Dive into the UK's top aquariums, home to incredible marine life including sharks, rays, jellyfish, and octopuses with Boundless. An ideal day out for the whole family, no matter the weather.
The UK is home to some of the world's most spectacular aquariums, where you can encounter everything from majestic sharks to playful penguins – all while staying perfectly dry!
Whether you're watching graceful rays glide overhead in immersive tunnels or getting hands-on at interactive rockpools, these aquatic wonderlands offer unforgettable days out for every age, come rain or shine.
Even better, Boundless members can enjoy exclusive savings at many of these amazing aquariums by booking through Kids Pass, including up to 15% off at Sea Life centres across the country.
Not yet a member? Find out more about Boundless membership.
Jump to:
- The Deep, Hull
- National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
- National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham
- Bristol Aquarium
- Sea Life Manchester
- Sea Life Brighton
- Sea Life Great Yarmouth
- Sea Life Loch Lomond, Balloch
- Oceanarium Bournemouth
- Blue Planet Aquarium, Ellesmere Port
- Lake District Coast Aquarium, Maryport
When’s the best time to visit?
Try to visit first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon to beat the crowds, but be mindful that the last admission is usually an hour or so before closing. For the ultimate experience, look out for exclusive, after hours tours.
If you do decide to go during peak times, such as during school holidays, check if you can book ahead online – you’ll guarantee entry and often snap up better prices. And don't forget to check talk and feeding session times before you go – they're often the highlight of the day!
The Deep, Hull
See a huge collection of marine life at The Deep/Credit: The Deep
Widely renowned as the best aquarium in the UK, The Deep is an underwater adventure on an epic scale. This architectural marvel on Hull’s estuary houses some truly remarkable residents, from the nation’s only green sawfish to a colony of cheeky Gentoo penguins.
At its heart lies a breathtaking 10-metre deep tank that you can scale by glass lift, watching sharks, rays and tropical fish glide by as you ascend. What’s more, The Deep is a non-profit, education and conservation charity, helping visitors develop a deeper understanding (pun fully intended) of the ocean and its life.
Visit the website for the latest opening times and ticket prices.
National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth
Be amazed at the UK's largest aquarium/ Credit: Plymouth National Marine Aquarium
Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium is the UK’s biggest aquarium, where four zones flow from local waters to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Stand in awe at the Atlantic Ocean display – the UK’s deepest aquarium tank, holding a whopping 2.5 million litres of water. Run by the Ocean Conservation Trust, all profits from tickets, café and shop sales support marine conservation.
Visit the website for the latest opening times and ticket prices.
National Sea Life Centre Birmingham
It might be about as far from the coast as you can get, but the National Sea Life Centre Birmingham brings ocean wonders right to the heart of England. The showstopper is a 360-degree ocean tunnel – an immersive underwater walkway surrounding you with marine life from every angle, including a magnificent green turtle.
You’ll also find the UK’s only sea otters here, along with a waddle of characterful Gentoo penguins.
Check the website for the latest opening times and ticket prices.
Bristol Aquarium
Enjoy a family day out at Bristol Aquarium/Credit: Bristol Aquarium
Set in Bristol’s buzzing harbourside area, Bristol Aquarium uniquely pairs underwater worlds with exotic plant life – it’s the only aquarium in the UK with its own botanical house.
Enjoy the greenery of the Botanical House/Credit: Bristol Aquarium
With unlimited same-day entry, you’re free to pop out for lunch at one of the family-friendly restaurants on its doorstep. And why not hop next door to explore We The Curious, Bristol’s spectacular science centre and planetarium?
Want to find out more before you visit? Follow one family’s day out at Bristol Aquarium, including their advice on where to eat and drink, how to get there and tips for making the most of your visit.
Check the website for the latest opening times and ticket prices.
Sea Life Manchester
Right by the Trafford Centre (perfect for combining with some shopping!), Sea Life Manchester is packed full of surprises.
