Skegness Aquarium
Sightseeing attraction | Skegness | England | United Kingdom
Family friendly attraction in Skegness
The Skegness Aquarium in Skegness, England, is a fascinating family-friendly attraction on the Lincolnshire coast that takes visitors on an adventurous journey through the underwater world. This modern facility, themed around a pirate adventure, offers a mix of educational and entertaining experiences, with a focus on children and families. It is located near the famous Skegness beach and complements the traditional offerings of this classic British seaside town known for its long sandy beach and leisure attractions.
Underwater world at Skegness Aquarium
The Aquarium takes visitors on an imaginary journey aboard the ship "Hispaniola," inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island." The journey begins with an introduction by the "Captain" and leads through various themed areas ranging from the coasts of Skegness to tropical waters. Highlights include "Long John Silver's Storeroom," where exotic creatures such as tarantulas, scorpions, and snakes are presented in a spooky environment, as well as the "Sunken Hold," which houses a baby shark nursery, a common octopus, and a clownfish breeding area. The "Aqua Theatre" is a central area where visitors can observe tropical sharks such as blacktip reef sharks, rays, batfish, and the popular zebra shark "Nudge" up close. This area is made even more interactive by the opportunity to watch divers feeding the animals.
Adventurous journey at Skegness Aquarium
In addition to the underwater world, the Skegness Aquarium also offers an outdoor attraction called "Jurassic Falls," a dinosaur park with over 25 life-sized models of prehistoric creatures. This area invites visitors to participate in a "fossil hunt," which is especially exciting for children. Inside, there is also the "Coral Cove," a soft play area where younger guests can let off steam, and the "Sea Caves," where lionfish, moray eels, and moon jellyfish can be admired in a mysterious atmosphere. A quiz trail accompanies visitors through the exhibition and rewards children with a small edible "treasure" surprise for correct answers, adding a playful element to the experience.
Skegness Aquarium with interactive experiences
The Aquarium places great emphasis on education and interaction. In the "Wet Lab" zone, visitors can observe seahorses and crabs up close, while staff regularly hold lectures and demonstrations to impart knowledge about marine creatures. For the adventurous, there is the opportunity to participate in diving experiences where you can swim in the main tank with sharks and rays – an activity suitable for both beginners and experienced divers, starting with a professional briefing. The staff are often praised for their friendliness and dedication, making the visit even more enjoyable.
Pirate adventure for kids at aquarium
Facilities include a bistro offering a selection of snacks and drinks, as well as a souvenir shop with affordable mementos. The facility is fully covered, making it an ideal destination in any weather, especially in a region known for its changeable climate. For families with young children, there are additional amenities such as changing rooms, and the venue is largely wheelchair accessible.
Despite its charm, there are minor criticisms. Some visitors find the Aquarium relatively small and quick to go through, especially compared to larger facilities like "The Deep" in Hull. The dining options in the bistro are also occasionally described as limited. However, the overall positive feedback outweighs these issues, particularly due to the creative design, variety of animals, and child-friendly activities. Since its opening in 2015, the Skegness Aquarium has established itself as a staple in the city's tourism offering, attracting numerous visitors annually who appreciate the mix of marine animals, dinosaurs, and pirate flair.
