One of England’s magnificent ports, often known as an ocean city, is Plymouth, in the southwest. The city is well-known for its open trade with other nations, but it is also one of the most picturesque locations and may draw many tourists. Regarding the best attractions, the most popular aquarium in Plymouth is located near South Devon. It is the place that has often taken the eyes of many tourists while planning to visit the city.

The city is also referred to as the Waterfront City and Britain’s Ocean City because it offers visitors a variety of places to explore.

Travellers will never run out of things to do in the city, whether admiring the natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park or learning how the beautiful town grew from its past. Things don’t end here; you can also explore attractions like the city’s waterways.

Many options are available to you as a traveller, and we strongly advise you to take a vacation that lasts several days rather than just one so that you can visit all of the city’s notable attractions.

However, if we list the best tourist attractions in the city, the Aquarium will be among the top.

1. Best Aquarium in Plymouth

Regarding aquariums in the city, the new National Marine Aquarium is the only one that has consistently ranked among the top tourist attractions.

The new National Marine Aquarium is the UK’s largest Aquarium, serving as a tourist destination.

Here, you can discover all the intriguing and infrequently seen aquatic animals.

1.1. National Marine Aquarium

The Aquarium, which soon became one of the “UK’s largest native exhibits,” was first inaugurated in 1998.

Today’s date is a stunning location that presents the ocean’s world, allowing visitors to witness all aquatic creatures on land and offshore.

The Aquarium has been preserving more than 5000 creatures, including stingrays, jellyfish, octopuses, and even stingrays.

You will also see aquatic animals like very cheeky turtles, which attract many children.

The new Marine Aquarium is a part of the Ocean Conversation Trust, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the ocean and preserving aquatic animals and plants for the future.

Not only part of this is the National Marine Aquarium’s proceeds to receive funding for its operations from Ocean Conversation Trust for decades.

This self-funded charity has been part of the Aquarium for decades. Its main aim is to preserve sea life, animals, and plants from the underwater world.

Besides preserving the Aquarium, it also serves as a great tourist destination. You can visit the Aquarium’s official site aquarium for information related to bookings and other things.

1.2. What Are the Exhibits You Get at the Aquarium?

The whole Aquarium has been spread across acres of the area to make it easier for tourists to explore. These exhibits are subdivided into four main zones, listed below.

1.2.1. Plymouth Sound

Plymouth Sound is among the first exhibits you will see when visiting the Aquarium. The place has been spread across 17 more giant tanks, serving the lives of more than 80 different species of aquatic animals.

1.2.2. Eddystone Reef

The famous Eddystone Reef is among the most prominent exhibits in the Aquarium.

This exhibit is home to various aquatic animals, including conger eels, mullet fish, and pollack bream.

1.2.3. Atlantic Ocean

The exploration starts here in the Atlantic Ocean zone, where you will see varieties of fish like jellyfish and Japanese sea nettles.

The ocean also has a bigger tank, the home of the Caribbean fishes and sharks, including the nurse shark, lemon shark and sand tiger shark.

1.2.4. Blue Planet

After exploring all three zones, you will visit another new zone within the Aquarium, the Blue Planet zone. You will see two zones, including the Bizone and Great Barrier Reef.

This zone is home to many species, including longhorn cowfish and lionfish. You will also see the Enteroctpous, the enormous Pacific octopus.

We recommend you explore all zones one by one, starting with Plymouth Sound, Eddystone Reef, and then the Atlantic Ocean. Finally, you can go with Blue Planet, a great way to explore the Aquarium.

1.3. What Facilities Do You Get at the Aquarium in Plymouth for Disabled Visitors?

The whole Aquarium also provides some excellent facilities, especially for disabled visitors. The facilities include:

• Access to free wheelchairs
• Areas being accessible to Disabled Visitors
• Guide Dogs are also permitted

Talking more about the facilities, you will also get a dedicated Parking area for Disabled visitors.

1.4. Other Facilities in the Aquarium

The Aquarium is not only meant for watching aquatic animals; if you are visiting with your friends or families, you can also take advantage of other facilities.

