The Ilfracombe Aquarium

This is a nice little place to visit when in Ilfracombe. It has a lot to offer however it is really small. It could easily be missed aswell so keep you eyes open when visiting the pier!
The staff are friendly and there is lots to keep the kids interested and amused.

I have mixed feelings about this attraction situated right next to Ilfracombe Harbour.
Its a really small building and once in there you are kind of heaved round by the crowd due to the logistics — it would have nice to have had time to be more aimless in our exploration. Don’t come here expecting a ‘Sealife centre’ its not the case, not at all commercialised, and very much focused on the localised area only. Think starfish and small shrimps rather than sharks and Sea turtles and you will avoid dissapointment!
The tanks take you on a journey along the coast of Ilfracombe with each segment dedicated to a different environment and habitat. You can find out exactly what sealife lives in the harbour, the streams, and on the wonderful Island of Lundy. There are free quiz sheets for children, and the staff do come round to talk to you about the occupants and you can watch them being fed.
On the one hand it was nice to see something that was unspoilt by mainstream pressures of commercialisation. On the other you did leave feeling that you wanted more — its just not big enough to keep your attention for long. Really impressed with the work they do in the local area towards conservation and we did leave fired up to go exploring the nearby rock pools. Also they seemed to employ staff with a keen interest in environmental issues and particularly students of the field — which was both encouraging and helpful.
Probably more a place for an educational visit or for enthusiasts. I do appreciate what they are trying to do here — but I think for most you would be left feeling that you could see fish with a bigger ‘wow’ factor at the local pet store. It did only cost a couple of quid entrance, but allow only about 2 hours max to see everything on offer.
Don’t go in here if you get claustrophobic its very cramped and gets very stuffy.