National Marine Aquarium

A truly beautiful experience and worth every penny. Friendly, cheerful staff and a calming environment of candles. It's amazing being able to hear some well known songs in a different way, the backdrop of the fish made it so much more magical. If your thinking about doing it, please please do!! It's worth every penny.

2nd visit to the Aquarium using our yearly tickets which is a good plus when the buy a ticket. No wait to enter. You start at the top and self guided tour. Good displays with good information about the creatures. Easily spend 2 hours in there plus more if you choose to have food which we didn't so cannot give you information on that. Very family orientated and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Large shop on exit with varying gifts, mementos for all budgets .

A great place to spend a bit of time mesmerised by tanks full of sea life while also learning about the great work being done to look after our seas. We also got to fee Friday the resident Green Turtle. To guided us through prepping Friday's food and helping with some enrichment exercises. A great experience well worth trying!

Visited the the National Marine Aquarium in October half term and it was really busy as you would expect. We were interested in visiting here as is billed as the country's largest aquarium, housing over 5,000 animals in four different areas of the building. It also boasts the UK's deepest fish tank that holds up to 2.5 million litres of water and it was officially opened in 1998. We had already booked tickets on line, but still had to queue 15 minutes to gain entry. The exhibits were nicely spaced out and you can view the enormous fish tank on the different floors. We probably spent a couple of hours before leaving. The staff were helpful and it supports a charity dedicated to marine conservation.

A great place to visit for young and old. You can spend a few hours just wandering around at your own pace looking at the vast array of fish, turtles and sharks. My children loved this place. This is my second time here and would definitely return for a third time.

We visited this place with our 5 year old son and were a bit disappointed that extra attractions, like soft play, were unavailable. We enjoyed the big aquarium and watching the team of reaserchers at the lab. If you have an autistic child like we do I'll advice you to be there first in the morning as it becomes busy later on. The tickets can be used for the whole day which is fantastic as we didn't have a chance to see everything in our first round. Our son just runs like a Flash😆 Lovely, friendly staff. X

I have read the reviews before I went to this aquarium so I knew what to expect. To be honest, the staff are quite friendly and helpful, and I wish I could give it a higher point, but the fish tanks are too small, and the so-called biggest fish tank could have come with a bit more fish or more impressive fish. I think perhaps because the major visitors of this aquarium are kids and their families these days, they stick too many stickers with words and scientific facts on the wall, yet put too few fish to see. The best room is the room with the lecture, the curvy glass helps us to see the animals more clearly. The lecturer was very enthusiastic when she talked about sharks, rays, and the green turtle. I do not mind that they make the Aquarium more educational, but I hope they prioritize the fish rather than people. Whether bigger or smaller fish, they need more space to swim. For the size and the reputation of this museum, they could have done better.

The most fantastic Aquarium I have ever been to which includes the largest fish tank in the UK. It even has a small sunken bi-plane within the tank, (which tells you how large we are talking here) The sharks, and massive sea turtle (called Friday) were incredible. I have not been to another aquarium in the UK that includes sharks! Staff have an incredible amount of knowledge about the animals in the aquarium all the way down to their behaviours and how each of them interact with the divers that feed them. At various points you get to see the divers go into the water. This is by far the largest and most impressive aquarium I have seen, if you are into your marine animals this opportunity is certainly not to be missed! Definitely check this place out if you are ever visiting Plymouth!

Considering its status as Britain's national Aquarium, its selection of marine life was not very encyclopedic. For instance, just one octopus, two crabs, no squids. Also, the cafe food quality/value for money was what you'd expect for a British family venue, so I don't even need to elaborate on that point... The large tanks of fish where sharks live with sting rays, a turtle and large fish was very relaxing and fascinating to view. It's all laid out and organised well. I'll give it 7.5/10

