Top Aquariums In The UK

There are many fun and exciting things to see in the United Kingdom. You will find everything from historical sites to national landmarks and natural wonders to fascinating museums throughout the country. In fact, there are many aquariums which will take you into some of the darkest and deepest regions of the ocean, including some remote areas rarely seen by humans. Make sure to include one, or more, of the country's top aquariums where you can see your favorite sea animals.
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Blue Reef Aquarium

The Blue Reef Aquarium is home to more than 40 themed habitats that will take you on a fantastic journey into the depths of the ocean. While you adventure from the shoreline through tropical waters and into the darkest regions of the ocean, you will encounter seahorses, jellyfish, pufferfish, sharks, stingrays and many colorful reef fish. While at Blue Reef Aquarium you can also come face-to-face with some of the remarkable reptiles, such as snakes and bearded dragons.

Blue Reef Aquarium is located in Hastings, Nawquay, Portsmouth and Tynemouth. The aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Make sure to allow three to four hours to be able to experience everything the aquarium has to offer. Don't forget to leave some extra time to stop by the café and enjoy a quick snack or lunch in the middle of your explorations.

Related: America's Top 5 Must-Visit Aqauriums

The Deep

Visit one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world while in the UK. The Deep is located in Hull, East Yorkshire and is an award-winning attraction featuring 3,500 different species, including rays and sharks. The building is just as magnificent as the sea creatures who call The Deep home. Which is just one of the many reasons you need to make time to explore this aquarium when in the UK.

When exploring The Deep, you will be immersed in a story that takes you through the world's oceans. A variety of interactive and audio-visual presentations will take you on this journey where you will encounter stunning marine life including sharks, turtles, rays, penguins and so much more. If you get hungry while there, take a break for a bite to eat at The Observatory Café or the Hallway Café. There are also plenty of picnic areas at the aquarium for those wanting to bring a picnic lunch. The Deep is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. When visiting, allow two to three hours to be able to full enjoy everything this aquarium has to offer and to allow enough time to stop at the gift shop before the aquarium closes.

Photo Credit: CARL COURT/AFP/Getty Images
London Sea Life Aquarium

Home to more than 500 species, the London Sea Life Aquarium is one of the best known aquariums in the UK. This aquarium is set up with 14 different themed zones and many interactive areas where guests can learn about their favorite sea animals. Featured zones include the Atlantic Depths, Ray Lagoon, Rockpool, Pacific Wreck (a must-experience), Seadragon Kingdom, Thames Walk and Breed Rescue Protect. Don't forget to stop by during the different feeding times where you can watch your favorite sea animals, including piranhas, seahorses and even a Gentoo penguin get fed.

Get face-to-face during the Frozen Planet tour, where you will have an exciting experience exploring the polar ice worlds of Earth. This exhibit will take you on a journey through the BBC Earth's natural history series Frozen Planet. You will venture into an icy wilderness that is featured in this series. The London Sea Life Aquarium is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Related: Best Summer Backpacking Trips In The UK

The National Marine Aquarium

The National Marine Aquarium is located in Coxside, Plymouth and offers fun and exciting activities all themed around the oceans of the world. Spend the day exploring the largest native exhibition in the UK, featuring many of the sea animals you love and even some mysterious animals from the darkest depths of the ocean. The Eddystone Reef Tank gives you a close look at these creatures, and it's like watching them in the movie theater. Some animals that call The National Marine Aquarium home include sharks, lionfish, clownfish and pufferfish.

Some fun activities include the Rockpool Feed and themed craft activities. Allow for at least three hours to explore The National Marine Aquarium. Before leaving, take time to grab a bite to eat in the Waves Café. The National Marine Aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Heather Landon (Heather Leigh Carroll) is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience. She has combined two of her passions - writing and travel - to share her experiences with others. You can read more of her articles at Examiner.com.
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