Address: The Quay, Ilfracombe, EX34 9EQ, United Kingdom
Phone: +441271864533
Rating: 4.1
based on 132 reviews.
Size and Design
Pros:
"It's very small but reasonably priced and well run with engaging and well informed staff."
"There is a large amount packed into this small space, but it doesn't feel cramped; It feels well thought out."
"A great local business that makes the most of the space and exhibits it has!"
"Although small the price is reasonable, and there are staff on hand to answer all questions."
"It's all packed in to the small space of an old lifeboat house so you won't spend that much time there, but the modest entrance fee reflects that."
"The Big tank where you could view the creatures under water and see them at the surface was brilliant."
"The dome which magnified the octopus was brilliant."
Cons:
"Some of the tanks seem very small for the number of fish etc. they have housed within them."
"There's only about 10 tanks spread out in a couple of rooms."
"Expensive for the amount and variety of fish."
"The 'viewing area' was a disappointing platform for 2 people about 3 metres off the ground!"
"The whole viewing of the aquarium took a maximum of 20 minutes."
"The tiniest aquarium I have ever been in in my whole life. It is literally just one small room with tanks around the edges."
"The tanks seem to be way too small for creatures that belong in the ocean."
Staff and Service
Pros:
"All staff we encountered today were fantastic 10/10 for them."
"The person walking around was very knowledgeable and made the experience way more interesting."
"Staff were very informative and the whole thing is well designed and nicely done."
"The very knowledgeable and friendly attendants show a genuine passion for explaining all about the fish and other creatures."
"Staff are super knowledgeable and very friendly."
"Steve and Sam were especially helpful and knowledgeable and patient with the hundreds of questions from the kids."
"The staff here are lovely and there are lots of great touches for young kids."
Cons:
"There were loads and staff standing around."
"I found the staff at the aquarium very rude. I came with my nephew who has fragile X syndrome and a therapy dog. We were refused entry because of the dog."
"The lady on admissions was quite rude in answering the telephone in front of paying customers who had been queing paitently."
"I feel like the lady's talk before we went in was patronising and deliberately done to set our expectations low."
"With the exception of the one member of staff at the front who gave us an introductory speech about the aquarium after loudly expressing her reluctance to do so with a colleague."
"Absolutely shocking experience of harassment from a senior male member of staff."
"Can't really rate this place as we never made it inside. It was a rainy day, so thought this would be a good idea. However, so did the entire population of Devon!!"
Value and Experience
Pros:
"Entry fee is lower than most aquariums, due to its compact size."
"We loved the up Close and personal aspect of this small but so very interesting aquarium."
"Fantastic aquarium situated in the harbour showing all local marine life from freshwater to saltwater."
"Great to see species relative to the area visited."
"A very well thought out, well maintained and informative exhibit showing the journey from source to sea."
"It's interesting aquarium. I only would recommend lowering the price as you can walk through in 10 minutes."
"Great little aquarium visit as many times you like on your day ticket."
Cons:
"Very overpriced for an aquarium that is not much bigger than my front room."
"It's tiny."
"Took us twenty minutes to see everything and we were trying hard to string it out."
"The aquarium is much smaller than expected and you can be in and out in about 20 minutes."
"It is tiny! Which would be fine but the price doesn't reflect that."
"The aquarium is a lot smaller than we expected (it is tiny!)"
"For what is there, the price is very steep and literally will take 30-40 mins to do the whole thing."
Facilities and Accessibility
Pros:
"It does have a lovely little cafe and tiny gift shop inside it."
"They also have a fab cafe with great views over the harbour and sea."
"Great location in the harbour, parking right outside, free toilets right outside the main doors."
"The cafe out the front also does hot and cold drinks with cakes, what's not to like!"
"Parking is nearby at the car park near the church at the end of the harbour."
"Gift shop also reasonably priced."
"The staff trust you not to put your hands in."
Cons:
"There is no on site parking, but there are a selection of long stay car parks in the nearby area that you can use."
"No on site car park but there is a pay and display one pretty much right next to it."
"It's very small and very cramped."
"Small amount of fish and marine life/exhibits. Very compact and squashed."
"The aquarium is small but charming. The shop and cafe are reasonably priced. Only reason I rate it 4 star is because I thought entry prices were very steep given the size."
"The aquarium takes you on a journey showing what lives in devonshire streams and rivers through to harbours and the sea."
"Nice little aquarium, in a lovely, cute little building, right on the edge of the harbour, near Verity, so is in a fantastic location, with powerful waves, crashing all around."