On a wet day in Plymouth, the girlfriend and I headed for the relative indoor comforts of the national marine aquarium. It was thoroughly miserable and this is where the aquarium loses one star. There was a queue all day and everyone was forced to queue outdoors in the cold and rain It wasn't helped by the slow selling of tickets. When we finally got to the ticket desk, a contributory cause to this lack of speed became obvious - after we had purchased our tickets (£13 for an adult), we were asked whether we would sign a form to qualify for free attendance for a year. After we had done this, it became clear why they needed our signature - we were asked if we minded if the aquarium reclaimed tax on our tickets. I would have said yes if they had asked that at the beginning but doing it this way round made it feel a little like subterfuge. Especially as it slows the queueing process down for cold, wet customers outside Anyway, enough moaning. Our visit did improve considerably after the slightly iffy start. We did struggle a little to find the entrance but basically, just keep going up and up and you'll enter the first room, which covers the plants and wildlife from the local seas around Plymouth. This room is dominated by 2 large rockpools. A shame that it's stricly see, no touch though - there's no petting pool, which you sometimes see in other aquariums. The small tanks were well labelled, enabling us to find the little residents in each tank. Throughout the aquarium, you'll find a lot of information. You can really feel the educational emphasis here In the next section, you'll encounter the first of the aquarium's starring huge tanks. It's mesmerising to just watch the sea creatures swimming and also interacting with each other. The shark and ray tank is cool in that there are overhead ports, through which you can them swim over you. They've also sunk a whole biplane in another tank to create a habitat for warm water fish That's not say that the small tanks are dull. Au contraire. One of the prettiest creatures were the delicate jellyfish. I also loved the clown fish (Nemo!!) fiercely defending their anemone We lucked out near the end of our visit when we arrived just as Octavia, the aquarium's octopus, was being fed. The staff were really informative, explaining that octopi are as intelligent as 3 year old humans and love to play. They've been known to sneak off to other tanks to eat fish before returning to their tank and acting all innocent. Hence the elaborate access to Octavia's tank. She was given a live crab (she's the only animal which gets fresh food in the aquarium) inside a jar with a screw top. They set Octavia tasks to keep her stimulated and it wasn't long before she had the top off. It's definitely worth finding out when they have feeding times A final tank to see the turtle swimming round before the exit through the cafe or gift shop. A good way to pass the time in Plymouth, once you get in!

This aquarium is absolutely fantastic ! After being disheartened after my most recent to blue planet near Chester, this aquarium definitely restored my faith in UK aquariums. Everything was smart, clean and fresh. The information was clear and in enough detail, they included lots of information about research and conservation and of course.. The fish were brilliant. They had an extensive collection of small and very large tanks, walk ways and touch pools. A nice touch at the end was the fact that they had a sea turtle which is not so common in aquariums ! It was about £13 for adult entry, but if you live locally, this entitles you to a years free entry which I thought was brilliant. Great for both kids and adults, we had a 'Whale' of a time. Great attraction, would definitely recommend

What I learnt at plymouth acquarium: -Lobsters attact their mates by urinating in their faces (no wonder some species are in danger of extinction). -There is a crab whose name translates into English as 'edible crab' (see previous comment) -Every 10 metres dived reduces your mental ability by the equivalent of drinking a pint of beer. (Going down to see the titanic would involve a George Bestesque bender). The selection of fish here is intended to represent more local fish than some larger aquariums which means that they are missing some of the more striking colourful tropical fish. I did miss seeing them but I think the focus on local fish does make sense. The Indigo Hamlet was the most attractive fish I saw. Photo link: http://anythingsaltwater.com/images/HAMLET.jpg The staff here are good...and clearly keen. They give regular talks on the different tanks and have names for some of their favourite inhabitants. Great central location by the Sea too.

As aquariums go this one is impressive. The tank is one of the largest in Europe and from memory, I think it is the deepest. There are a good selection of sea life in many tanks. The sharks are the aquarium's biggest attraction and they don't disappoint. Very impressive!! I took my family one evening when there was a promotion so entry was cheaper than usual. There is no parking on site but there are some pay car parks within walking distance.

I've visited the National Marine Aquarium twice in the past couple of years - it's a very handy place to stop on your way to or from a holiday in Cornwall. There aren't a huge number of exhibits here, but the massive tanks are truly breathtaking and there's plenty of seating so you can sit and watch the fish for as long as you want. My favourite tank is the one with the giant sea turtle in. On my last visit we were lucky enough to visit this tank during feeding time - there were divers inside the tank, feeding the fish and cleaning the glass, while an employee gave a talk. It was absolutely fascinating and I'd highly recommend checking to see if anything like this is taking place as soon as you arrive at the Aquarium. The cafe is expensive and not brilliant but it's fine for a quick snack and drink. The soft play area is great for little ones. It is an expensive day out, but the fish are well worth a visit.

Well thought out and well stocked. Kids were kept fascinated for half the day.

The exhibits are good, but there's not much in the way of signage to tell you what you're seeing. I'm sure it's nice for kids, but as adults, it was hard to enjoy with so much screaming and so many toddlers beating on the glass of every exhibit.

I have visited the National Marine Aquarium twice in recent years. Around five years ago I visited with my old school, and later returned with my family. It has around four or five different tanks including one massive fish tank, which can be viewed from three different levels. On the top floor of the building there is a interactive attractions including a 3D cinema, in which a virtual shark comes swimming towards you. I feel overall the National Marine Aquarium is great for a family, especially with young children.

