Welcome to Ilfracombe Aquarium, where a world of wonder awaits you beneath the waves! Step into the enchanting marine sanctuary and prepare to be amazed by the incredible diversity of underwater life that calls the aquarium home.
Dive into the Magical World of Ilfracombe Aquarium!
Despite its small size Ilfracombe Aquarium has a lot to offer, taking you on a journey from the top of Exmoor down to the sea providing lots of information throughout. As well as the impressive Estuary and Rockpool displays, ticket holders can see The Harbour outside reproduced in miniature within the family attraction, with stingrays and dogfish nestling among the remains of seagoing craft submerged by the tide, while lobsters lurk in subterranean boltholes and caves.
Discover the Wonders of the Deep
Prepare to embark on a journey into the depths of the ocean as you explore the wonders of Ilfracombe Aquarium. The aquarium is home to a diverse range of marine species, each with its own fascinating story to tell, every corner of the aquarium is filled with awe-inspiring creatures that will leave you spellbound.
The centrepiece of the family attraction is exhibit outlining a fish’s journey from an Exmoor stream to the Atlantic Ocean. This sojourn, by a young native trout, begins with a description and re-creation of the Exmoor Stream source from which it originated, notably the spongy soils of the surrounding uplands, which is followed by a narrative and reproduction of its course through rocks and pools into the fast-flowing Exmoor River.
The exhibit charts the confluence of numerous local streams and the headlong rush of the torpedo-nosed trout towards the coast, the river’s passage eventually becoming less steep and choppy, thereby allowing perch to loiter, ready to pounce and go in for the kill on unsuspecting fishes heading for the sea. With the trout’s arrival at the calmer and food-rich Taw Estuary, the feeding of shrimps on plant debris and the presence of shoals of predator bass are spotlighted, before the tidal retreat of the Celtic Sea reveals rock pools and sands, which are the home to hermit crabs that scuttle about their home in Ilfracombe Aquarium.
A Hub of Interactive Learning and Discovery
As you wander through the aquarium, you’ll be transported to different underwater habitats, each meticulously recreated to provide a glimpse into the unique ecosystems that exist beneath the waves. From the rocky shores of the British coastline to the vibrant coral reefs of the tropics, every exhibit offers a window into a different world, showcasing the incredible adaptability and resilience of marine life.
Ilfracombe Aquarium is not just a place for passive observation, it’s a hub of interactive learning and discovery. Join one of the daily feeding sessions and witness the excitement as the creatures of the deep emerge from their hiding places to enjoy a meal. Learn about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the importance of conservation in the educational talks and workshops. Don’t forget to visit our gift shop, where you can take home a memento of your underwater adventure and support our ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the ocean’s treasures.
The interactive displays provide a clear and concise insight into local marine life, as well as some of the more exotic species that are retained on site, with Ilfracombe Aquarium itself housing more than 100 different species of fish and other marine fauna, as well as an extensive collection of both waterborne and land-based fauna, adding further authenticity to the exhibits around the family attraction.
Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station
Ilfracombe Aquarium is based in the old lifeboat station and it plays homage to its former days when the harbour was a bustling port, seeing fishing vessels in and out all year round, and staging many a rescue from the venerable old building’s portal. There is an abundance of information on the town’s seaside heritage, its role in fishing and other seaborne industries, and its current functions as a tourist destination and a working port.
An Unforgettable Experience
Whether you’re a nature lover, a curious explorer, or simply seeking a day of family fun, Ilfracombe Aquarium promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the sea.
Food and Drink
The family attraction has a small café with sheltered outside seating area in a relaxing environment with some splendid views, whatever the weather.
Travelling to Ilfracombe Aquarium
Ilfracombe Aquarium is a family attraction based in the picturesque Old Lifeboat House, on The Pier, in the beautiful North Devon coastal resort of Ilfracombe. It’s a fun and fascinating family day out that the weather cannot spoil and is an all-year round ticket to an enticing ride on and indeed under the ocean waves.
Nearby Accommodation
There are lots of places to stay in Devon. If you would like to explore some of the other attractions in the area then take a look at the self-catering cottages available from Snaptrip.
Attractions Near Me Offers
For the best deals and Discount Days Out visit our Offers page Attractions Near Me
Also, like our Facebook page for notifications of any new offers Facebook.com/AttractionsNearMe
