The Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast offer some of England's best marine-wildlife diving, famous above all for diving with grey seals.
What to expect
Cold, clear water around rocky islands with kelp, gullies and a large grey-seal colony that often comes to investigate divers. Diving is boat-based from Seahouses, with conditions suiting reasonably experienced divers. The seal encounters are the real draw.
Getting there car-free
The nearest stations are Chathill and Alnmouth on the East Coast Main Line, then on to Seahouses for the dive boats.
What is the highlight?
Diving with the grey seals, which are curious and often playful around divers.
When is the best time to dive here?
Summer to autumn for the best seal activity and visibility.
