Suggestions please - Sept UK trip

[The Mushroom King]

Hello,

I'm hoping some of you can give me a few suggestions. I'll be travelling to the UK (Warwick area) this September and I think I can take an extra few days take in some of your diving.

But I haven't a clue on where to begin. I'll be travelling alone and won't be able to bring my kit, so I'd ideally like to find a place that can take care of my accommodations and diving and kit rental. I'd also prefer not to rent a car, ie travel by rail.

I'll be finished my business on September 9th, and would likely fly home a bit later in the week. So I'd be looking for something that can accommodate me during the week for 2, maybe 3 days.

I've heard Pembrokeshire might be a good choice.... is there anything closer to Warwick??

Can anyone suggest some areas to look at, or some specific dive operators that can accommodate me? any advice would be appreciated!

Cheers

[Edward]

Hi,

I see from your profile your based in Japan and new to diving.

Just a suggestion, but contact BSAC Japan, their Web site is http://bsac.jp and complete your training (to Sports Diver http://www.bsac.org/page/276/sports-diver.htm) before coming over in September.

If you PM me I have some contacts in W Wales who may be able to help you with your diving.

I'm based on the Scottish West Coast.

Regards

Edward

[michmoor]

West Wales is good, particularly Fishguard area.

But would also consider Plymouth, SW in general, good rail links and offers both wreck and scenic dives.

A internet search will indicate loads of operators, Mount Batten offers plenty of resources.

Hope this helps.

Michael Moore

[The Mushroom King]

Thanks for your suggestions. Its a starting place at any rate.

I'm based in Japan but not Japanese. Have only been diving for about six months now, but just completed my Rescue course (padi) and have been diving in cool water (14 degrees) using a dry suit. So, as long as I had a good local guide/buddy I think I could take in some UK diving!

Thanks for your Tips. Me and google have some work to do. I'll post back if I have some more questions (which I'm sure I wll have)

Cheers

[garethwoodruff]

Pembrooke is nice, but I suspect you will struggle to find boat based diving that will take place mid week through a school.

I would consider Plymouth. Lots of dive schools there or Portland in Dorset.

Both have a good mixture of wreck and scenic diving, and both have plenty to do in the area if the weather is inclement to dive. Booth have dives you can do if the weather is poor.

You can get close to both by train and Virgin Trains run services to both from the midlands, which you can pre book at save money in advance, if you know when you are travleing. You will need to go to Birmingham New street Station for Weymouth and Plymouth.

If your diving in the Uk, its common place to use a Delayed SMB, so I would suggest you make sure you are familiar with that bit of kit.

If you have any more questions, send me a PM.

Cheers,

Gareth.

[JamesW]

Hi I would say Portland is a good choice, try Fathom and Blues at Portland http://www.fathomandblues.co.uk/ right next door is a hotel.

Best of luck

James

[Ian@1904]

Contact West Wales Divers
http://www.westwalesdivers.co.uk/
This is a PADI dive school and will be able to handle your requirements
They will be able to arrange mid week diving-RIB and hardboat, air and nitrox fills. Might be best to bring your own drysuit.
I have used them once or twice :) over the years

[The Mushroom King]

HI,

After looking at the train schedules, looks like the Plymouth/Portland areas will be easier to get to than Wales. If I fly out of London, better still.

I contacted fathom and blues but they decided to ignore my mails. Any other suggestions on good outfits in the area?

Cheers

[Chris Cherrington]

In addition to the ones I suggested to you on ScubaBoard this is another worth a try.
http://www.weymouthdiving.com/

Chris