The 5 Largest Aquariums in England

When visiting England, there’s no shortage of things to do. If you want to learn more about animals, you might consider visiting one of the largest aquariums in England. There are thousands of animals to see. 

Some aquariums, like the Oceanarium in Bournemouth, give visitors an opportunity to feed cheeky penguins. Others, like Birmingham’s National Sea Life Centre, let you walk through a tunnel of swimming creatures! 

Let’s take a look at some of the best places to visit during your trip! 

The Largest Aquariums in England

1. Blue Planet

A colorful swirl of sharks, fish, and other species will whizz by over your head as you wander through the renowned Underwater Shark Tunnel, at Blue Planet Aquarium. Visitors can learn about the wonderful fish and odd critters that live in these settings as they go to places like Lake Malawi, the Amazon jungle, and other locations across the world. 

Everyone will enjoy an exhibit at Blue Planet Aquarium, which features everything from frigid Northern Streams to the vibrant Coral Cave. Discover all there is to know about the habitats that encircle the stunning British coastline.

Meet the Lesser Spotted Dogfish in person and get to know the Spiny Starfish that live on the British shores. With over 5,000 animals in more than a million gallons of water, there’s no wonder why Blue Planet makes this list! 

2. National Marine Aquarium

Located in Plymouth, the National Marine Aquarium’s largest tank has over 660,000 gallons of water. Explore one of the biggest aquariums in the United Kingdom and be mesmerized by the world beneath the sea. 

You can travel the world’s oceans during an excursion to the aquarium. There is everything from local marine life to the stunning coral reefs from Down Under. The National Marine Aquarium has almost 4,000 critters to encounter, including two sassy turtles. 

Kids love watching the octopi, sharks, and jellyfish swim about. You can feel good about visiting this specific aquarium since it donates all of its profits to the Ocean Conservation Trust, an organization that works to connect humans with the underwater world. 

Not only is going to the aquarium a fantastic opportunity to learn about the ocean, but it’s also a fantastic way to support its preservation. There are multiple interactive displays, an incredibly deep tank filled with animals, and more here! 

3. National Sea Life Centre

Next, let’s make our way to Birmingham to visit the 260,000-gallon tank at the National Sea Life Centre. Blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, guitarfish, stingrays, and much more are waiting for your arrival! 

You can learn about the spectacular jellyfish and embark on a 4D cinematic journey. The live-operating rescue station serves a dual purpose by also serving as a tactile observation experience where guests can become informed and immersed in the world of underwater life. 

It has numerous touch points and viewing platforms from ocean to land. The UK’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel offers an experience like no other where you can gaze at the sharks, a huge turtle, rays, and countless tropical fish darting above and beneath you as you walk in a tunnel encircled by water. 

4. The Deep

In the seaside town of Hull, there is an award-winning aquarium. The Deep has everything you could want in an aquarium. There are over 3,000 creatures in over 600,000 gallons of water. There are only two Green Sawfish in the nation and you’ll find them at The Deep. 

Don’t forget to visit the adorable Gentoo penguins and the massive Loggerhead sea turtles. Enjoy a stroll into the observation tunnel and travel through the 33-foot Endless Ocean tank on the glass elevator.

Children can have fun at Digi: Sea. This exhibit has an interactive enchanted floor, a fossil cleaning facility, and a sea creature creation center.  The Deep is completely accessible and provides a variety of access solutions to help guests with special needs. 

5. Oceanarium

Located in Bournemouth, the Oceanarium might be the most interactive aquarium in England. You can watch a penguin grab a fish out of the palm of your hand! Kids adore cuddling up to Carrie, Oceanarium’s gentle turtle. 

There are so many diverse aspects to the ocean. From the warm seas of Key West overflowing with fish of every color to the frigid temperatures of the Arctic where the cheerful penguins flourish.

Learn about all of the amazing exhibits and some of the mysteries that exist deep under the water!  

Summary of the Largest Aquariums in England

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