Explore mysterious underwater cave systems where some of the ocean's most peculiar residents lurk, or journey back to the age of the dinosaurs through a fascinating collection of fossils. Keep an eye out for their special after-hours events, including an evening in the company of magical mermaids.
Visit the website for the latest opening times and ticket prices.
Sea Life Brighton
Sea Life Brighton – the world's oldest operating aquarium – has been enchanting visitors since 1872, and its gorgeous Victorian arcade is still as impressive as ever. In the tropical rainforest zone, you can meet rescued terrapins, flesh-eating piranhas and striking iguanas, while the spectacular Day & Night zone reveals nature's magic as coral reefs transform into a bioluminescent light show after dark.
For an extra special treat, hop aboard a glass-bottom boat to spy on sharks swimming right beneath your feet.
View the latest opening times and ticket prices on the website.
Sea Life Great Yarmouth
Ever fancied exploring the Lost City of Atlantis? Sea Life Great Yarmouth’s spectacular tropical ocean display lets you do just that! Watch black tip reef sharks cruise past as you learn about the shark conservation work Sea Life is carrying out.
Little ones will love the rockpool explorer experience, where you can gently stroke starfish and sea anemones while discovering how these amazing creatures survive in the shallow pools of our coasts. Elsewhere, you’ll get to meet Humboldt penguins and the world's tiniest crocodile species.
View the latest opening times and ticket prices on the website.
Sea Life Loch Lomond, Balloch
With the magnificent Scottish loch as its backdrop, Sea Life Loch Lomond combines stunning scenery with incredible marine life. Star residents include a rescued Olive Ridley turtle, a group of perpetually smiley cownose rays, and an adorable family of Asian short-clawed otters who always seem to be up to mischief. It's the perfect addition to a day out in one of Scotland's most beautiful regions.
Check out the latest opening times and ticket prices on the website.
Oceanarium Bournemouth
Right opposite Bournemouth’s pier, the Oceanarium couldn’t be better placed for a full day of family fun. Step inside to meet some fascinating residents, including an African dwarf crocodile, a colony of charismatic Humboldt penguins and a mischievous family of otters. When you're done exploring these underwater worlds, you're just steps away from golden sands and seaside attractions.
Boundless members can enjoy 30% off the gate price to Oceanarium Bournemouth by booking online through Kids Pass. Kelly Ray enjoyed a weekend stay at Westcliff Hotel and Spa in Bournemouth, read on to discover her top tips for places to visit nearby.
View the latest opening times and ticket prices on the website.
Blue Planet Aquarium, Ellesmere Port
Just outside Chester, Blue Planet Aquarium takes you on an extraordinary adventure around the world, from the shimmering fish of Lake Malawi to the mysterious creatures of the Amazon. I
t’s also home to Europe's biggest collection of sharks, which you can admire from one of the longest underwater viewing tunnels in the world. Plus, there are reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and don’t forget to head outdoors and say hello to striking pelicans! For a totally wild day out, combine your visit with a trip to Chester Zoo, just ten minutes away and widely considered the UK’s top wildlife attraction.
Boundless members can get free entry for one child when paying for an adult ticket when booking through Kids Pass, as well as up to 27% off tickets at nearby Chester Zoo.
View the latest opening times and ticket prices on the website.
Lake District Coast Aquarium, Maryport
Compact yet charming, the Lake District Coast Aquarium celebrates the underwater world of Cumbria’s coasts, revealing the surprising creatures that lurk just beyond the shoreline. With free crazy golf and an adventure playground included in your ticket – plus the spectacular Lake District scenery – it's the perfect pick for a fantastic day out.
View the latest opening times and ticket prices on the website.
Aquarium discounts and offers
Boundless members can enjoy exclusive savings at aquariums across the country by booking through Kids Pass, including up to 15% off at Sea Life centres nationwide.
Do more with Boundless
If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.
With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by LV= Britannia Rescue.
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