museum · immersive experience · seaside attractions
National Marine Aquarium
A great rainy-day museum in Devon
Today: moderate rain · 16°C
A wet day — perfect for indoor exploration
Wet weather
A rainy-day pick
Setting
Indoor
Entry
Expensive
The National Marine Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the UK, located in Plymouth's historic waterfront. It showcases over 4,000 creatures across a series of immersive exhibits, including the stunning 'Ocean Deep' exhibit with a massive shark tank. Families can enjoy daily talks and feeding demonstrations, a touch pool where kids can handle starfish and crabs, and the 'Eddystone Reef' exhibit. Facilities include baby-changing areas, a café serving family-friendly meals, and a gift shop. The aquarium offers pushchair access throughout and discounted tickets for children under 3.
Highlights for families:
See giant green sea turtles and rays in the 'Ocean Deep' tank
Interactive touch pool sessions
Look out for diver-led feedings and talks
Indoor soft-play area for younger children
Buggy-friendly with lifts and ramps
What parents should know
The National Marine Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the UK, located in Plymouth's historic waterfront.
Value
Book tickets online in advance
Purchase tickets online before visiting to skip queues and often secure discounts, especially useful with younger children who get restless waiting.
Entertainment
Plan around feeding times and talks
Check the daily schedule for diver-led feeding demonstrations and talks – these are highlights that engage children and worth timing your visit around.
Entertainment
The touch pool needs planning
Touch pool sessions have limited capacity and set times. Arrive early or check schedules to avoid disappointment – toddlers especially love handling starfish and crabs.
Location and map
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