The national marine aquarium is a real family place, situated right near hte waterside, known as the barbican of plymouth. I think you need to visit here once when you come to plymouth, however i think once you have been here there isn't much to see again. I was a little disappointed when i first came here because i thought the tour was over very quickly and thought there would be more to it than what it was. never the less, the whole place is somewhere that is well worth the money overall. it fascinates you and you forget the whole world that is under the sea, and it feels so close considering we are right near the sea!the prices have gone up as well recently but i think they are fair for the tour you get. there is also a well thought out and designed gift shop hich is good

This is the best attraction in its class. There is so much to see and do. The size of the tanks and displays is awesome, it takes your breath away. You can see some really lovely fish other sea creatures. There is a nice soft play area for when you have finished in the aquarium itself. There is a good selection in the gift shop which is sensibly priced. The centre is easily reachable from the city centre so if you can park in one place and stay all day. The admissions are reasonable and they offer a year long passport for people who live local and will return which seems good valu for money. It is somewhere you would want to experience over and over again.

Brilliant place, superb collection of species- the white spotted jellies and rays were my favourite! Perhaps in need of a lick of paint in a couple places, but a definite highlight of Plymouth.

The aquarium is alright pricey yet small appealing staff Me and my friend walked up to the counter I was 12 she was 11 I asked for 2 tickets she said 'do you want to go in" I said yes she said "No your not" she called us trouble makers and gave me a dirty look

This is a great place to visit for people of all ages. The aquarium boasts one of the biggest tanks in Europe and has some great sights. The staff walking around are really knowledgable and are happy to answer any questions. There are also a lot of interactive activities and regular talks that you can go and watch. This is must place to visit if you are ever in the South West.

A wonderful aquarium to visit. Prices are expensive but if you are local it is worth buying the annual membership as its a great place to take the children on a wet winter day. There are lots of tanks of many fish as well as the sharks. There is a planned walkway around it which is ramped or flat in all areas. The toilets are about half way round. There are many talks and you can watch the divers clean out the tanks at certain times while someone explains all about the fish. There is no car park on site other than a bus drop- off point but there are car parks nearby. There is also a small cafe for lunch or coffee. It can get busy at times in the summer.

this aquarium is really nice as it gives you the chance to observe our local marine lif up close. however, it is very expensive for the whole family and food and drinks are pricey. The ques are also very long at times in the summer months.

Very good aquarium. Beats the deep in Hull hands down. The big tank is quite amazing and can be viewed several times on the way round. Could do with a little more information but there are some really well thought out bits. Cafe is more expensive than it needs to be. The year long ticket is cool so this is my second visit this year. Recommended if you like looking at fish.

Very expensive. Not really extensive enough to be called national We went off the place bigtime when we read last month that they had allowed one of their biggest tanks to drain overnight killing hundreds of rare fish. Hopeless!!

Satisfying experience considering the constrained size of the place. Lots to enjoy and gander at.

Very fun aquarium! All the staff are super friendly and helpful and happy to tell us about any of the fish wanted! Would have given 5 stars however some of the signs for the fish were rubbed out so couldn't read them all- especially towards the end. Apart from this was a fab day out and will definitely be visiting again!

The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is a really great place to visit for people of all ages. It does seem fairly expensive to get in but once you have started to look around for a little while, you begin to forget that! The aquarium cleverly leads you on a trail following the water cycle, leading from rivers to lakes to the sea. There are plenty of educational areas and even some live webcams streaming from marine locations around the South West. There are lots of interactive areas to keep children amused and plenty of guides in case you want to ask any questions. The best bit of the aquarium is saved until last, the lovely tank with the Sea Turtle which could keep you fixated for hours!

This excellent attraction is extremely informative and quite awe-inspiring. For a reasonable cost there is much to see and plenty to learn Great for kids!

This is quite an expensive attraction but the exhibits are amazing and there is plenty to do. The information boards are very informative and the staff are knowledgeable and friendly. It's great for people of all ages. It can be crowded and noisy during the summer but it's relaxing when it's quiet especially where the seats are at the massive tank. There is a big gift shop which is a little pricey but has some nice stuff.

This is a great day out for the family, it is just as good, as the aquarium in London next to the london eye. The fish are really amazing and the activities you can do there can really occupy the kids. The vast size of the tanks is really amazing. Although one down side is the entrance fee, it may a touch too expensive.

Not bad at all but it is a pricey outing and once is enough.

Educational for adults and kids alike. A little expensive but you can visit the attraction all year after that. I also attended a night time party there, great venue

Great place to visit! Well organised, friendly staff, very informative and worth catching one of the talks they do. Great for children and adults and good pushchair/wheelchair accessibility.. And good value!