National Lobster Hatchery
A vital marine conservation center dedicated to protecting and rearing lobsters, offering educational experiences and the chance to witness releases.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Chance for lobster releases
National Lobster Hatchery
Best Time
Chance for lobster releases
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vital marine conservation center dedicated to protecting and rearing lobsters, offering educational experiences and the chance to witness releases.
"A little gem of a place to learn all about them! We will definitely visit again on our next trip to Cornwall."
🎯 Attend a Lobster Release
Check social media for dates! Witnessing baby lobsters return to the sea is a highlight.
🎟️ Annual Pass Value
If local or visiting often, an annual pass offers great value for repeat visits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baby Lobster Releases
Various coastal locations
Witness the heartwarming release of hundreds of tiny lobsters back into the ocean, a key conservation effort.
Interactive Exhibits
Visitor Centre, Padstow Harbour
Explore fascinating tanks showcasing lobsters at different life stages and learn about marine conservation.
Educational Films & Activities
Upstairs viewing area
Engage with informative films and hands-on activities designed for younger visitors to learn about lobsters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Maximum Impact
Value and Duration of Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Attend a Lobster Release
Check social media for dates! Witnessing baby lobsters return to the sea is a highlight.
🎟️ Annual Pass Value
If local or visiting often, an annual pass offers great value for repeat visits.
📚 Engage with Staff
Volunteers are passionate and knowledgeable; ask questions to deepen your understanding.
📍 Padstow Harbour Location
Easily accessible, with parking nearby. Perfect stop before or after exploring Padstow.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Attend a Lobster Release
Check social media for dates! Witnessing baby lobsters return to the sea is a highlight.
🎟️ Annual Pass Value
If local or visiting often, an annual pass offers great value for repeat visits.
📚 Engage with Staff
Volunteers are passionate and knowledgeable; ask questions to deepen your understanding.
📍 Padstow Harbour Location
Easily accessible, with parking nearby. Perfect stop before or after exploring Padstow.
💡 Look for Vouchers
Leaflets for days out might offer discounts, making the visit more affordable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the National Lobster Hatchery to be an informative and surprisingly engaging experience, particularly appreciating the vital conservation work and the passionate staff. While some note its compact size and suggest it can be explored quickly, many find it a worthwhile visit, especially for families and those interested in marine life. The opportunity to witness lobster releases and the value of an annual pass are frequently highlighted positives.
"If you're visiting on holiday the £24 family access is quite a lot for what's there. We were done in about 45 min including letting the kids colour and do the word searches etc upstairs. However you can visit as much as you like for 12m so it does offer good value in that respect. My kids enjoyed the activity area and watching the boats so you could return to kill an hour or so fairly often if you were local. The staff were really friendly and knowledgeable and spent ages answering questions, plus the view from the first floor across the estuary is beautiful. You can see a lot of thought has been put into making it more of an attraction. If you can find a place with leaflets for days out, you'll likely find a voucher which definitely makes it better value for money."
Hayley Trunks
"Loved it, very informative, a little shorter than anticipated but not sure how it could be extended. Nice to see what they do, how they help lobsters and a history of how they've done it. I'd recommend it. Not too expensive.
(Gutted the gift shop didn't have any pens- I like to collect pens from everywhere I visit)"
Craig Grinnell
"We visited for the first time this half term. It’s rather small but really informative and educational and the volunteers are so passionate and we learnt a lot we didn’t know about lobsters 🦞, definitely recommend as it’s a little gem of a place to learn all about them! We will definitely visit again on our next trip to Cornwall, easily accessible from the parking directly opposite and then we went into padstow for ice cream after"
Elizabeth Riddell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Lobster Hatchery is located on Padstow Harbour. It's easily accessible, with parking available directly opposite the visitor centre. Many visitors combine a trip to the hatchery with exploring the charming town of Padstow.
Yes, there is parking available directly opposite the National Lobster Hatchery, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Padstow is accessible by public transport, though direct routes might vary. Many visitors arrive by car, but checking local bus services or considering a taxi from nearby towns is an option.
Driving is a popular option for accessing Padstow and the National Lobster Hatchery. Alternatively, consider train travel to a nearby station like Bodmin Parkway and then a bus or taxi to Padstow.
The visitor centre is generally accessible, with exhibits on the ground floor. The upstairs area with films and activities may have limited accessibility. It's advisable to contact the hatchery directly for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The National Lobster Hatchery is typically open year-round, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
Admission fees contribute to the hatchery's conservation work. While some reviews mention a family access fee of around £24, it's recommended to check their website for current pricing. An annual pass offers good value for frequent visitors.
Tickets can usually be purchased on arrival at the hatchery. For specific events like lobster releases, it's wise to check if advance booking is recommended or required.
