The sunken Scylla is the UK’s first artificial reef created in 2004 and a few weeks ago I was lucky enough to enjoy a dive there.

I dived with BSAC (the British Sub Aqua Club) after being recommended by a friend who told me that I could join BSAC no matter where or who I had originally trained with. After a few weekends in my local swimming pool refreshing my skills I finally was able two join my local BSAC branch who just happened to be planning their trip down to Plymouth a few weeks later.

The dive was great and it was such an enjoyable experience to spend a day with a group of active, adventurous people all around my own age and all on hand to support me with my dive.

Once in the sea the sunken Scylla was breathtaking. Although originally an artificial reef there is now an abundance of colourful, lively marine life at this site and I could have been entertained for hours. There was perfect visibility and I was able to spot sea urchins, reefs, corals, crabs and much much more. I’m not sure of all the correct names but it was definitely a bright and interesting show that was easily on par with the few dives I have done abroad in the past.

If you want more information on BSAC and diving in the UK it’s definitely worth visiting their website www.bsac.com I’ve been doing a bit of research and they literally have branches all over the country with the joining fee being from as little as £10 I think. A club well worth joining – especially if you want to try something new this Summer without having to even leave the country.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

A view to brighten up even the dullest day. Great to run to in the early morning to free your mind. Stunning on a sunny day when chilling out on the grass with friends and family. Bracing on a wild and windy day. Strangely magical on a wet and blustery day! Always something to see, always something to do and plenty to think about. A great space to chill out in or to be active in.

PL1 2NZ - approximately

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Langage Farm have their own herd of Jersey cows, which they milk to make all sorts of yummy dairy things, but most especially the best ice cream ever!

They've got about 20 flavours, including cointreau and chocolate, ginger and apple and blackberry crumble.

www.langagefarm.com
You can visit the farm in Smithaleigh, PL7 5AY, just off the A38 or for a more scenic ice cream opportunity they have a van on the road that circles the Hoe in Plymouth itself.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

A wonderful literary and arts festival from July 21-23 in the blissful grounds of Port Eliot House, a stately home just over the Devon/Cornwall border. Starting next weekend, it's got two areas dedicated to children with storytelling and activities for younger children and a special area for teenagers with slam poetry and VJ workshops (whatever they may be).

I went last year with my kids and they loved it, and I loved it because it felt wonderfully safe and they could have a good run around in between laughing their socks off and being vaguely educated!

We camped in the grounds, lots of space and lots of other kids around. Personally I'm looking forward to seeing Hanif Kureishi and Martin Parr, but that all depends if I can extract the kids from the kids area for long enough!

Great organic breakfasts and lots of Cornish treats. If I could I would've tried out the massage teepee, but well, that never happens does it?

St Germans, Saltash, Cornwall
Nearest station: Liskeard or St Germans (change at Plymouth)
www.porteliotlitfest.com
01503 232783

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends