stoney cove diving

Stoney Cove

About

Stoney Cove

Shipwrecks, aquatic wildlife and scuba diving, all in the most landlocked county in the UK? Leicestershire is home to the UK’s National Diving Centre where you can learn to scuba dive, explore a 16th century wreck, or just enjoy dinner by the water.

Stoney Cove may be one of the UK’s most unique diving centres, located as it is in landlocked Leicestershire, but it is so much more than that. A place to eat, to walk, to relax, this former stone quarry was allowed to fill with natural spring water and became an amateur diver’s mecca.

Today, guided by experts, beginners through to experienced divers can explore the 35 metre deep lake. Each level of dive has its own secrets to discover, from the cockpit of a Viscount plane and a Dutch tugboat through to an armoured personnel carrier and diving bell. There is also an abundance of marine wildlife, including pike, perch and crayfish. The area has also become popular with wild swimmers

If diving isn’t your thing you can still enjoy a meal in Nemo’s restaurant and take in the beautiful surroundings of Stoney Cove without ever getting your feet wet, but they do welcome divers of all levels, from first timers to seasoned experts.

Add Stoney Cove to your Itinerary

Visitor Details

Key Information

Sapcote Road, Stoney Stanton, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE9 4DW

Tel: 01455 273089

Opening Times

Opening Times: (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday08:30 - 16:00

TripAdvisor

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Map & Directions

Facilities

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  • Uncover the story - Leicestershire may be landlocked but that doesn’t stop it from being the home of the UK’s National Diving Centre. Natural freshwater springs at Stoney Cove diving lake provide the clear waters that enable divers to explore its incredible underwater world. <hr> Amongst its many “wrecks” waiting to be discovered are Stanegarth, the UK’s largest inland shipwreck, a Nautilus submarine, tugboat Defiant and the trawler Belinda. <hr> Even more remarkable is the fact that Stoney Cove is the only place in the world where underwater archaeologists and divers can experience a real Elizabethan shipwreck inland. The 16th century Gresham shipwreck was recovered from the Thames Estuary and relocated to a shallow underwater ledge at Stoney Cove, just as it was when originally lost at sea. <hr> It’s not just wrecks divers can see at Stoney Cove though. Its spring waters provide the perfect habitat for many forms of aquatic life including a sizeable population of large Pike that have achieved celebrity status thanks to their regular appearances on TV wildlife programmes. <hr> Almost anyone can have a go at scuba diving at Stoney Cove and, if they enjoy it, can go on to learn the skills they need to become a qualified underwater explorer or even a professional diver. Courses suit all abilities and beginners with ‘learn to dive’ on their bucket lists are particularly welcome with all equipment provided. Let this Leicestershire Dive School be your classroom for holiday diving experiences abroad or a gateway into a new sport. <hr> Back on the shore, the view across the lake is outstanding and the terrace at Nemo's Bar and Restaurant, at the Eastern end of the lake, is the perfect place to eat, drink and be entertained by swooping peregrine falcons. On a sunny day it feels like the seaside!

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking

Accreditations & Awards

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