The Lakes Aquarium Windermere
Discover underwater wonders at The Lakes Aquarium, featuring playful otters, graceful stingrays, and diverse marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
The Lakes Aquarium Windermere
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover underwater wonders at The Lakes Aquarium, featuring playful otters, graceful stingrays, and diverse marine life.
"Pleasantly surprised by the value and variety, it's a great stop for families and couples!"
🎯 Combine with Train/Boat
Make a full day of it by adding a steam train ride or lake cruise. :train2: :ferry:
🎟️ Book Ahead Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underwater Otter Tunnel
Main Exhibit
Get up close with playful otters in this unique underwater viewing tunnel. A definite crowd-pleaser!
Stingray & Shark Encounters
Marine Exhibits
Marvel at graceful stingrays and impressive sharks gliding through the water. An awe-inspiring sight.
Local Freshwater Species
Freshwater Exhibits
Discover native pike, perch, and other fascinating fish in well-maintained tanks showcasing local aquatic life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine with Lake Activities
+1Book Tickets in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Combine with Train/Boat
Make a full day of it by adding a steam train ride or lake cruise.
🎟️ Book Ahead Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
The aquarium is well-laid out and easy to walk through, taking about an hour. :walking:
🚗 Parking Available
There's parking on-site, with both small and larger lots available. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Combine with Train/Boat
Make a full day of it by adding a steam train ride or lake cruise.
🎟️ Book Ahead Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing tickets in advance. :admission_tickets:
🚶♀️ Easy to Navigate
The aquarium is well-laid out and easy to walk through, taking about an hour. :walking:
🚗 Parking Available
There's parking on-site, with both small and larger lots available. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are pleasantly surprised by The Lakes Aquarium, finding it a well-maintained and engaging attraction that offers good value. While not the largest aquarium, it's packed with diverse marine and freshwater life, with the otter tunnel being a particular highlight. It's highly recommended for families and couples looking for an enjoyable, educational experience that can easily be combined with other local activities.
"We weren’t sure what to expect from Lakes Aquarium, but it turned out to be a really enjoyable visit. It’s not huge, but there’s loads packed into the space — otters, rays, frogs, fish from around the world, and a cool underwater tunnel with local species like pike and perch.
The otters were a highlight, especially at feeding time. The tanks are well kept, and everything feels clean and well looked after. There’s a nice flow to the place and plenty of signs with interesting facts.
It’s perfect for families — kids loved it, but we found ourselves enjoying it just as much. Good value for money, and you can pair it with the steam train or a boat ride nearby to make a full day of it.
Staff were friendly, the gift shop had some fun stuff (not too overpriced), and overall it made for a really lovely stop.
Would definitely recommend if you're in the area and looking for something fun and educational that doesn’t take up the whole day."
Paul K
"Was pleasantly surprised when visiting, it was a bit bigger than I expected given the reasonable price! Lots to see, the whole family really enjoyed it. Took just under an hour from start to finish. The location is beautiful right on the lake. Small car park at the front and a larger one to the back so parking was fine. Would recommend if your visiting the area with children. We bought tickets in advance."
Martina Mc
"We had a fantastic time at the aquarium! The exhibits were beautifully designed and full of fascinating marine life, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks and graceful stingrays. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer questions, making it both fun and educational. Highlights included the interactive touch pools and the underwater tunnel — a truly immersive experience. A great day out for all ages — highly recommended!"
Ben Corbett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lakes Aquarium is located at Lakeside, on the southern tip of Windermere. You can reach it by car, with parking available on-site. Alternatively, it's accessible via the Windermere Lake Cruises from Bowness or Ambleside, or by boarding the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway from Haverthwaite.
Yes, there is parking available at the aquarium. They have a small car park at the front and a larger one to the back, so parking is generally not an issue.
Absolutely! Windermere Lake Cruises offer services to Lakeside, where the aquarium is located. This is a popular and scenic way to arrive.
