National Marine Aquarium — Aquarium in City of Plymouth

National Marine Aquarium and its collection

National Marine Aquarium, opened in 1998, is an aquarium in Plymouth, United Kingdom.

It is Britain's biggest aquarium, holding over 5,000 animals, and was the first in the UK founded expressly for marine learning, research and conservation. It stands in Sutton Harbour, by the Barbican and the fish market.

Exhibits

Eddystone Reef is Britain's largest display of local sea life, with life-size whale and dolphin models set around an island. The Atlantic Ocean zone holds the biggest tank, along with the Ocean Drifters jellyfish display.

Things to do

Things to do include Keeper for a day, Dive shows, Picnic area, UK’s Deepest Aquarium Habitat and UK’s Largest viewing window.

Conservation and approach

The aquarium is operated by the Ocean Conservation Trust, a worldwide charity working to protect and restore the seas. The charity's work runs across three pillars: Ocean Advocacy, Ocean Habitats and Ocean Experiences.

What the venue says

• interactive daily dive shows
• educational talks
• purchased day tickets include a complimentary annual pass for unlimited return visits over the next 12 months
• While the aquarium does not have its own dedicated on-site car park, visitors commonly use the nearby Sutton Harbour Car Park (located a short walk away at Coxside), which is privately operated and pay-and-display.
• step-free access at the main entrance via ramps and lifts
• full compliance with building regulations for ramping throughout the exhibits
• standard-width lifts to accommodate motorized wheelchairs
• Accessible toilets are located roughly a third of the way through the tour near the Eddystone Reef area
• assistance dogs are welcome