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Ilfracombe Aquarium

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Address:

The Old Lifeboat House
The Pier
Ilfracombe
Devon
EX34 9EQ
Tel: +44 (0)1271 864533
Fax: +44 (0)1271 864533
Email
Website

This exciting, award winning, all weather, family attraction provides a fascinating journey of discovery into the aquatic life of North Devon. The Aquarium houses over 100 species in beautifully recreated natural habitats. It is located alongside the picturesque Ilfracombe Harbour.

Visitors to the aquarium, after a warm welcome are given the opportunity to enhance their understanding of the local aquatic environment and the importance of its conservation. On entry to the exhibit area, a unique journey begins, via beautifully recreated natural habitats. From the source of an Exmoor stream visitors descend, down river to the Estuary, local rockpool, the Harbour, coast, and Lundy with its marine reserve. Backlit information is provided and conservation organisations are promoted throughout. Free children quizzes are offered on admission.

The aquarium prides itself on its animal welfare and continues to develop an increasingly diverse collection of species. It recognises the importance of customer care and has recently been awarded a VisitBritain Quality Assured Visitor Attraction accreditation.

The aquarium also offers a funky fish retail area where good value and unusual aquatic themed gifts can be purchased. A small cafe with sheltered outside seating provides refreshments, light snacks and quality ice cream in a relaxing environment.

Opening Times

Open Christmas

Open New Year

2008 - Opening 15/02/2008 - 15/11/2008

Monday 10:00 - 15:30

Tuesday 10:00 - 15:30

Wednesday 10:00 - 15:30

Thursday 10:00 - 15:30

Friday 10:00 - 15:30

Saturday 10:00 - 15:30

Sunday 10:00 - 15:30

Bank Holiday 10:00 - 15:30

Tickets Information

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff*
Family (2+3)from £13.75
Grandparents (2+3)from £12.75
Family (2+2)from £11.50
Grandparents (2+2)from £10.50

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

Road Directions

By Car: We are situated at the end of The Quay, Ilfracombe Harbour, on the left of the Pier car park.

Follow the signs to Ilfracombe and then pick up brown tourist signs to the Seafront or Harbour. If you arrive at the Seafront you need the sea on your left and drive towards St Philip and St James' Church. With the church on your right you will travel down St James' Place. Turn left at the T-Junction and the first right. The Harbour will be on your right and the Aquarium is at the end of this road on the left.

Parking: There is ample convenient parking in the Pier car park and cheaper (long stay) parking on the other side of the Harbour (Cove car park and/or Larkstone).

Public Transport Directions

By Bus: Throughout the year; Buses #3,30, from Barnstaple (approx. hourly or greater service). #31 from Woolacombe, & 35 from Lee. During summer additional services; #32 from Woolacombe and 300 from Minehead via Lynton.

By Train: Throughout year from Exeter-Barnstaple

By Coach: Many national towns/cities-Ilfracombe

Useful Numbers: Traveline (public transport info) 0870 608 2 608

Wessex Trains 08457 484950

National Express (coaches) 08705 808080

Grading

  • VAQAS VB Attraction
    • Awards

      • Visit Britain Quality Assured Visitor Attraction 2008
      • Visit Britain Code of Practice 2008

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     Facilities

    Provider Preferences

    • In town/city centre
    • Indoor Attraction
    • No Smoking Attraction

    Accessibility

    • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
    • Guide Dogs Permitted
    • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
    • Toilets for Disabled Visitors

    Parking & Transport

    • Parking (charge)

    Catering

    • On-Site café/restaurant

    Payment Methods

    • Approx length of visit - 01:00
    • Blue Badge Guides admitted free
    • Booking essential
    • Delta accepted
    • Groups Accepted
    • JCB accepted
    • Maestro accepted
    • MasterCard accepted
    • Max group size - 30
    • Min group size - 10
    • Open by appointment outside normal opening times
    • Solo accepted
    • Special group rates
    • TIC Staff Admitted Free
    • Visa accepted

    Specialist Features

    • Marketed towards children
    • Marketed towards families

    Tours and Demonstrations

    • Demonstrations Given
    • Educational Visits Accepted
    • Guided Tours Available for Groups