Here, you can plan to spend your time in a vast garden, having home-cooked food, and then visiting the picnic area, which will be the right place to spend your time with your family and friends.

In addition, you also get time to spend with your family and friends, where you can have food together and have more conversations.

If you are looking for restaurants outside the Aquarium, you can enjoy some great restaurants below.

1.4.1. Rockfish

Rockfist is among the most famous restaurants, but it has not been accredited by many travellers who have visited the restaurant.

However, this place has also won awards for its unique and healthy food served to the guests.

Here, guests can enjoy the best quality and freshness of local seafood. Furthermore, the restaurant offers a wide variety of food options.

1.4.2. Mombay Brasserie

Mumbai Brasserie has existed for decades, and best serves its guests high-quality food.

With its existence for years, in today’s date, the Mombay Brasserie has become one of the restaurants. In addition to the quality, this place is a favourite for serving fine and authentic Indian Cuisine in Plymouth.

If you don’t want to miss this place, you can book an appointment at this restaurant in advance.

1.4.3. Lockyers Quay

Lockyers Quay is another option for a fantastic dinner, lunch, or breakfast with your family and friends.

In Lockyers Quay, you can enjoy some fantastic food styles, and the restaurant also offers dedicated monthly special menus.

The restaurant has not built its reputation for its food, and many guests have appreciated its unique atmosphere, which makes it friendly for any type, whether a solo traveller or a family guest.

1.5. Events in Aquarium

It also allows visitors to learn about various fish species and other aquatic animals.

The National Marine Aquarium has developed some fantastic activities you can enjoy with friends and family.

Here is the list of all the upcoming events you can enjoy with your family and friends in the Aquarium.

1.5.1. Fireworks

You can also enjoy the Aquarium’s nighttime fireworks display, an unforgettable way to round off your trip.

However, the fireworks display is not scheduled daily and is often only arranged during the busiest season.

1.5.2. Sunset Sails with the Ocean Conservation Trust

If you love sunsets, you can also enjoy a fantastic sunset in the ocean with your family and friends in Plymouth.

1.5.3. Sleeping with Sharks

Another occasion where you can discover and explore the aquarium world with friends and family is Sleeping with Sharks and many more interactive displays of other types of Sharks.

You can also enjoy participating in the games and other activities or a midnight snack.

1.6. What Are the Accommodation Facilities You Get near the Aquarium?

If you plan to visit Plymouth for an extended vacation, you can plan a visit to the town without fear of getting accommodations.

Nearby to the National Marine Aquarium, you can find some great options for accommodations, including:

• Leonardo Hotel Plymouth
• Hoe Park House
• Fox Houe Studios

2. FAQs

2.1. How Long Does It Take to Go Around the National Marine Aquarium?

The National Marine Aquarium is spread across a vast area, so if you intend to visit, you may easily spend three hours seeing the entire Aquarium. However, to fully appreciate and experience the “Ocean,” we strongly advise that you spend the whole day in the Aquarium.

2.2. What Fish Are in the Plymouth Aquarium?

The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, UK, is the biggest in the UK and is home to a wide variety of aquatic species—more than a thousand.

Amazing aquatic creatures include turtles, nurse sharks, lemon sharks, sand tigers, zebra sharks, sandbar sharks, barracudas, southern stingrays, and tarpons. You can get to know more if you visit the official National Marine Aquarium website.

2.3. How Old Is Plymouth Aquarium?

The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, first built in 1888, has been home to many aquatic animals for decades.

2.4. Does Plymouth Aquarium Have an Octopus?

You may find numerous aquatic animals in the Aquarium, including jellyfish, sharks, stingrays, and octopuses!

Aquarium Plymouth, also known as the National Marine Aquarium, is home to various aquatic animals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we just wanted to say that the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is a fantastic place to visit.

You may visit as a solar traveler or plan out with your buddies or family, but this city has you covered.

Plymouth has fantastic attractions like the Aquarium, beaches, and historical sites. So, visiting Plymouth won’t be a regretful choice.

Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty