Name: Ilfracombe Aquarium
Rating: 5.0

Ilfracombe Aquarium

The Old Lifeboat House, Ilfracombe Harbour, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 9EQ, England

1-90 Years

Paid

Website

Contact

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Description

Ilfracombe Aquarium offers a unique and fascinating journey of an Exmoor stream from source to sea, showcasing North Devon’s diverse collection of local aquatic life. Located in the historic Old Lifeboat House on the pier, this award-winning, all-weather family attraction displays up to 75 species typical of local rivers, lakes, ponds, estuaries, and the North Devon coast. The aquarium is conveniently situated in Ilfracombe’s picturesque harbor, surrounded by the town’s bustling atmosphere and notable landmarks including Damien Hirst’s Verity sculpture.

Visitors can explore carefully recreated realistic habitats through a unique zoned journey from Exmoor stream source down river to lake, pond, estuary, local rockpool, harbor, coast and out to Lundy marine reserve. The aquarium features child-friendly, multi-sensory exhibits with free fun quiz trails for all ages, children’s viewing stools, and interactive elements like magnifiers. Friendly, knowledgeable fish-keeper guides are available throughout to share their passion, provide feeding demonstrations, animal encounters, and assistance with quizzes.

Adult admission is £7.95, children (3-15) £5.95, with under 3s free, and family tickets (2+2) available for £24.95. Senior and student discounts are also offered at £6.95 and £6.50 respectively.

The typical visit lasts 30-45 minutes with no time restrictions, allowing families to explore at their own pace in this lovingly cared-for extensive exhibit collection. Combined with the on-site Pier Café, Funky Fish Gift Shop, and the attraction’s prime harbourside location within walking distance of Ilfracombe town, it creates a special and memorable day out for visitors with any level of interest in nature. The aquarium is also available for private hire and birthday events, accommodating up to 50 people comfortably in the exhibits area.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

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.
Unique Zoned journey: Explore a unique journey from the SOURCE of an Exmoor stream, down RIVER, to the LAKE, POND, ESTUARY, LOCAL ROCKPOOL, HARBOUR, COAST and out to LUNDY and its marine reserve.
Ouiz 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.
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.

Facilities

Parking: 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.
Food & Drinks: Delicious, sensibly priced, quality products available to enjoy at tables in a relaxing, all-weather, harbourside environment in pier cafe.

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £7.95
Child (3-15): £5.95
Under 3: Free
Family (2+2): £24.95
Senior: £6.95
Students: £6.50

Pricing URL: https://ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk/visit#prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

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.

Open Mon – Sun: 10am – 5pm

Address: The Old Lifeboat House, Ilfracombe Harbour, Ilfracombe, Devon, EX34 9EQ, England

Post Code: EX34 9EQ

Council: North Devon

County: Devon

By Car:

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.

By Bus: