Blue Reef Aquarium
Discover vibrant marine life, from sharks to seals, at this coastal aquarium. Perfect for family fun and educational outings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy calm viewing
Blue Reef Aquarium
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy calm viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover vibrant marine life, from sharks to seals, at this coastal aquarium. Perfect for family fun and educational outings.
"A great day out with the grandson, we both really enjoyed it and will no doubt be visiting again."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your tickets in advance online.
🦭 Arrive Early for Seal Shows
The seal show deck fills up fast! Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially with little ones.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mesmerizing Seal Shows
Outdoor Seal Pool
Watch playful seals and their pups in engaging daily shows. A guaranteed hit with all ages!
Underwater Tunnel Experience
Ocean Tunnel
Walk through a captivating tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and vibrant marine life. A truly immersive experience.
Diverse Marine Life Displays
Various Exhibit Tanks
Explore a colorful array of sea creatures, from tiny seahorses and clownfish to impressive sharks and eels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Smoother Visit
Embrace the Seaside Location
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your tickets in advance online.
🦭 Arrive Early for Seal Shows
The seal show deck fills up fast! Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially with little ones.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the aquarium.
📱 Check Feeding Times
Enhance your visit by checking the schedule for animal feeding times and talks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your tickets in advance online.
🦭 Arrive Early for Seal Shows
The seal show deck fills up fast! Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially with little ones.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the aquarium.
📱 Check Feeding Times
Enhance your visit by checking the schedule for animal feeding times and talks.
🏖️ Combine with Beach Fun
The aquarium's seaside location is perfect for a day out. Enjoy the beach before or after your visit!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the Blue Reef Aquarium for its engaging marine life displays, particularly the seals and underwater tunnel. The seaside location is a significant draw, allowing for combined beach visits. While some find the building a bit dated and crowds can be an issue during peak times, the friendly staff and enjoyable seal shows make it a worthwhile family day out.
"There was a little wait to get your stamp to get in the price wasn't too bad. There was too many people when we were there we felt rushed around. At the seal show there was no point going as the small deck area was full, but you could sit on the grass in front of it but it was hard for me to see let alone a toddler, and the sound wasnt very good so we went to the small play area, stayed there for a bit and as we went to see more of the fishes the seal show ended, we sort of got ushered through the tunnel to the end. The good bit is that you could go through it all again which we did but it was boring so we left and went to the beach"
Jaimie Netherton
"Great aquarium on the coast. My 2 year old loved it! It's a decent size (not too big but plenty to look at), and you can go in and out during the day - we went around twice. We both loved the seal show and baby seals, and he was so excited about the sharks and rays and eels. The staff were super helpful, helping us look for the elusive eel he so desperately wanted to see!"
Dawn Rainbolt
"Great day out with my grandson. We both really enjoyed it and will no doubt be visiting again. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable about the animals."
Helleni Tsentas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The aquarium is easily accessible by public transport. You can take the Metro to Tynemouth station, which is a short walk away. If driving, there's a pay and display car park nearby, free for Blue Badge holders.
Yes, there is a pay and display car park located next to the aquarium. It offers disabled bays and EV charging.
Absolutely! Tynemouth Metro station is within walking distance, making it a convenient option for visitors.
Yes, it's a great day out for young children. Many visitors mention their toddlers loved the seals and fish.
From Newcastle, you can take the Metro directly to Tynemouth station, which is a straightforward journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but generally, adults are around £15.55 and children around £12.25. Under 3s are free. Booking online can sometimes offer discounts.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the entrance, but booking online in advance is recommended to save time and potentially secure better rates.
Discounts may be available for groups, families, or specific memberships. Hampshire library card holders can get 10% off.
Yes, you can often leave and re-enter the aquarium during the same day, which is great if you want to enjoy the beach or have a break.
While not always mandatory, booking a time slot online can help manage visitor numbers and ensure a smoother entry experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The aquarium is typically open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, but it's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
You can see a wide variety of marine life including sharks, rays, seahorses, clownfish, seals, and even tortoises.
Yes, there are daily seal shows and often informative talks about the animals. Check the schedule upon arrival.
There is a small outdoor play area for children, perfect for a break on nice days.
The aquarium is generally accessible, with clear routes. However, some areas might be more challenging, so it's best to inquire about specific accessibility needs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site where you can purchase refreshments and snacks.
While there's a cafe, bringing your own snacks and drinks is often permitted, especially for families with young children.
Being on the coast, there are numerous cafes and restaurants in Tynemouth offering various dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals.
The underwater tunnel offers fantastic photo opportunities with sharks and rays. The seal shows also provide great action shots.
Avoid using flash photography, especially near sensitive exhibits, as it can disturb the marine life.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Consider arriving early to avoid the biggest crowds and secure a good spot for the seal show. The outdoor play area is a great bonus for kids to run around. Plus, the ability to leave and re-enter means you can easily combine your visit with a trip to the nearby beach for a full day of seaside fun.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekday outside of school holidays to potentially find fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience. Bringing your own snacks and drinks can also help save money on food expenses.
couples looking for a date
Combine your visit with a walk along the Tynemouth coast or enjoy fish and chips nearby for a complete seaside date. The aquarium provides a charming backdrop for conversation and shared discovery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Seal Hospital: A Heartwarming Mission
The seal shows are not just for entertainment; they often highlight the work of the hospital and educate the public about marine mammal welfare. It's a chance to see these incredible creatures up close while supporting a worthy cause.
Understanding the challenges faced by marine life and the aquarium's commitment to their care adds a deeper layer to the visitor experience. It transforms a fun day out into an educational and impactful one.
Family Fun and Toddler Adventures
Beyond the main exhibits, the small outdoor play area offers a great spot for kids to burn off energy on a nice day. The proximity to the beach also allows for a full day of seaside fun, making it an ideal family outing.
Tips for families include arriving early to avoid queues and the busiest times, and utilizing the ability to go in and out during the day for breaks. The aquarium's engaging displays and the chance to see marine life up close make it a memorable experience for little ones.
Navigating the Aquarium: Tips from Visitors
For the seal shows, arriving well in advance is crucial, as the viewing deck can become very crowded. If you miss out on a prime spot, sitting on the grass in front can still offer a view, though visibility might be limited for very young children.
Community advice also suggests checking the schedule for animal talks and feeding times to make the most of your visit. The staff are often praised for being friendly and knowledgeable, willing to help visitors find specific creatures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit