National Marine Aquarium

National Marine Aquarium featuring marine life and interior views
National Marine Aquarium showing marine life as well as a large group of people
National Marine Aquarium featuring marine life
National Marine Aquarium which includes marine life and coral
National Marine Aquarium showing marine life as well as a large group of people


Discover the creatures that live deep in the world’s oceans and learn about the importance of conservation at the largest aquarium in the U.K.

Take a journey through the many oceans of the world from the shores of Plymouth itself, to tropical coral reefs. See marine life from hermit crabs, lobsters and starfish, to loggerhead turtles and tiger sharks.

Explore Plymouth Sound, the exhibit focused on marine life around Plymouth. Find shallow tanks filled with life from Plymouth’s rock pools, such as anemones, starfish, lobsters and even small sharks. In the deeper tanks you’ll find a range of cephalopods such as cuttlefish and octopuses, as well as a wide variety of shellfish.

Inspect the British Coasts exhibit to find creatures from the wider British oceans. Admire the life-size models of whales and dolphins and learn about the potential in the oceans for renewable energy. See the Eddystone tank, which recreates the nearby Eddystone Reef. Here you’ll find a wide variety of fish, as well as conger eels and hound sharks.

Walk through the tunnel in the Atlantic Ocean display, the biggest tank in the U.K. See many species of fish native to this ocean. A life-sized replica of the World War II seaplane The Walrus, which vanished during the war, forms an artificial reef here. The tank holds many large predators, including Sand Tiger Sharks, nurse sharks, barracuda and stingrays.

The Biozone display showcases the biodiversity of the oceans, with an emphasis on the importance of marine conservation. You’ll see cowfish, lionfish, giant Pacific octopuses, seahorses and more here. The Great Barrier Reef is the final display and the second largest in the aquarium. Be amazed by the variety of colours here with over 70 different species of fish. The star of the exhibit is a loggerhead turtle by the name of Snorkel she washed up in Cornwall in 1990.

Walk a short distance from Plymouth’s train and bus stations to reach the National Marine Aquarium. The aquarium is open year-round, closing only on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Ticket prices vary, with both concessions and membership available.

Plan a trip to see National Marine Aquarium

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Exeter Rougemont hotel by Sunday
OYO The Gissons Hotel
Lord Haldon Country Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near National Marine Aquarium

At the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including boating and guided tours. The aquarium also features a lovely picnic area, perfect for a relaxing day trip. With a focus on marine life, it's an ideal spot for families and nature enthusiasts alike, offering both education and entertainment in a picturesque setting.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the National Marine Aquarium, visit Drake Circus, just 373m away, offering a mix of entertainment and family vibes. If you're up for a drive, Tavistock Pannier Market and Country Cheeses are both located 8.1km away, showcasing local crafts and delicious treats.

Recreation

Home Park, located 1.2km from the National Marine Aquarium, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere perfect for fitness enthusiasts. Tinside Lido, just 373m away, is an outdoor pool ideal for families. For a tranquil swim, Plympton Swimming Pool, 2.5km away, provides a relaxing environment for all ages.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at Adventure Bay Surf School, located 3.1km from the National Marine Aquarium, perfect for adrenaline seekers. For a scenic hike, explore the South West Coast Path Section 36 Trailhead, just 1.2km away, or venture to Section 35 Trailhead, 5.0km away, for stunning coastal views.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the National Marine Aquarium by catching a show at Theatre Royal, just 435m away, or enjoying family fun at Delta Force Paintball, 3.7km from the aquarium. For a romantic film night, The Watermark cinema awaits, located 5.6km away.

Find the best attractions near National Marine Aquarium

While visiting the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, you can explore nearby attractions such as historic houses, modern universities, and beautiful beaches. For a blend of culture and outdoor experiences, consider checking out the Plymouth Pavilions and other marine-related sites. The area is perfect for those seeking a mix of leisure and learning, ensuring your visit is both enjoyable and enriching.

  • Hoe Park: An urban oasis located 311m from the aquarium, Hoe Park offers a serene environment perfect for families. Enjoy scenic walks, open spaces, and stunning views of Plymouth Sound, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon.
  • Royal William Yard: Situated 621m away, this vibrant tourist precinct features a blend of historic architecture and modern eateries. Perfect for families, it provides a lively atmosphere, picturesque waterfront views, and a variety of dining options to explore.
  • University of Plymouth: Just 435m from the aquarium, this modern university boasts contemporary architecture and a bustling campus. Its city vibe makes it a lively spot for a stroll, with nearby cafes and cultural events adding to the experience.

Best time to go to National Marine Aquarium

The best time to visit National Marine Aquarium can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around National Marine Aquarium falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around National Marine Aquarium falls in February, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
March45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for National Marine Aquarium

To save money on your visit to the National Marine Aquarium, plan your trip during the off-peak months of January to February and November, when accommodation prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Thursday for the best rates, and avoid Saturdays, which tend to be the most expensive. Utilize Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and location, and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for potential savings. Lastly, explore free activities around Plymouth to enhance your experience without extra costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around National Marine Aquarium are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around National Marine Aquarium is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around National Marine Aquarium is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially save on costs by combining your hotel reservation at the National Marine Aquarium with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.