Some visitors have found vouchers in local 'days out' leaflets that offer discounts. Additionally, if you're a local or plan to visit multiple times, an annual pass provides excellent value.
Admission typically grants access to the visitor centre, including tanks with sea creatures, informative displays about lobsters, an educational film, and an activity area for children.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore tanks with various sea creatures, learn about the lobster life cycle through informative displays and films, and participate in children's activities. The highlight for many is witnessing baby lobsters.
Most visitors find they can explore the hatchery in about 45 minutes to an hour, though some have stayed for over two hours, especially with children or if engaging deeply with the exhibits.
Yes, the hatchery focuses on rearing baby lobsters. You can see them in tanks, and during certain times of the year, you might even witness a public lobster release event. +1
Lobster release events involve releasing young lobsters into the wild. These are often announced on social media and offer a unique, hands-on conservation experience. 
Absolutely! The hatchery has an activity area with colouring and word searches, and the visual exhibits of lobsters are captivating for kids.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The National Lobster Hatchery primarily focuses on conservation and education. While they may have limited refreshments available, it's advisable to check their facilities or plan to dine in Padstow town, which offers numerous options.
Padstow Harbour and the surrounding town offer a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes to renowned seafood restaurants. You can easily grab an ice cream or a meal after your visit.
While specific policies may vary, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks or a picnic to enjoy in designated areas or nearby public spaces in Padstow. Check with the hatchery if you plan to have a full meal on-site.
Information regarding a dedicated cafe at the hatchery is limited. It's recommended to confirm this directly with the National Lobster Hatchery or plan to utilize the many cafes and eateries available in Padstow.
Padstow, being a popular tourist destination, offers a diverse range of dining establishments, including those with vegetarian and vegan options. Exploring the town's restaurants will provide plenty of choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed within the National Lobster Hatchery. Capturing the fascinating life stages of lobsters and the release events can make for great memories.
The most photogenic moments often include the tanks with lobsters of all sizes, especially the tiny baby lobsters, and the exciting lobster release events. The harbour views from the first floor are also picturesque. +1
While general photography is permitted, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography directly on the marine life if it might disturb them.
Yes, lobster release events are fantastic opportunities for photography. Capturing the moment the baby lobsters are returned to the sea is a popular choice for visitors.
Visitors often share close-ups of lobsters, especially the baby ones, photos of the educational displays, and images from the outdoor lobster release events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Attending a lobster release event is a truly special experience for children, offering a hands-on connection to nature. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are great at engaging younger visitors, answering their many questions. Consider an annual pass if you're local, as it offers great value for repeat visits to keep the little ones entertained and educated.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider purchasing an annual pass if you plan on visiting multiple times during your stay or if you are a local resident. This can significantly reduce the cost per visit and allows you to support the hatchery's ongoing work.
🌊 Marine Enthusiasts & Students
Student placements and research opportunities are also part of the hatchery's operations, providing valuable experience in marine conservation. Engaging with the knowledgeable staff and volunteers can offer a deeper understanding of the field.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Crucial Role of Lobster Conservation
+1Visitors can learn about the lobster life cycle, from egg to juvenile stages, through interactive exhibits and informative films. Understanding these stages is key to appreciating the challenges lobsters face and the importance of conservation efforts. The hatchery also engages in research to better understand lobster biology and the factors affecting their populations, contributing valuable data to marine science.
Supporting the National Lobster Hatchery means directly contributing to these conservation efforts. Whether through visiting, donating, or even adopting a hatchling, you play a part in protecting these iconic crustaceans for future generations.
Experiencing a Lobster Release
+1These releases typically take place at various coastal locations, sometimes in partnership with local organizations like Padstow Sea Life Safaris. Participants get to see the tiny lobsters, learn about the conditions needed for their survival, and feel a direct connection to the marine environment. It’s a fantastic activity for families and anyone interested in marine life.
Keep an eye on the National Lobster Hatchery's social media channels for announcements regarding upcoming release events. These are popular, so planning ahead is recommended to secure a spot and make the most of this unique opportunity to contribute to marine conservation.
The Visitor Centre: More Than Just Tanks
For younger visitors, there's a dedicated activity area where they can engage with colouring sheets and word searches, making learning fun and interactive. The staff and volunteers are a key part of the experience; their passion and knowledge are frequently praised, and they are always happy to answer questions, enriching the visitor's understanding.
Furthermore, the centre's location on Padstow Harbour offers beautiful views of the estuary, adding to the overall pleasant experience. While some visitors note the size of the centre, many find it to be a 'small but perfectly formed' experience, offering significant value and insight into a crucial conservation effort.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit