Photo of National Marine Aquarium in Merseyside1 / 3
Aquariums

National Marine Aquarium

📍 Coxside, Merseyside

4.4(6,373 Google reviews)👶All ages

Plymouth's National Marine Aquarium holds 5,000+ marine animals across four zones, including the UK's deepest aquarium habitat and largest viewing window. Day tickets include 12 months of unlimited return visits.

UK's deepest aquarium12-month re-entryOcean Discovery RangersEvening concertsDive showsPlymouth waterfront
★★★★★Featured review by Libor Smolík

We went to the Rings and Dragons Candlelight concert at the National Marine Aquarium during the Christmas period and absolutely loved it. Sitting there with a glass of wine, listening to a string quartet play music from Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones, with candlelight all around and fish swimming in the background, was such a cool and relaxing experience. It felt really special without being formal or over the top. The Haldon Quartet were great and the music worked perfectly in that setting. Definitely something a bit different and well worth going to — I’d happily do it again.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with children across all ages who want to combine marine education with genuine spectacle. The 12-month return ticket makes repeat visits practical for local families. Budget 2+ hours for a first visit covering all zones and a workshop.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Day tickets include 12 months of unlimited return visits — keep your ticket
Plan at least 2 hours for a full visit including Ocean Discovery Ranger workshops
🎟️The café gets very busy during peak hours — arriving early or late avoids the longest queues
🚗Evening candlelit concert events require separate booking and are adults-focused

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.4

6,373 Google reviews

Impressive tanks and marine displays40%
Yearly re-entry outstanding value30%
Evening concert events praised20%
Busy café during peak times10%
L

Libor Smolík

3 months ago

We went to the Rings and Dragons Candlelight concert at the National Marine Aquarium during the Christmas period and absolutely loved it. Sitting there with a glass of wine, listening to a string quartet play music from Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones, with candlelight all around and fish swimming in the background, was such a cool and relaxing experience. It felt really special without being formal or over the top. The Haldon Quartet were great and the music worked perfectly in that setting. Definitely something a bit different and well worth going to — I’d happily do it again.

B

Ben

2 months ago

It’s brilliant. Lots of activities for the kids I’m sure you could spend hours in there doing all the activities.. it’s a visual and sensory overload lots of fun for adults and kids. The big main tank is really impressive but I also liked the fish eye set ups and jelly fish tanks. Cafe was packed, packed lunch would have been perfect. You can revive or walk to it as parking nearby. Your entry qualifies for free reentry for one year which is lovely touch makes it very affordable if you intend to visit again.

M

Mark Pomfret

4 months ago

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 .

T

Toby Burton

4 months ago

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.

Reviews from Google

Overview

Four engaging zones progress from shallow rock pool species through to the UK's deepest aquarium habitat, with the largest viewing window in the country. Ocean Discovery Rangers run free educational workshops throughout the day. Dive shows run on a scheduled basis. The venue includes a café, a picnic area with views over Plymouth Sound, and a large gift shop. Evening events — including candlelit concerts with live string quartets — use the aquarium as a backdrop for adult-focused experiences.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday10:00 – 17:00
Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 17:00