Extra 1/2 day - We're open from 10am - 1pm this Thursday 22 May!
Plan Your Visit
WELCOME!
The Local Aquatic Exhibits, Pier Café and
Funky Fish Gift Shop are open as shown below.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Opening Times 2025
Feb – Nov every year
|
Sun 5th Oct – Sun 19th Oct |
||
|
Open Sat – Wed |
10am – 4pm* |
|
|
Thu & Fri |
CLOSED |
|
* We recommend to arrive by 3.30pm to ensure entry and to allow some time to enjoy the exhibits.
On Sun we recommend to arrive by 3.15pm.
WELCOME!
The Local Aquatic Exhibits, Pier Café and
Funky Fish Gift Shop are open as shown below.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Opening Times 2024
Feb – Nov (until Sunday 10th)
|
For current opening times: |
||
|
Mon 4th Nov – Sun 10th Nov* |
10am – 3.30pm |
|
|
Thu 7th & Fri 8th |
CLOSED |
|
*NB. Mon – Wed & Sat, please arrive before 3pm to allow some time to enjoy the exhibits.
This is also the time we review closing. On Sunday 10th, please arrive before 2.30pm for the same reasons. Thank you.
EXHIBIT ADMISSION PRICES
Adult (16yrs+) (Blue Light card holders 10% entry discount**) | £7.95 |
| Child (3-15yrs) | £5.95 |
| Seniors (65yrs+) | £6.95 |
| Student (16+ in education. and/or with NUS card) | £6.50 |
| Family (2 adults & 2 children) | £24.95 |
| Family (2 adults & 3 children*) | £30.45 |
| Family (1 adult & 3 children*) | £23.25 |
| Grandparents (2 seniors & 2 children*) | £23.25 |
*any additional children within family groups charged @ £5.50 each | |
**valid for individual entry for those with Blue Light Card. Not valid with family tickets which provides a bigger discount. |
EXHIBITS CONCESSION ADMISSION PRICES
| Adult (16yrs+) | £6.95 |
| Child (3-15yrs) | £4.95 |
| Seniors (65yrs+) | £5.95 |
| Student (16+ in education. &/or with NUS card) | £5.50 |
EXHIBITS ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
These tickets are cost saving. They provide unlimited entry to the aquarium exhibits for 12 months from date of purchase. They also provide 10% discount on cafe & shop purchases. In order to give you time and flexibility to decide, we provide same day admission purchase refund off the cost of the Annual Membership ticket. The cost is based on 2 – 3 visits in the year so if expecting to visit more than that it makes great sense!
| Adult (16yrs+) | £19.95 |
| Child (3-15yrs) | £14.95 |
| Seniors (65yrs+) | £17.50 |
| Student (with NUS card) | £16.25 |
| Family (1 adults & 2 children) | £48.95 |
| Family (2 adults & 2 children) | £59.95 |
| Family (2 adults & 3 children) | £69.95 |
| Family (1 adult & 3 children) | £55.50 |
| Grandparents (2 seniors & 2 children) | £55.50 |
GROUPS
The aquarium is ideal for schools, extra-curriculur and general group visits.
Specific requirements of each group are catered for, providing a fun, educational and memorable experience.
For details of school and extra-curricular group visits including options see below in Education. Further to this please email info@ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk.
GROUP DISCOUNT ADMISSION PRICES
Prebooked
group Prices
|
PRE-BOOKED SCHOOL OR SIMILAR GROUP (10+ MEMBERS) Curricular or extra-curricular groups such as scouts, guides, other clubs, etc. Discount equates to 70p off each Standard Admission Price (SAP). Discount also includes FREE ENTRY to teachers/leaders; 2 free per group of up to 15 children. Other adults charged at £5.45. |
|
|
Adult (teacher/helper) |
£5.45 |
|
Child (3-15yrs) |
£5.45 |
|
Student (16yrs+ in education &/or with NUS card) |
£6.00 |
|
Tour option also is available. Is tailored to suit group needs. Details and prices confirmed on booking. |
|
Other
Group Prices
|
PRE-BOOKED OR NON PRE-BOOKED
GROUP (10+ MEMBERS) Mixed groups. Discount equates to 45p off each Standard Admission Price. *NB: Discount only applies to individual visitors. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with other offers &/or family tickets. |
|
|
Adult (16yrs+) |
£7.50 |
|
Child (3-15yrs) |
£5.50 |
|
Senior (65yrs+) |
£6.50 |
|
Student (16yrs+ in education &/or with NUS card) |
£6.00 |
Concession
Group Prices
|
PRE-BOOKED CONCESSION GROUP (10+ MEMBERS) Disability groups. Discount equates to 20p off each Concession Admission Price. Non-employed carers to entrant entitled to 1 FREE ENTRY to 1 concession. Employed carers (with display of DLA &/or Access Card) are charged at Concession Group Adult price at £6.75. |
|
|
Adult (16yrs+) |
£6.75 |
|
Child (3-15yrs) |
£4.75 |
|
Senior (65yrs+) |
£5.75 |
EDUCATION
Established since 2001. The aquarium continues to develop as a valuable educational resource where schools, colleges and extra-curricular groups can gain in a fun learning and most memorable experience.
For planning, allow approx. 1hour
Includes:
- Welcome: A welcome talk given by either the owner or by an experienced fish keeper/educational guide. This sets the scene for the exhibits experience and includes Q & A’s.
- Guide: A guide will be with the group initially to welcome it to the exhibits and share knowledge and suggestions for getting the most out of the experience. When possible this time together can be extended.
- Quizzes: Age specific quizzes will be available and can be offered and carried out at end of tour. These quizzes provide fun, fish trails and can further develop learning.
- Feeding: Demonstrations and further sensory experiences will be offered by a guide. This member and others remain on hand to all visitors, pointing out things of interest, sharing fun-facts, and answering questions.
- Free time: In exhibits, shop, and cafe.
- Free revisit: Available on the same day and around off-peak times.
For planning, allow approx. 1hour +
Includes:
- Welcome: A welcome talk given by either the owner or by an experienced fish keeper/educational guide. This sets the scene for the exhibits experience and includes Q & A’s.
- Tour: An exclusive fish keeper guide tour (duration between 45 minutes – 1 hour) tailored to the specific requirements of the group. This guide will welcome the group to the exhibits and share their knowledge, offer feeding demonstrations, and further sensory experiences. This person and others (when applicable) will be on hand to all visitors, pointing out things of interest, sharing fun-facts, and answering questions.
- Quizzes: Age-specific quizzes will be available and can be offered and carried out at the end of the tour. These quizzes provide fun, fish trails, and can further develop learning.
- Free time: In exhibits, shop, and cafe.
- Free revisit: Available on the same day and during off-peak times.
In order that we provide a quality, personal and most memorable, fun and educational experience for the group we request that each group be no more than 15 children. For Educational Visits an interval period of at least ¾ – 1 hour between groups is preferred.
For groups involving more than 15 children we advise, whilst one group is experiencing the exhibits, the other has options including; taking a walk around the harbour to watch the boats and operators go about their business. Go climb Lantern Hill, take in the majestic coastal views and visit the C14th chapel. Take a look on the pier at Damien Hirst’s renowned ‘Verity’ statue. Chill with a Pier Café ice cream in the sunshine. Lot’s to see & do..!
Please note that larger groups can be catered for during off peak times. We would request that you call or email for assistance and reservation.
Please also see Further Facilities/Information/Other Local Attractions section of this page to assist you further…
The aquarium is accessible to wheelchairs and those with disabilities. Disabled parking and local authority toilets including a disabled toilet are all conveniently available alongside the aquarium on the Pier. The aquarium has a radar key at reception for those wishing to use the disabled toilet.