Yes, you can reach the aquarium via the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, which connects to other transport links.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are considered reasonable for the experience. Booking tickets in advance online is recommended to potentially save money and guarantee entry. +1
While not always mandatory, booking your tickets online in advance is a good idea, especially during busy periods, to avoid queues and secure your spot.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
The aquarium experience is designed to be completed in a single visit, typically taking around an hour. Re-entry might not be permitted after exiting.
Check the official website or booking platforms for any available discounts, family packages, or special offers. Sometimes, booking as part of a package with the steam train or boat cruise can offer savings.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse range of freshwater and marine life, including otters, stingrays, sharks, tropical fish, and native species like pike and perch. +1
Yes, it's highly recommended for families! Kids love the interactive elements, the otter tunnel, and the variety of marine life. +1
Most visitors find that a visit takes about an hour to an hour and a half to fully explore the exhibits. +1
While specific interactive sessions might be limited, the aquarium offers immersive experiences like the underwater tunnel and touch pools, allowing for close encounters with marine life.
Key highlights include the underwater otter tunnel, the stingray and shark exhibits, and the displays of local freshwater species. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The aquarium typically has a small cafe or snack bar offering refreshments. For more substantial meals, there are dining options available at Lakeside, near the ferry terminal.
Picnics are often allowed in designated areas, especially if you're combining your visit with a boat trip or train ride. Check their policy for specific details.
The Lakeside area offers several cafes and restaurants, including options at the Lakeside Hotel and nearby establishments, providing a variety of choices for lunch or snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the aquarium, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the animals. Always check for signage.
The underwater otter tunnel and the large marine tanks offer fantastic photo opportunities. The scenic lakeside location also provides beautiful backdrops.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around tourist attractions and natural reserves to ensure the safety and well-being of wildlife and visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To maximize the fun, try to visit during otter feeding times for a lively show.
+1 The aquarium's location at Lakeside also provides space for little ones to burn off energy. couples
+1 The intimate setting and the beauty of the underwater world can be quite captivating. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the exhibits, perhaps holding hands as you marvel at the graceful stingrays or the playful otters.
Day-Trippers
+1 The visit typically takes about an hour, allowing you to fit it in alongside other activities without feeling rushed. Combine it with a lake cruise for stunning scenery or a steam train journey for a touch of nostalgia.
+1 The aquarium provides a delightful break and a chance to see fascinating aquatic life before continuing your exploration of the surrounding area. Parking is also available if you're arriving by car. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lakeside Experience
+2Many travelers opt to arrive at Lakeside via the iconic Windermere Lake Cruises, enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding fells and water as they approach.
+1 Alternatively, the nostalgic Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway offers a charming journey through the countryside, depositing visitors right at the doorstep of the aquarium. This synergy between attractions means you can seamlessly transition from underwater wonders to scenic journeys, making the most of your time in the area. Beyond the aquarium, Lakeside offers further opportunities for enjoyment. You can enjoy a picnic with stunning lake views, explore the surrounding natural beauty, or even visit nearby amenities. The convenience of having multiple attractions within close proximity enhances the overall visitor experience, catering to a variety of interests and ensuring a memorable day out for families and individuals alike.
Family Fun at The Lakes Aquarium
Beyond the otters, the aquarium boasts a diverse collection of marine and freshwater life, from colorful tropical fish to local species. The interactive touch pools provide a hands-on experience, allowing children to safely feel the textures of marine creatures.
When planning a family visit, consider timing your trip around the otter feeding sessions for maximum excitement.
+1 The aquarium's location at Lakeside also provides ample space for kids to run around and enjoy the scenery. Value and Visitor Experience
The aquarium is noted for its clean and well-maintained tanks, with a good variety of species that appeal to all ages. The flow of the exhibits is logical, making it easy to navigate and understand the displays.
Positive feedback also frequently mentions the friendly and helpful staff, as well as a well-stocked gift shop with reasonably priced items.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit