Plymouth Sound National Marine Park
Explore the UK's first National Marine Park, a vibrant underwater world teeming with diverse marine life and conservation efforts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, see animals active
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds, see animals active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the UK's first National Marine Park, a vibrant underwater world teeming with diverse marine life and conservation efforts.
"The most fantastic Aquarium I have ever been to which includes the largest fish tank in the UK."
🎯 Arrive Early for Calm
Beat the crowds by arriving at opening, especially if you have autistic children. Tickets are valid all day!
🌊 Explore Beyond the Aquarium
Don't miss kayaking, paddleboarding, or boat tours to experience the marine park's natural beauty.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The UK's Largest Aquarium Tank
National Marine Aquarium
Marvel at the immense tank, home to sharks, a massive sea turtle named Friday, and even a sunken bi-plane!
Kelp Forest Dedication
Plymouth Sound
Witness the beauty of the kelp forest, a vital habitat dedicated to the Queen for the Platinum Jubilee.
Harbour Exploration Cruise
Plymouth Sound
Embark on a 1-hour cruise to discover the marine park's coastal beauty and diverse underwater world.
Underwater Walking Tour Experience
SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (Note: This is a misattribution in the provided TikTok, the focus is Plymouth Sound)
While the TikTok mentions an underwater walking tour, focus on the real-life marine encounters available in Plymouth Sound.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Embrace the Marine Park's Wonders
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Calm
Beat the crowds by arriving at opening, especially if you have autistic children. Tickets are valid all day!
🌊 Explore Beyond the Aquarium
Don't miss kayaking, paddleboarding, or boat tours to experience the marine park's natural beauty. 
📚 Educational Talks are Great
Engage with enthusiastic lecturers who share fascinating facts about sharks, turtles, and rays.
📸 Capture the Marine Life
Bring your camera to photograph the diverse species, but be mindful of reflections in tanks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Calm
Beat the crowds by arriving at opening, especially if you have autistic children. Tickets are valid all day!
🌊 Explore Beyond the Aquarium
Don't miss kayaking, paddleboarding, or boat tours to experience the marine park's natural beauty.
📚 Educational Talks are Great
Engage with enthusiastic lecturers who share fascinating facts about sharks, turtles, and rays.
📸 Capture the Marine Life
Bring your camera to photograph the diverse species, but be mindful of reflections in tanks.
🎟️ Annual Pass Value
Consider an annual pass for repeat visits; it offers great value if you plan to return.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Marine Aquarium for its impressive largest tank in the UK, featuring sharks and a massive sea turtle. The staff's knowledge and the opportunity to see divers are frequently highlighted as positives. However, some reviewers felt the fish tanks could be larger and more diverse, with a suggestion that educational displays sometimes overshadow the marine life itself.
"A great place to visit for young and old. You can spend a few hours just wandering around at your own pace looking at the vast array of fish, turtles and sharks. My children loved this place. This is my second time here and would definitely return for a third time."
A K
"We visited this place with our 5 year old son and were a bit disappointed that extra attractions, like soft play, were unavailable.
We enjoyed the big aquarium and watching the team of reaserchers at the lab.
If you have an autistic child like we do I'll advice you to be there first in the morning as it becomes busy later on. The tickets can be used for the whole day which is fantastic as we didn't have a chance to see everything in our first round. Our son just runs like a Flash😆
Lovely, friendly staff. X"
E M
"The most fantastic Aquarium I have ever been to which includes the largest fish tank in the UK. It even has a small sunken bi-plane within the tank, (which tells you how large we are talking here) The sharks, and massive sea turtle (called Friday) were incredible. I have not been to another aquarium in the UK that includes sharks!
Staff have an incredible amount of knowledge about the animals in the aquarium all the way down to their behaviours and how each of them interact with the divers that feed them.
At various points you get to see the divers go into the water. This is by far the largest and most impressive aquarium I have seen, if you are into your marine animals this opportunity is certainly not to be missed!
Definitely check this place out if you are ever visiting Plymouth!"
Ian Marshall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park is accessible by car, public transport, and even by sea. The National Marine Aquarium, a key attraction within the park, is well-signposted. Parking is available nearby, and local buses frequently service the area. For a scenic arrival, consider a boat trip into the Sound.
Yes, there are several parking options near the National Marine Aquarium and other access points to Plymouth Sound. It's advisable to check parking availability and costs in advance, especially during peak season.
Absolutely! Plymouth has a robust public transport network. Numerous bus routes stop close to the National Marine Aquarium and other points of interest within the marine park.
Exploring Plymouth Sound can be done in various ways, from walking along the coast to taking a harbour cruise. Activities like kayaking and paddleboarding offer a more immersive experience.
While specific guided tours might vary, the National Marine Aquarium offers talks and feeding sessions. Boat trips often provide commentary on the park's features.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the National Marine Aquarium can vary. It's recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing and to book in advance, especially for special events.
