Matlock Bath Aquarium and Arcade
Victorian charm meets aquatic wonders! Explore a unique aquarium with a historic thermal pool, dazzling holograms, and a fun-filled arcade.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Matlock Bath Aquarium and Arcade
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Victorian charm meets aquatic wonders! Explore a unique aquarium with a historic thermal pool, dazzling holograms, and a fun-filled arcade.
"A lovely little gem with a good selection of fish and well looked after."
Feed the Fish! 🐠
Bring 50p coins to feed the koi carp in the thermal pool – a hit with kids and adults alike!
Book Online for Savings 🎟️
Save money and potentially skip queues by booking tickets for attractions like the Heights of Abraham online in advance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Aquarium's Carp Pool
Ground Floor
Marvel at the large koi carp swimming in the historic thermal pool. A unique and captivating sight!
Hologram & Mirror Displays
Upper Levels
Experience a unique collection of holograms and mirrored light illusions that create a dazzling visual spectacle.
Classic Arcade Games
Ground Floor
Relive nostalgic fun with a variety of arcade machines offering games for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Budget-Friendly Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Feed the Fish! 🐠
Bring 50p coins to feed the koi carp in the thermal pool – a hit with kids and adults alike!
Book Online for Savings 🎟️
Save money and potentially skip queues by booking tickets for attractions like the Heights of Abraham online in advance.
Arcade Fun for All Ages 🕹️
Enjoy a blast from the past with a wide range of arcade games, perfect for a bit of friendly competition. +1
Explore Beyond the Aquarium 🚶♀️
Matlock Bath offers more than just the aquarium, with riverside walks, shops, and the Heights of Abraham cable cars nearby. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
Feed the Fish! 🐠
Bring 50p coins to feed the koi carp in the thermal pool – a hit with kids and adults alike!
Book Online for Savings 🎟️
Save money and potentially skip queues by booking tickets for attractions like the Heights of Abraham online in advance.
Arcade Fun for All Ages 🕹️
Enjoy a blast from the past with a wide range of arcade games, perfect for a bit of friendly competition. +1
Explore Beyond the Aquarium 🚶♀️
Matlock Bath offers more than just the aquarium, with riverside walks, shops, and the Heights of Abraham cable cars nearby. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Matlock Bath Aquarium a charming, albeit small, attraction with a notable koi carp pool and unique hologram displays. While some feel the entry fee is a bit steep for the size, many appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere and the fun of the adjacent arcade. The historical Victorian elements add to its appeal, making it a pleasant stop on a day out in Matlock Bath.
"Small but excellent space and learnt a lot about fishes. Not a bad prices to enter and you can feed koi fishes if you got 50p coin. Upstairs the is light luminous reflection weird pictures make my eyes funny and arcades ground floor."
Emma Gould
"A lovely little gem. I enjoyed walking through this small aquarium and amusement park with my little one. A small fee to enter, and kids under 4 years go free. Good selection of fish, and well looked after. Would recommend."
Kay Lad
"Small aquarium with a good carp pool but not much else to offer. A few of the other fish seemed a little ill cared for with dirty tanks, but the majority seemed okay… for the entrance fee I wouldn’t go again"
Kai Zimmermann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Matlock Bath is accessible by train, with the station conveniently located near the aquarium. Driving is also an option, but parking can be challenging and busy, especially during peak times. Consider arriving early if you're driving.
Yes, there is parking available, including a station car park. However, it can get very busy, so arriving early is recommended, particularly on weekends and during events like the illuminations.
Absolutely! The train is a popular way to reach Matlock Bath, offering scenic views. Buses also serve the area, making it accessible without a car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is around £6.50 per adult, with children under 4 often going free. Prices can vary, so it's always best to check their official website or inquire on arrival.
While not always mandatory for the aquarium itself, booking online can sometimes offer discounts or guarantee entry during busy periods. For nearby attractions like the Heights of Abraham, online booking is often recommended.
Some reviews suggest that booking online for nearby attractions like the Heights of Abraham can offer discounts. It's worth checking if the aquarium offers any family packages or special rates.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official Matlock Bath Aquarium website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The aquarium features a good selection of fish, a large carp pool in a Victorian bath, a museum section with petrified artifacts, and unique hologram and mirrored light displays.
Yes, it's considered a lovely little gem for families. Children often enjoy feeding the fish and exploring the arcade games.+2
You can expect to see various species of fish, with a notable highlight being the large koi carp in the thermal pool.
The arcade offers a classic amusement experience with a variety of games, providing fun for all ages.+1
Yes, Matlock Bath is home to the Heights of Abraham cable cars, Gulliver's Kingdom, and charming riverside walks, making it a great day out destination.+2
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Matlock Bath is known for its fish and chips and ice cream shops, perfect for a casual bite after visiting the aquarium and arcades.+1
Typically, dedicated food and drink facilities are limited inside the aquarium itself. However, there are numerous eateries and cafes located just outside in Matlock Bath.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant fish tanks, the impressive koi carp in the thermal pool, and the unique visual effects of the hologram displays. The surrounding Victorian architecture of Matlock Bath also offers charming photo backdrops.
Generally, photography is allowed inside the aquarium, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions or 'no photo' signs, especially for certain exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the aquarium, the town itself is very family-friendly. You'll find plenty of fish and chip shops and ice cream parlors for treats.
💰 Budget Travelers
For those looking to save on attractions, consider booking tickets for nearby sites like the Heights of Abraham online in advance, as discounts may be available.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Matlock Bath Experience
During certain times of the year, Matlock Bath truly comes alive with its famous Illuminations. This event, which dates back to Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, features illuminated boats parading along the river, culminating in spectacular firework displays.
Exploring the Aquarium's Unique Features
Beyond the aquatic life, the aquarium houses a small museum section that includes a china collection and petrified artifacts, adding a touch of history and curiosity to the visit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit