Logistics · Country Guide
Cold-water wrecks, kelp forests, and seal encounters across four coasts
Updated Dec 7, 2025 • 12 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
The UK is easy to reach and easy to route, but your dive coast choice matters. Use London airports for nationwide connections, Manchester for the North and Wales, and Scottish gateways for faster access to islands and wreck regions. For Orkney and Shetland, consider flying to Kirkwall or Sumburgh or using northern ferry routes with pre-booked cabins in busy months.
London Heathrow Airport
LHR • EGLL
25 km • 25 km drive to central London
Main global gateway with fast rail and domestic connections, practical for any UK region with a train or short hop flight.
Transport: Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line, London Underground, Airport taxis, Car rentals
Manchester Airport
MAN • EGCC
15 km • 15 km drive to Manchester
Gateway for North West England, North Wales, and easy rail links toward the North East coast and Scotland.
Transport: Trains to Manchester and beyond, Airport taxis, Car rentals
Edinburgh Airport
EDI • EGPH
13 km • 13 km tram or drive to Edinburgh
Best single gateway for Scotland's east coast, the Central Belt, and road access to the Borders and St. Abbs.
Transport: Tram to city, Airport buses, Car rentals
Rail is excellent between major cities, but most dive days are easier with a car for early tides and rural slipways. On islands and remote coasts, book rental cars early in summer and confirm fuel availability on Sundays. Domestic flights help for long north-south jumps, while ferries are essential for Orkney, Shetland, and many Scottish islands.
Entry rules depend on nationality. Many visa-exempt visitors now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel, while others need a visa. An ETA is typically for visits up to 6 months and is linked digitally to your passport. Check requirements on GOV.UK before booking, especially if you plan to transit through UK border control.
Most coastal hubs have dive shops for rentals and servicing, but drysuit sizing and availability can be limited in peak season. If you travel with cameras, pack spare O-rings and charging solutions; UK accommodations often have limited drying space. Flying with cylinders is generally impractical; rent locally and confirm valve and hose compatibility with your operator.
Pound sterling (GBP)
Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in cities and most coastal hubs. Cash is still handy for small car parks, slipways, and some harbor services in remote areas.
ATMs are common in towns and cities. On islands and small coastal villages, expect fewer machines and occasional outages, so carry a backup card and some cash.
230V • 50Hz • G
Most accommodations use UK Type G sockets. Boats may have limited charging points, so bring a compact power strip and label chargers.
Communications
Mobile coverage is strong in most populated areas, but patchy on remote coasts and some islands. Download tide tables, maps, and emergency numbers for offline use. eSIMs and prepaid SIMs are easy to buy, and Wi-Fi is common in accommodations.
Language
English is the main language nationwide. You will also see Welsh in Wales and Gaelic in parts of Scotland. Dive briefings and signage in tourist areas are straightforward for English speakers.
Insurance
Carry travel insurance that covers diving and any planned depth, plus medical evacuation and chamber treatment. If you plan cold-water technical dives, confirm coverage for the specific gases and overhead environments (if any). Do not rely on standard travel insurance exclusions.
Packing list