Yes, tickets for the National Marine Aquarium are typically valid for the entire day, allowing you to revisit exhibits and catch different feeding times.
The National Marine Aquarium often offers family tickets and group discounts. Check their website or inquire directly for the best rates.
For the National Marine Aquarium, booking in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods. For general access to Plymouth Sound itself, no tickets are required, but specific activities like boat trips will have their own booking procedures.
Opening hours for the National Marine Aquarium can vary seasonally. It's best to consult their official website for the most accurate and current opening times before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The star attraction is the UK's largest aquarium tank, featuring sharks, a large sea turtle, and a bi-plane. Other highlights include diverse fish species, rays, and anemones.
While some attractions like soft play might be unavailable, the aquarium offers engaging talks and opportunities to observe researchers. The large tanks themselves are highly captivating for children.
Yes, you can often witness divers interacting with the marine life during feeding sessions in the main tank, which is a highlight for many visitors.
Visiting first thing in the morning is recommended for a calmer experience, as it can get busy later. The aquarium staff are generally friendly and helpful.
Plymouth Sound is home to a vast array of marine life, including sharks, manta rays, turtles, diverse fish species, starfish, and anemones.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the National Marine Aquarium typically has a cafe or restaurant offering refreshments and meals. You can also find various dining options in the surrounding Plymouth area.
Policies on bringing outside food can vary. It's best to check the National Marine Aquarium's guidelines on their website or inquire upon arrival.
Expect typical cafe fare, including snacks, light meals, and drinks. The options are generally family-friendly.
Most cafes and restaurants in tourist attractions aim to cater to various dietary needs. It's advisable to check the menu or ask staff about vegetarian and vegan choices.
Plymouth city centre offers a wide range of restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining, catering to all tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the National Marine Aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted to protect the animals.
The large aquarium tank offers dramatic photo opportunities. The coastline and harbour views are also excellent for capturing the marine park's scenery.
Drone usage is typically regulated in coastal and urban areas. It's essential to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone over Plymouth Sound.
Be patient and try to capture animals when they are active. Avoid using flash, as it can disturb them. Look for clear viewing panels and angles.
Use a higher ISO to compensate for low light, a wider aperture for shallow depth of field, and a fast shutter speed to freeze motion. A tripod can be helpful if permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing an annual pass if you anticipate multiple visits, as it offers great value.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1 Look into family tickets or group discounts for the aquarium if traveling with others to save on admission. 💑 Couples
For those interested in marine life, the National Marine Aquarium offers a fascinating shared experience, with opportunities to marvel at the diverse underwater world together. +1🚶 Day-Trippers
Alternatively, a brisk walk along the waterfront offers beautiful views and a chance to experience the marine park's atmosphere without additional cost. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Plymouth Sound: Beyond the Aquarium
+1 The designation as a National Marine Park highlights a commitment to conservation and understanding of this vital ecosystem. +1Several organizations are actively involved in the park's stewardship and education. The Ocean Conservation Trust and the Marine Biological Association are key players, working to protect and study the marine life.
Events like the Marine Park Weekend at the National Marine Aquarium bring together institutions like Plymouth University Marine Institute to showcase their work and engage the public. These initiatives underscore the park's role not just as a tourist destination, but as a living laboratory and a beacon for marine protection efforts. For those seeking a broader perspective, harbour cruises offer a relaxing way to take in the scenic beauty of Plymouth Sound and learn about its history and marine significance.
The park is a testament to the vibrant life that thrives just off the coast, offering a unique blend of natural wonder and dedicated conservation efforts that make it a truly special place to visit. +1The National Marine Aquarium: A Hub of Marine Life
Beyond the main tank, the aquarium offers a journey through different marine environments, showcasing a wide range of species from local waters to more exotic locales. The staff's extensive knowledge about the animals, their behaviors, and their interactions with divers is frequently praised by visitors.
While the aquarium is a major draw, some reviews suggest that the fish tanks could be larger or contain more impressive specimens, and that the focus on educational stickers sometimes overshadows the visual appeal of the marine life.
Conservation and Community in Plymouth Sound
+1 Initiatives like the dedication of the kelp forest to the Queen highlight the importance of these underwater habitats. Local organizations and educational institutions play a crucial role in fostering this conservation ethos. The Ocean Conservation Trust and Plymouth University Marine Institute are actively involved in research, education, and outreach programs.
+1 Events such as the Marine Park Weekend serve as platforms to connect the public with marine science and conservation efforts, often featuring interactive activities like operating a RoV (Remotely Operated Vehicle). This collaborative approach ensures that the park remains a vibrant ecosystem and a source of inspiration for future generations. Community involvement is also evident through activities like beach clean-ups and wild swimming events that celebrate and protect the marine environment.
+1 The collective effort from various stakeholders underscores the shared responsibility in preserving Plymouth Sound for its intrinsic beauty and ecological significance. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit