Extra 1/2 day - We're open from 10am - 1pm this Thursday 22 May!
Enjoy 'Boats Out' Thu and Fri this week!
click for more info
Enjoy the unique & fascinating journey of an Exmoor stream from source to sea at North Devon's much loved aquarium...
Thurs 2nd May Open 10am - 1pm. Please arrive before 12.30pm to allow some time to enjoy the exhibits. This is also the time we will review closing.
About Us
Ilfracombe Aquarium consists of Local Aquatic Exhibits, Pier Café & Gift Shop. It is a much loved, award winning, and ever evolving, all-weather, family fun, educational attraction. It is located in the Old Lifeboat House on the pier. Conveniently located, it is surrounded by Ilfracombe’s picturesque, historic and bustling harbour which is also home to Damien Hirst’s extraordinary Verity sculpture and 14th century St. Nicholas’ Chapel. Ilfracombe town is located on the dramatic and spectacular North Devon coast. It is 20 mins. drive from Barnstaple, 10 mins. from Woolacombe. It is set within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Just some of our species often on display...
(Raja microocellata)
(Metridium senile)
(Scyliorhinus stellaris)
(Scardinius erythrophthalmus)
(Eledone cirrhosa)
(Crossaster papposus)
(Raja montagui)
(Actinia equina)
(Sepia officianalis)
(Maja squinado)
(Centrolabrus exoletus)
(Pagurus bernhardus)
What's available
Living Exhibits
Lovingly cared for and ever evolving, the living exhibits display up to 75 species of local aquatic species in carefully recreated, realistic habitats. Friendly, knowledgeable fish-keeper guides are on hand. They share their passion, knowledge and friendliness.
CHILD FRIENDLY - FREE QUIZ TRAILS
Exhibits are all child friendly and multi-sensual. Free fun quiz trails for all ages and children’s viewing stools for the little ones are offered on entry. Friendly, knowledgeable fish-keeper guides offer help with the quizzes, feeding demonstrations and animal encounters. Interactives such as magnifiers entertain. Shop & café are all child friendly too.
EXHIBIT INFORMATION & INTERACTIONS
Extensive information and visuals available. Friendly fish-keeper guides on hand too who share their knowledge, offer points of interest and carry out feeding demonstrations. Animal encounters and interactives such as magnifiers all engage, educate and entertain.
Delicious, sensibly priced, quality products available to enjoy at tables in a relaxing, all-weather, harbourside environment. Raised sun terrace available during peak times when weather allows. Terrace offers unrivalled harbour, Verity and coastal views. Takeaway also available.
A great range of good value – fairly priced, aquatic themed gifts and cards. Perfect as souvenirs and gifts for friends and loved ones.
WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY
We are wheelchair & mobility scooter accessible throughout exhibits, shop and café.
DOGS
Well-behaved dogs are most welcome in the cafe & shop. Only assistance dogs allowed in aquarium due to insurance restrictions.
CONVENIENT
& PICTURESQUE
On the pier at Ilfracombe harbour. Is alongside pier car park, 1 minute from Damien Hirst’s Verity and directly below Lantern Hill and 14th Century St Nicholas’ Chapel.
Families, school and other groups are all catered for. Annual Membership is available providing unlimited entry for 12 months from date of purchase and also provides 10% discount on shop and cafe purchases.
The aquarium provides a unique and most memorable venue for a special event. Consultancy is available via our experienced team. Simply contact for details.
HEALTH & SAFETY
As per current governmental guidelines we conduct all necessary safety measures to comply and ensure the safety of our customers.
Reviews 2024-2025
A FANTASTIC INDEPENDENT AQUARIUM FOCUSING ON LOCAL AQUATIC WILDLIFE
C Alborn
LOVELY INDEPENDENT AQUARIUM. PLENTY OF HAPPY FISH AND FRIENDLY STAFF
C Miles
WHAT A LITTLE GEM OF A PLACE!
E Hearn
LOVELY LITTLE AQUARIUM. WE'LL DEFINITELY BE BACK. GREAT COFFEE IN THE CAFE TOO.
K Molynueux
Hidden gem! Would definitely recommend
Sophie S
Great place to visit with the kids
M Higgs
Would highly recommend and will visit again…
nh87
Aquarium café not to be missed!
Vicky A
Local Aquatic Exhibits
Whether you have a mere passing interest or ingrained passion for all things nature, you are sure to find this lovingly-cared-for, extensive exhibit collection fascinating. Focusing on local aquatic life, it is unique and adds further interest and relevance. Average dwell time within the exhibits varies between 30 – 45mins. but with no time restrictions many dwell longer. Along with the Pier Café, Funky Fish Gift Shop, convenient, picturesque harbour location as well as Ilfracombe town being accessible by foot, it all makes for a special and most memorable day out. Improvements every year
Pier Café
Everyone is welcome at our well established and ever-popular café. We offer delivery service to tables and also takeaway. It is a lovely place to relax and enjoy a wide variety of fairtrade teas, freshly ground coffee, award winning savouries, fresh cakes and cream teas. A selection of snacks, cold drinks and locally sourced luxury dairy ice cream in tubs are all available too. Everything is sensibly-fairly priced and served with a smile from our friendly team.
The sheltered outside seating is a lovely south facing – sun trap throughout the day. The space adjoins a large pedestrian area which is all in view and is a safer for children.
From the raised sun terrace, – available when weather allows, enjoy the spectacular coastal views and bustling harbour life. Damien Hirst’s ‘Verity’, – the impressive and renowned 25 tonne bronze statue is clearly visible too, – located 100m from the aquarium at the end of the Pier.
Public pier parking and toilets are also both conveniently available alongside.
Funky Fish Gift Shop
We’ve got a wide variety of good value – fairly priced and quality aquatic themed gifts. Pocket money toys, souvenirs, unusual nautically themed gifts, locally made cards and handcrafted items are all available for sale.
Come and have a browse. A purchase will be a wonderful way to remember your visit or provide the ideal gift for a friend or loved one.
