Fowey Aquarium
Discover the local marine wonders of the River Fowey in this charming, compact aquarium. Perfect for families and curious minds!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Fowey Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the local marine wonders of the River Fowey in this charming, compact aquarium. Perfect for families and curious minds!
"A real little gem, wonderful to learn about local sea life and the touch pool was a great hit!"
💰 Value for Money?
Some find it pricey for its size. Consider it a quick, educational stop. :moneybag:
👍 Great for Kids
The touch pool is a huge hit with little ones! :child:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Local Marine Life
Various tanks
Discover the fascinating creatures that inhabit the River Fowey and surrounding waters. See conger eels, lobsters, and more!
Interactive Touch Pool
Designated touch pool area
Get hands-on with sea creatures! A hit with kids, offering a memorable and educational tactile experience.
Conger Eels & Tub Gurnards
Specific exhibits
Marvel at impressive specimens like the powerful conger eel and the vibrantly colored tub gurnard.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Size and Value
Best for Young Explorers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Value for Money?
Some find it pricey for its size. Consider it a quick, educational stop. :moneybag:
👍 Great for Kids
The touch pool is a huge hit with little ones!
🦀 Local Focus
Learn about the unique sea life of the River Fowey. :crab:
🚶♀️ Quick Visit
Perfect for a short, engaging experience, not a full day out. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Value for Money?
Some find it pricey for its size. Consider it a quick, educational stop. :moneybag:
👍 Great for Kids
The touch pool is a huge hit with little ones!
🦀 Local Focus
Learn about the unique sea life of the River Fowey. :crab:
🚶♀️ Quick Visit
Perfect for a short, engaging experience, not a full day out. :stopwatch:
💡 Informative Staff
Friendly staff are happy to share knowledge about the exhibits. :bulb:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fowey Aquarium is a small, charming attraction praised for its focus on local marine life and its engaging touch pool, especially for children. While some visitors find the entry fee a bit steep for the size, many appreciate the informative staff and the unique opportunity to learn about creatures from the River Fowey. +2
"Nice little local attraction, but it is very small and £12 for two adults is a tad on the pricy side. It’s basically the local fish / crabs etc from the river Fowey."
Rhys Mitchell
"A real little gem. Wonderful to learn about local sea life. The tub gurnard was beautiful, and the conga eel, very impressive. Enthusiastic yet unobtrusive proprietor was happy to help and educate. My 4yo son loved it so much we went two days in a row."
Jonny Tham
"Although interesting to know what’s in the local waters, and a way to spend ten minutes with a dog, the posters definitely oversell this place. Dingy with half the tanks seemingly empty, asking you to find what was in there which I can only assume was a con. In the others at least four of the fish looked dead or dying. Overall we came out feeling pretty shocked, £12 for two adults is just too expensive - £2 each would be more accurate for value."
Laura O
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fowey Aquarium is located on the Town Quay in Fowey, Cornwall. It's easily accessible on foot within the town. Parking is available in nearby car parks, though they can get busy during peak season.
Yes, Fowey is served by bus routes. The aquarium is a short walk from the main bus stops in the town center.
There are several car parks in Fowey, such as the Main Car Park and Lower Town Car Park. Be prepared for them to fill up quickly, especially during summer.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Entry is typically around £12 for two adults, though prices can change. Some visitors feel it's a bit pricey for the size of the attraction.
Generally, advance booking isn't required for Fowey Aquarium. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival.
Information on discounts for children, seniors, or families isn't widely advertised. It's worth inquiring directly if you're looking for specific deals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of local marine life, including conger eels, lobsters, tub gurnards, and other fish and crustaceans from the River Fowey. +1
Yes, Fowey Aquarium features a popular touch pool where visitors, especially children, can interact with some of the sea creatures.
Most visitors find that a visit to Fowey Aquarium takes around 30-60 minutes, making it a perfect short excursion.
Absolutely! The touch pool and the engaging displays of local sea life make it a fantastic and educational experience for young children.
Photography is generally permitted inside Fowey Aquarium, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Fowey Aquarium itself does not typically have extensive food facilities. However, the Town Quay area offers numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants for dining options.
You'll find a range of options from fresh seafood and local brews to ice cream and light snacks, perfect for enjoying the waterfront views.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant marine life in the tanks, especially the conger eels and colorful fish, offer great photo opportunities. The touch pool can also yield fun shots of interaction.
Lighting can be a challenge in aquariums. Try to minimize flash to avoid disturbing the animals and focus on capturing the unique textures and colors of the sea life.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip for families: Plan your visit for a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and allow your children ample time to enjoy the touch pool. While the entry fee might seem a bit high for the size, the sheer delight and educational value for young ones often make it worthwhile. Consider it a perfect short activity to break up a day of exploring Cornwall.
🚶 Day-Trippers
The aquarium provides a focused look at Cornish marine life, making it an interesting educational detour that doesn't consume too much time. Most visitors spend about 30-60 minutes here, leaving plenty of time to experience other Fowey attractions. For day-trippers: Combine your aquarium visit with a stroll along the quay, perhaps grabbing some fresh seafood or an ice cream. If you're traveling with children, the touch pool is a guaranteed hit. Remember that parking in Fowey can be challenging, so factor in time for that if you're arriving by car.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
However, if you're keen to learn about local marine life and have children who would particularly enjoy the touch pool, it can still offer good value for the experience. Budget tip: Look for deals or consider if the educational aspect and unique local focus justify the cost for your travel style. Alternatively, enjoy the many free scenic walks and the vibrant atmosphere of Fowey without entering every paid attraction.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Fowey's Marine Ecosystem
This localized approach offers a unique educational perspective, allowing visitors to connect with the natural environment of Cornwall. It's a chance to learn about the species that are part of the local ecosystem and understand their roles. The enthusiastic and unobtrusive proprietor often enhances this experience by sharing valuable insights and answering questions, making the learning process engaging and memorable.
While the aquarium is small, its strength lies in its specialization. It provides a concentrated glimpse into the underwater world of Fowey, making it an ideal spot for those interested in regional marine biology or for families looking for an educational yet manageable outing. The touch pool further enhances this by offering a hands-on experience with some of the more accessible local sea life.
Navigating Fowey Town Quay
Beyond the aquarium, the quay is a hub for local flavors. You can sample fresh seafood, a must-try when in Cornwall, or enjoy a refreshing local brew at one of the waterfront pubs. For a sweeter treat, grab an ice cream and simply sit back to soak in the beautiful views and the lively ambiance of the harbor.
The nearby Fowey Artisan Market also adds to the charm, offering local crafts and produce on market days. Fowey Town Quay is also home to other attractions, including the Fowey Museum, and is a great starting point for exploring the town's narrow streets and independent shops. It’s a place where you can easily spend a good portion of your day, combining a visit to the aquarium with other local activities and culinary delights.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit