Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium
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Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium

4.3
·464 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover local marine wonders! Hand-feed mullet, hold starfish, and explore Jurassic Coast sea life in this intimate, award-winning aquarium. [^...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
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Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium

Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover local marine wonders! Hand-feed mullet, hold starfish, and explore Jurassic Coast sea life in this intimate, award-winning aquarium. Instagram+1

4.3
(464 reviews)

"A small but wonderfully engaging aquarium, perfect for families and animal lovers!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Hand-Feed the Mullet!

Don't miss the chance to feed the mullet; it's a highlight and feels like a gentle kiss!

✋ Touch Starfish

The staff are happy to let you hold starfish, a memorable experience for kids and adults.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hand-Feeding the Mullet

Hand-Feeding the Mullet

Giant Mullet Tank

Gently feed the silvery mullet as they swarm your hand, a unique and kiss-like experience.

InstagramReddit
Holding Starfish

Holding Starfish

Touch Pools

Get up close and personal with starfish, a tactile and educational experience for all ages.

InstagramReddit
Local Marine Life Displays

Local Marine Life Displays

Aquarium Tanks

Discover a diverse range of species native to the Jurassic Coast, from vibrant wrasse to inquisitive blennies.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Hand-Feeding Fun & Local Wonders

Get ready for an intimate encounter with local marine life! The hand-feeding of mullet is a must-do, and you can even hold starfish. It's a small but engaging experience, perfect for families and anyone curious about the Jurassic Coast's underwater residents. Instagram+1

Timing Your Visit for Maximum Enjoyment

While small, the aquarium can get busy, especially during school holidays. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays to fully enjoy the interactive experiences like feeding the mullet and holding starfish without feeling rushed. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons, weekdays
Why
Feeding times are engaging
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

update on buddy!!! #onehand #fyp #foryou #PostitAffirmations #sealife #aquarium #shark
@officialhandsolo
2.4M likes • 20.7M views

🎯 Hand-Feed the Mullet!

Don't miss the chance to feed the mullet; it's a highlight and feels like a gentle kiss! InstagramReddit

✋ Touch Starfish

The staff are happy to let you hold starfish, a memorable experience for kids and adults. InstagramReddit

where pups come to play mermaids #sealionpup #sealion #marinelife
@tessbray3
658.9K likes • 2.5M views
Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium located on the Cobb, which is the historic harbor wall in Lyme Regis. The Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium is a popular attraction that focuses on the marine life of the local area, including species found along the Jurassic Coast. It provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about and observe various marine creatures, making it a great place for educational and family v...
dhanya_dreaming
8 likes • 100 views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friend along; this aquarium is known to be dog-friendly! Instagram

💡 Learn About Local Wildlife

The aquarium focuses on species from the Jurassic Coast, offering great educational insights. InstagramReddit

Did you know there’s a dog friendly aquarium in Dorset? The Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium is on the beautiful harbour - we had a great time learning about all the different fish 🐟 - - - - - #dogsofinstagram #dogoftheday #doglife #doglover #dogmom #dogmodel #chihuahasofinstagram #shihtzucorner #shihtzugram #shichipuppy #dogreels #dogreelsofinstagram #dogcontent #dogcontentcreator #dogfluencer #doggyd...
crumbletheshichi
12 likes • 193 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Hand-Feed the Mullet!

Don't miss the chance to feed the mullet; it's a highlight and feels like a gentle kiss! InstagramReddit

✋ Touch Starfish

The staff are happy to let you hold starfish, a memorable experience for kids and adults. InstagramReddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

Bring your furry friend along; this aquarium is known to be dog-friendly! Instagram

💡 Learn About Local Wildlife

The aquarium focuses on species from the Jurassic Coast, offering great educational insights. InstagramReddit

💰 Reasonable Entry Fee

Considered good value for the intimate experience and interactive opportunities. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(464 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium for its intimate atmosphere and engaging interactive experiences, especially the hand-feeding of mullet and holding starfish. While some note its small size and consider the price a bit high for the scale, the friendly, knowledgeable staff and focus on local marine life make it a highly recommended and memorable visit for families and animal lovers alike. InstagramReddit+1

"Great time hand feeding the mullet and seeing starfish up close - have visited many times in the last decade and will continue to! While it is small, the joy is in seeing the variety of fish that are locally brought in (and then released as others come) and feeding the mullet. Great to see local wildlife up close. Very knowledgeable team, Max who leads the place is lovely. Recommended to anyone who loves fish and is keen to feed them by hand."

Elizabeth Wood

"What a wonderful aquarium in Lyme Regis. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit in May half-term, and although the aquarium is small, you're treated like an old friend from beginning to end.
The owner talked us through the history of the aquarium and showed us how to hand-feed the mullet, which was a fantastic experience for all of us!
Our children were then able to hold starfish and take a look at all of the local marine life that the aquarium had to offer.
We felt the price was extremely reasonable for the intimacy of the aquarium and to keep such a wonderful treasure open to the public.
Would definitely recommend and return in the future."

Amy Mann

"Lovely small aquarium , lots of locally found species, ideal for children as you are able to feed and ‘tickle’ the fish. Also the lady let us hold a starfish. Very engaging for young and old alike."

Julie Kintoff

What People Like

Hand-feeding the mullet
Holding starfish
Friendly, knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Small size
Perceived high price

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The aquarium is located on the historic Cobb, Lyme Regis's harbor wall. It's easily accessible on foot within Lyme Regis. Parking is available nearby, though it can be busy during peak season. Instagram

Yes, there are several car parks in Lyme Regis, with the closest being the Cobb Gate car park. Be aware that parking can be limited and costly during busy periods. Instagram

Lyme Regis is served by local bus routes. The aquarium is a short walk from the main bus stops in the town center. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening times can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

Prices are generally around £10 per person for those over 15. While some find it a bit pricey for the size, many feel it's reasonable for the unique interactive experience. Reddit+1

Booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak times like school holidays, to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Information on discounts for seniors, students, or families is not widely advertised, but it's always worth inquiring directly with the aquarium staff. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attractions include hand-feeding the mullet, holding starfish, and observing a variety of local marine life from the Jurassic Coast. It's an intimate and interactive experience. InstagramReddit+1

Absolutely! Children love the interactive elements like feeding the mullet and holding starfish. It's a great educational and fun outing for families. InstagramReddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed. Capture those memorable moments of feeding the fish and interacting with marine life. Instagram

Given its size, a visit usually takes about 1-2 hours, allowing ample time for the interactive sessions and viewing the displays. Reddit

The aquarium is located on the Cobb, which has some uneven surfaces. While staff are helpful, accessibility might be a consideration for those with mobility issues. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The hand-feeding of the mullet is a fantastic photo opportunity, as is holding a starfish. The colorful local fish also make for great shots. Instagram+1

Generally, photography is permitted. However, it's always polite to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash directly at the animals. Instagram

Use a camera with good low-light performance or a fast lens. Increasing your ISO and using a wider aperture can help capture clear shots without flash. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium is a fantastic destination for families. The hand-feeding of mullet is a guaranteed hit, offering a unique and exciting interaction. InstagramReddit Kids will also love the chance to hold starfish, making for a memorable and educational experience. InstagramReddit The focus on local marine life provides a great learning opportunity about the creatures found along the Jurassic Coast. Instagram It's a compact attraction, making it easy to navigate with little ones, and the friendly staff ensure everyone feels welcome. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Visitors

For travelers with canine companions, the Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium offers a rare treat: it's dog-friendly! Instagram This means you don't have to leave your furry friend behind when exploring this charming local attraction. It's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the marine exhibits together, making it a more inclusive outing for the whole family. Remember to keep your dog on a lead and be mindful of other visitors. Instagram

🐠 Marine Life Enthusiasts

If you're passionate about marine biology and local ecosystems, this aquarium is a must-visit. Its dedication to showcasing species native to the Jurassic Coast offers a unique educational perspective. Instagram The knowledgeable staff are eager to share insights into the local marine environment, making it an enriching experience for enthusiasts. The interactive elements, like feeding and touching, provide a deeper connection to the creatures you're observing. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Charm of Local Marine Life

The Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium prides itself on showcasing local species found along the renowned Jurassic Coast. This focus sets it apart from larger, more general aquariums. Visitors get a unique glimpse into the diverse underwater world right on their doorstep, from the vibrant Ballan Wrasse to the curious Blennies. Instagram The aquarium actively sources and releases local marine life, ensuring a dynamic and ever-changing display. Reddit

This commitment to local ecology means you're seeing creatures that truly belong to the region. It's an educational experience that highlights the importance of marine conservation in this specific area. The knowledgeable staff are passionate about sharing insights into the habits and habitats of these fascinating creatures, making the visit both informative and engaging. Reddit+1

Interactive Experiences: Feeding and Touching

One of the standout features of the Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium is its emphasis on interactive experiences. The hand-feeding of the mullet is a signature activity that delights visitors of all ages. As you lower your hand with food, the gentle mullet swarm around, creating a memorable and almost kiss-like sensation. InstagramReddit This hands-on approach fosters a deeper connection with the marine animals.

Beyond the mullet, visitors have the opportunity to hold starfish under the careful supervision of the aquarium staff. InstagramReddit This tactile experience allows for a closer look at these unique echinoderms and provides a fantastic photo opportunity. These interactive elements transform a typical aquarium visit into an engaging adventure, making it a highly recommended stop for families and curious minds alike. Reddit

A Small Aquarium with a Big Heart

While the Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium is described as small, its charm lies in its intimate atmosphere and the genuine passion of its team. Reddit Visitors often comment on the friendly and knowledgeable staff, particularly Max, who leads the establishment. Reddit This personal touch makes everyone feel like a valued guest, enhancing the overall experience. Despite its size, the aquarium has been recognized with TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, highlighting its quality and visitor satisfaction. Instagram

The aquarium's dedication to its mission, combined with its unique interactive offerings, has earned it a loyal following. Many visitors return year after year, drawn by the consistent quality of the experience and the opportunity to connect with local marine life. It's a testament to how a smaller, focused attraction can provide immense enjoyment and educational value. Reddit

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