Aside from the fun and educational opportunities that the exhibits, team and resources provide, additional facilities onsite include The Funky Fish Gift Shop where unusual souvenirs from 30p can be purchased. Perfect for sourvenirs! The Pier Cafe provides fair trade tea, freshly ground coffee, local, luxury dairy ice cream, award winning hot savouries, sweet and savoury scones, snacks & cold drinks. Vegetarian & gluten free available. All-weather and sheltered outside seating areas adjoins a large pedestrian area directly outside.
Should the weather be inclement during busier times a large indoor rest room with seating (30+ children) is available (subject to prior arrangement with the harbour master). on t 01271 862108 harbourmaster@northdevon.gov.uk This facility is ideal for rest/study/lunch and is again conveniently located directly outside the front.
Convenient car parking, a minibus dropping-off point, short stay minibus parking on pier (subject to prior arrangement, off-peak times only) all available. A coach park nearby, modern toilets, disabled access are all available.
There are many other attractions, accessible by foot from the aquarium too, that can provide additional interest for groups. These include; C14th St. Nicholas’ Chapel & Lantern Hill, spectacular coastal views, Damien Hirst’s ‘Verity’ statue, The harbour, operators and boats going by (!) The RNLI Lifeboat House, Ilfracombe Princess (Wildlife Cruises) all within 5 mins. walk from aquarium. Further afield – 10mins walk; The landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe Museum, Tunnels Beaches.
Additional information can be obtained through the TIC (01271 863001).
In exceptional circumstances to, as examples a nursery, school or nursing home we can provide an outreach service. This is where an experienced member of the exhibit team can bring materials, marine artefacts and possible hardy rockpool creatures. This provides a unique, fascinating and sensory educational experience which will be memorable for all.
NB. Due to limited resources however it remains to be encouraged that for a comprehensive and more fulfilling experience a visit to the aquarium is the preferred route!
Venue Hire
The aquarium is available for hire to provide a unique and most memorable venue for a specific event. The exhibits area can accommodate up to 50 people comfortably. Specific requirements and options available are best discussed prior to the event via email initially. Any enquiries will be given urgent attention.
CONSULTANCY
The team here has 50 years of collective experience in aquatics and hospitality.
Enquiries are given prompt attention. Be reassured we will do our very best to provide you with the friendly, professional advice required.
GETTING HERE
Postcode for sat nav: EX34 9EQ
From Woolacombe/Croyde
Take the B3343 to Mullacott Cross roundabout. Take first turning left to Ilfracombe and follow the A361 into St. Brannocks Road. At the first set of traffic lights on Church Street after a mini roundabout turn left onto Wilder Road following a sign to the seafront and a brown directional sign to, amongst others, Lundy Island (Car Parking for Ferry). Just before the next set of traffic lights you should see a brown directional sign directing you straight on to the aquarium. Follow this sign along the seafront down to the end of St James’ Place. At the end of St. James’ Place, a further brown directional sign to the aquarium directs you left down the Quay to the Pier. The Aquarium is on the Pier to the left.
From Braunton
Take the A361 to Mullacott roundabout. Take 2nd turning left to Ilfracombe. Follow directions as per from Woolacombe/Croyde (above).
From Barnstaple
Either take the A361 to Braunton then follow the directions as per from Woolacombe/Croyde (above). Alternatively take the B3230 via Muddiford to Ilfracombe. At the first set of traffic lights (New Barnstaple Road) turn left for ½ mile until you drop down hill approaching the high street. You should see a brown directional sign on your left directing you to turn right to the aquarium. Follow this onto the seafront then right down toward the harbour and pier.
From Exmoor
Take the A3123 to Lynton Cross (On-A-Hill Garage to your left). Either cross straight over here travelling approx. 1 mile to Mullacott roundabout where you take 3rd turning left (effectively right!) to Ilfracombe. Follow directions as per from Woolacombe/Croyde (above). Alternatively turn right at Lynton Cross and take the B3230. Now follow alternative directions as per from Barnstaple (above).
