

Mark Knox

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