1 / 3Lake District Coast Aquarium, Maryport
📍 Maryport, North West
Small harbourside aquarium in Maryport featuring local Solway species, tropical fish, octopus, jellyfish, and lobsters. Entry includes 14-hole crazy golf and the Shiver Me Timbers pirate adventure playground with splash zone.
Visited here to expand the boundaries of a Lake District visit beyond the usual areas. So pleased I did. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. One gentleman in particular stands out for explaining the lifecycle of the jellyfish he was caring for. He clearly had a deep affinity for the subject and that came across loud and clear as he talked. This kind of makes you feel welcome there, rather than just someone who has payed for the right to pass through. The exhibits were varied and interesting. Also nice to see native / local species front and centre alongside their more exotic cousins. A genuine surprise was the free round of crazy golf that comes included in the entry fee. Not something you would normally pair with a visit to the Aquarium. The course is perhaps not the most colorful you will ever see, but it was free and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hole 13 is just not possible and I dare you to show me otherwise. Step of the beaten track and pay this place a visit if you can.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families on a Lake District trip wanting a change of scene from the fells. The combination of aquarium, free crazy golf, and adventure playground gives solid value for a rainy or changeable day. Passionate, knowledgeable staff make the experience more than passive tank-watching.
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💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →1,945 Google reviews
Mark Deadman
7 months ago
“Visited here to expand the boundaries of a Lake District visit beyond the usual areas. So pleased I did. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. One gentleman in particular stands out for explaining the lifecycle of the jellyfish he was caring for. He clearly had a deep affinity for the subject and that came across loud and clear as he talked. This kind of makes you feel welcome there, rather than just someone who has payed for the right to pass through. The exhibits were varied and interesting. Also nice to see native / local species front and centre alongside their more exotic cousins. A genuine surprise was the free round of crazy golf that comes included in the entry fee. Not something you would normally pair with a visit to the Aquarium. The course is perhaps not the most colorful you will ever see, but it was free and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hole 13 is just not possible and I dare you to show me otherwise. Step of the beaten track and pay this place a visit if you can.”
Lisa Wilkins
4 months ago
“We ended up in the aquarium on an extraordinarily rainy day in Maryport, It provided a wonderful education into the marine life within the area as well as other more exotic type types of fish and marine life. The information boards provide an insight into each of their creatures and their displays and tanks allow even the little list of legs to be able to view! Would definitely recommend the little cinema show that lasted no more than five minutes was very interesting! We were also told we would be more than welcome to come back on a more dry day to complete our round of crazy golf which is included in the price! I really lovely gesture from them!”
J Baxter
6 months ago
“We spent a good hour walking around the aquarium before having a look around maryport, very friendly and knowledgeable staff, a lovely shop and cafe, talks and feeding shows and even a small cinema. Good variety of fish, octopus, jellyfish and lobsters. You even get a free game of crazy golf in with the price. After a look around maryport we went back in for another look around. If your in the area give it a visit. 👍”
wesley headley
2 months ago
“Lovely little place very interesting and loads of little sea creatures to see m, some not so little too! Great day out”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Lake District Coast Aquarium combines local Solway Firth marine life with tropical species across well-labelled tanks. Staff deliver feeding talks from midday, and one specialist in jellyfish care drew particular praise from reviewers. Admission covers the aquarium, 14-hole crazy golf through scenic gardens, and the pirate adventure playground. A harbourside cafe serves tea, cakes, and meals with views across to Scotland on clear days.