From Combe Martin/ Watermouth/Hele
Take the A399 coast road bringing you into Ilfracombe via Hele Bay. At the first set of traffic lights you should see a brown directional sign directing to the aquarium follow this and additional brown signs to the harbour, pier and aquarium.
Short stay
Pier car park alongside the aquarium. Prices vary according to time of year.
Short & long stay via Ropery Road car park. 5 mins. walk from aquarium.
Long stay
Cove and Larkstone car parks, both on the south side of the harbour. Prices are cheaper than short stay and vary according to time of year. 5-10 mins walk from aquarium.
Hillsborough car park, off Watermouth Road serving the swimming pool. Prices are cheaper than short stay and other long stay car parks. Prices vary according to time of year. 10 mins walk from aquarium. Alternatively a park & ride service normally functions during the main season. This takes passengers to the aquarium in 15 mins. via the high street and seafront.
For all public enquiries in South West England call: Traveline 08712002233
From Woolacombe Buses 31, 302
From Braunton From Barnstaple Buses 3, 30, 30E, 301
From Exmoor (Lynton/Lynmouth) Bus 300
From Combe Martin/ Watermouth/Hele Buses 3, 30, 30E, 300, 301, 33
Ilfracombe Pier is at the start/end of the Devon Coast to Coast (NCN route 27) Ilfracombe to Plymouth.
The aquarium provides a bike rack (x4) alongside the building for aquarium exhibit and pier café visitors to use.
There are a number of railings for bike fixing within the aquarium vicinity.
To promote NDDC to purchase lockable cycle lockers or bike racks in the future please contact the harbour master on 01271 862108 harbourmaster@northdevon.gov.uk
Come and enjoy a freshly ground coffee, locally pasties, fresh cakes and/or luxury dairy ice-cream to provide a smile and energy as a reward for your trip!
Ilfracombe is a popular destination from March through to October for visiting leisure craft. For further information contact the harbour master on t 01271 862108 harbourmaster@northdevon.gov.uk
The Waverley and Balmoral cruise liners visit Ilfracombe throughout the Summer from a number of locations within the Bristol Channel. For further info call 0845 1304647 or visit www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk
The Oldenburgh departs from Ilfracombe pier regularly for Lundy from Mar-Oct. For further information call 01271 863636 or visit www.lundyisland.co.uk.
FAQS
A diverse collection of local aquatic life. Species displayed are typical of local rivers, lakes and ponds to those found in an estuary, the North Devon coast and around Lundy.
It’s really down to the individual. All visitors should allow for at least 30 minutes. Some enthusiasts can be in the exhibits for well over an hour. There is a lot to see and read. There are over 75 aquatic species to enjoy. During off peak times you can re-enter for free on same day.
Small native sharks are on display. These include dogfish (<60cm), bullhuss (<100cm), thornback & painted rays (<75cm). These are all ‘aquarium friendly’ species. They are established and proven to live happily in captivity and have bred. We would not wish to compromise the welfare of other larger more active, open ocean, native shark species so do not stock these species.
Prior to stocking we carefully consider the habitats that we are trying to recreate and the species that are found within those habitats that are also suitable for displaying in captivity.
We check those species conservation status and have an ongoing responsibility to ensure that the species within the collection have a high quality and long life.
We acquire species through a number of means:
- Local fishermen
- Collections locally
- Within the industry
- Captive bred at the aquarium
Each species has its own specific requirements both in terms of diet and frequency of feeds. To ensure the quality of life for each species we need to offer near to similar to their natural diets as well as replicate frequency of feeds. The diets consist of dry diets, pellets, shrimps, worms, prawns, fish, crab, shellfish. These items are obtained from south west based suppliers as well as locally. Sustainably sourced and minimising impact is always preferable.