National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth: everything you need to know
What better place to go when you want to dodge the rain than under the sea? OK, not really. But the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is the next best thing and holds the rather impressive title of being the largest aquarium in the UK.
Not only is the NMA a top place to go on a wet day in Devon, it’s also open all year round giving you an easy option to entertain your family whatever the season. Oh, and visit once and you have free reentry for a whole 12 months! Jawsome!! #Sorry
So, if you fancy immersing yourself in Devon’s marine world, here’s my guide to visiting the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth based on multiple visits from when our children were toddlers to teens.
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About Plymouth’s aquarium
The National Marine Aquarium is one of those places you could keep going back to again and again. I’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve been to this charity-run attraction.
The enormous tanks showcase species from UK waters, as well as the Atlantic Ocean and Great Barrier Reef, and are changing all the time. That’s not to mention a calendar packed with events to coincide with school holidays.
Things to see and do at the National Marine Aquarium
Here’s some of the things you can see and do at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth:
The UK’s deepest aquarium tank
Take a seat in front of the glass of this gigantic curved window into the UK’s deepest and largest aquarium tank. At times it’s up for debate who was watching who.
The giant sting rays glide across the glass, while the sharks slide cooly through the water seemingly observing you with their beady eyes. You might also spot ‘Friday’ the Green Turtle.
Interactive exhibits
There’s just the right balance of interactive exhibits to go along with the huge tanks where you observe the sea life.
There are bulbous windows that allow children to listen to the sounds of the ocean inside and interactive displays that teach you about the important role of sea grass in the underwater ecosystem.
There’s plenty of steps and blocks for young children to stand on so they can see into tanks and get a good view of feeding times.
Find out even more about the four ocean zones and everything there is to do on the National Marine Aquarium’s website.
Talks and special events
As well as wandering around the UK’s largest aquarium at your own pace you can also see several daily shows and talks.
If you have older kids then I’d recommend trying to plan these into your day to get the most out of your experience. You can find out the timings for these in advance by taking a look at the aquarium’s website.
During the school holidays there’s often special activities including live shows, crafts, weekend workshops and hands-on activities with Ocean Discovery Rangers.
Handy things to know
Here’s some more handy things to know ahead of visiting:
How long do you need to visit the National Marine Aquarium?
We have visited a several times and spent different periods of time looking around ranging from an hour to three. It all depends on our kids’ attention spans on the day and whether there are other activities happening.
The good thing is you have the option to visit again for free if you do whistle around.
Does Plymouth Aquarium have sharks?
Yes, it has a few. You can see Sandbar Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Sand Tiger Sharks and Zebra Sharks. Don’t miss the Demi-Tunnel where you can see the sharks swimming past and above you.
What age is the Aquarium best for?
As I mentioned earlier, we first visited when our daughters were toddlers and most recently when they were in their early teens.
Of course they read the displays in more detail and had a better understanding of the conservation work as teens than when they were tiny. However, the spectacle of the Aquarium – the large tanks, colourful fish and being able to come face-to-face with creatures from story books is a hit at any age.
Many of the tanks are low level, making it easy for little ones to see in. You can also borrow a step – there’s a pile of them when you walk into the Plymouth Sound zone.
The amount of time you spend at the Aquarium will be dictated by your child’s attention span. But the 12 month membership means you can return again to make the most of your admission.
Facilities at the aquarium
The aquarium has its own cafe, Waves. This is situated on the first floor of the aquarium and has panoramic views out over Sutton Harbour, the Barbican and Plymouth Sound. It’s a great location. There’s plenty of child-friendly snacks and meal options for under £5.
You can also bring a picnic – there’s an outdoor picnic area for visitors.
The aquarium is pushchair and wheelchair accessible. It is laid out over three levels with ramps and lifts giving everyone access. Find out more about accessibility at the NMA.
Where is the National Marine Aquarium?
You’ll spot brown signs pointing you in the direction of the aquarium all around Plymouth. Here’s where to find it:
National Marine Aquarium parking
The Aquarium is right beside Sutton Harbour and does not have its own car park. The closest place to park is Harbour Car Park: 1 Lockyers Quay, Plymouth PL4 0RA. This is a short walk away.
This is a Pay By Phone car park. Download the app before you arrive or pay by card at the machines in the car park.
The Aquarium recommends that you allow up to three hours parking for a visit.
National Marine Aquarium prices
It’s recommended that you book your tickets and arrival time online in advance of your visit as the aquarium has limited capacity. It is particularly busy on wet days.
There are two tickets price tiers depending on the time of year you make your initial visit.
Whenever you visit your ticket is then valid for revisiting for free as many times as you like within 12 months. Your return visits must also be booked online.
For the most up to date ticket and booking information see the NMA website. Under 3s are free.
More things to do in Plymouth
Here’s some more attractions to visit in Plymouth:
Take a look at my full guide to things to do in Plymouth with kids.
You might also like my guides to the things to do in South Devon and Dartmoor as well as the seaside towns of Salcombe, Dartmouth, Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.
Bored kids?
Cappy the Crab’s Devon Activity Book is a digital download packed with puzzles, games and creative sheets to keep your kids entertained during holidays and at home.
RRP: £5.50
wow this post has made me want to go Plymouth this weekend with my god son. pictures look amazing.
My oldest would love this aquarium. And it’s pretty impressive that it’s the largest in the UK. #citytripping
I’ve (very recently) become a huge fan of aquariums. The Plymouth aquarium looks amazing, especially for keeping the kids entertained. That photo of your daughter and the turtle is just awesome. I love that they seem to really have thought about ways to engage kids but not at the expense of entertaining adults as well. #CityTripping
We had such fun here when we visited, almost exactly a year ago on a torrentially wet day – the doodle pads were a massive hit with my daughter as well. We weren’t the only ones with the idea of hiding from the rain but it was well worth the queue.
I’ve heard good things about this aquarium although have yet to go. The interactive exhibits sound fun as well as educational and the doodle pad would be a hit with my daughter too. Thanks for sharing on #citytripping
I’ve been here and it really is an incredible place for fish lovers! Thanks for spreading the word, they are one of the UK’s best instititions for raising money for conservation.