Eccleston Quarry facts for kids

Eccleston Quarry, also known as Eccleston Delph or Eccy Delph, is a popular spot for scuba diving. It is located about a mile south of Eccleston, Lancashire. This place used to be a stone quarry that later filled up with water. Divers love to explore it. The water used to be very murky, but it has gotten much clearer since 2010. Ropes are placed underwater to help divers find their way around.

History of Eccleston Quarry

Long ago, a man named Mr. Hurst owned this quarry. About 12 people worked there. They dug out stone used to build the Blackpool Promenade. Thin pieces of stone were also used as slates for roofs nearby. The quarry was also called Hurst House Delph and Marsden's Quarry.

During World War II, a government department paid someone to keep the quarry dry by pumping out water. This was because the owner and staff were away. After the war, the payments stopped, and the pump was no longer used. Over time, the quarry filled up with groundwater.

For a long time, after it flooded, it was an unofficial place for scuba diving. The back of the quarry had a steep cliff. There were only a few small buildings. One was a stone hut near the entrance. Another was a machinery shed that went underwater when the quarry flooded. The metal walls of this shed rusted away, leaving only its metal frame.

Around the year 2000, the quarry was pumped dry. Workers removed over 250 old cars and lots of rubbish. The area was then cleaned up and redesigned. It was refilled with water, and new buildings were constructed for a scuba diving centre. Many interesting objects were placed underwater for divers to explore.

What Can You Find at Eccleston Delph?

Eccleston Delph has many helpful things for divers and visitors. There is a cafe where you can get food and drinks. There is also a shop, changing rooms, and a swimming pool. You can rent diving equipment and get your air tanks filled. There is also a training room for lessons.

Getting into the Water

There are many easy ways to get into and out of the water. Some spots have concrete ramps, which are like slipways. Other spots have strong steel steps that are easy on your fins. Most entry points have railings with chains to help you.

Underwater Fun

Divers can explore many cool things underwater at Eccleston Delph. You can find speedboats, a Jet Provost airplane, armoured personnel carriers, and even a light tank. There are also large containers, a concrete tube, a gnome garden, and a playground.

For training, there are special platforms at different depths. These platforms are from 3 meters to 9 meters deep. All the underwater features are marked by buoys on the surface.

Fish and Wildlife

The Delph has many different kinds of fish. You can see large koi carp and other fish. You can even buy bags of food to feed the fish! However, fishing is not allowed here.

Filming Location

Eccleston Delph has even been used for filming! An episode of the TV show Coronation Street was filmed here. In that episode, a car almost fell into the water but was stopped by some bushes.

Images for kids

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  View of the new buildings from the car park

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  View along the length of the quarry from the car park

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  View towards the cliff

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  New rock exposure where a path was made, probably New Red Sandstone