Black Knights Skydiving Centre

Black Knights Skydiving Centre: tandem skydiving and training in Lancashire

Black Knights Skydiving Centre is a skydiving centre located on Hillam Lane, Cockerham, in Lancashire. The company states it is the longest-running active skydiving centre in the country, with over 50 years in operation, and presents itself as the centre with the highest tandem skydive in the United Kingdom, at 15,000 feet.

Its team of instructors is qualified by British Skydiving, the organisation to which the centre is affiliated. The facility is about 15 minutes from Lancaster and Blackpool, in the northwest of England, with quick access from the M6 motorway for those arriving from Manchester or Liverpool.

Tandem skydives from three altitudes

The main activity is tandem freefall skydives, available at three heights. The 7,500-foot skydive is offered as an introductory option and is the lowest; the 11,000-foot one is presented as an intermediate alternative; and the 15,000-foot one is marketed as the highest tandem skydive in the United Kingdom. According to the site's catalogue, starting prices are £150 for the 7,500-foot skydive, £219 for the 11,000-foot one and £244 for the 15,000-foot one.

On the 15,000-foot skydive, the website states that freefall reaches speeds of up to 120 mph for almost a minute before the parachute opens. No previous experience is required to do a tandem skydive.

Skydiving courses and progression

The centre runs structured training courses for different levels of ambition, from an introductory jump to progression towards the first solo freefall jump. The offering includes accelerated freefall (AFF) courses, which take place throughout the year. There is also a specific section for experienced skydivers.

Freefall photography

The centre offers freefall photography packages to document the experience. According to the website, there are two options available to capture the jump, designed for sharing the activity with family and friends.

Charity jumps

Black Knights works with various charities in the northwest of England. Through charity jumps, the company states it has helped raise tens of thousands of pounds over the years. The website allows you to sign up for this type of charity jump.

Team and facilities

The centre's team includes tandem instructors, camera staff, pilots, packers and coaches, as well as an office team. The staff is presented with names such as Nick, Nate, Dean, Paul and Alan among the instructors; Jack, Alessio and Ben on the camera team; Paul and Ryan as pilots; Brik and Natalie as packers; and Lauren, Alex and Natalie in the office. The facilities have a dropzone and a weather consultation service.

Surroundings and access

The centre is located in Cockerham, Lancashire, a short distance from Lancaster and Blackpool. The location is designed to facilitate access from the M6, allowing quick arrival from Manchester or Liverpool. The website recommends entering the postcode LA2 0DY into your browser to reach the facility.

Location and contact

Hillam Lane, Cockerham Lancashire, LA2 0DY · Phone: 01524 791820 · Email: skydive@bkpc.co.uk