Why We Train at Vobster

We use Vobster Quay as one of our primary training venues because it genuinely works for divers at every stage, from complete beginners getting comfortable in open water for the first time, right through to more experienced divers building depth and skills.

The site covers 36 acres of freshwater with depths ranging from 6 to 34 metres , which means we can run qualification dives, depth progressions, and skills sessions all in the same place. There’s also a sheltered pool area separate from the main lake — ideal for early lessons and practising drills before heading into deeper water.

Conditions are predictable, which matters when you’re training. The water comes from an underground spring, and surface temperature, visibility and lake conditions are measured daily . You’re not turning up and hoping for the best.

What’s Underwater

This is where Vobster really sets itself apart from a blank training lake. Beneath the surface you’ll find everything from the fuselage of an ex-Royal Navy Commando Sea King Helicopter to a British Army Armoured Personnel Carrier and a 15-metre shipwreck. There are also former quarry buildings including a crushing works structure the size of a two-storey house, and a concrete-lined subterranean tunnel .

For trainees, this means your open water dives aren’t just skills exercises, there’s genuinely interesting stuff to explore between drills. It makes a big difference to how much people enjoy their training.

Facilities On-Site

Vobster has on-site food, gas supply, equipment hire and a small dive shop . Everything runs through a simple tab syste, you check in, get a wristband, and settle up at the end of the day. It’s well organised and means you’re not fumbling about with payments between dives.

Heated changing rooms, toilet facilities and plenty of parking  round things off nicely. The kitting up benches are close to the water entry points, which makes life easier when you’re loaded up with gear.

Courses We Run at Vobster

We head to Vobster for a range of training, including:

• Open Water qualifications — completing the open water dives required for your first certification
• Skills and depth progression — building on your qualification dives with Advanced Open Water training to 20m and 30m
• Rescue Diver and specialist courses — the variety of depth and structures makes it ideal for more advanced training scenarios
• Refresher dives — if you’ve had time out of the water, Vobster is a reliable, controlled environment to get back up to speed

Planning Your Visit

Vobster Quay is located near Mells, Somerset, roughly equidistant from Frome and Radstock. It’s a manageable drive from London, across the South West and beyond. All visitors must pre-book in advance via the online portal if you’re joining us on a Big Squid training day, we’ll handle the group booking for you.

If you’re travelling from further afield, there’s accommodation nearby including the Vobster Inn just down the road and various B&Bs and hotels in Frome.

Book a Course

Ready to get in the water? Get in touch with us to find out when our next Vobster training dates are and how to join a course. Whether you’re brand new to diving or working towards your next qualification, we’ll find the right session for you.

Looking for more information about Vobster Quay? Visit vobster.com for site details, opening times and membership options.