An Unplanned Visit to Bristol Aquarium

This week we had an unplanned visit to Bristol Aquarium. We were intending to go to a museum in the centre of Bristol and it happened to be closed. Bristol Aquarium was a stones throw away so I thought I’d take Pip there, it seemed like a good choice, especially given her recent interest in sea creatures.

I ended up buying an annual pass which means we can revisit as much as we like over the next year. It seemed much better value and the aquarium will be a good option throughout the winter.

We had a really good time! Pip is at the age where she is so interested in all living creatures, so she was really engaged throughout our visit. There are some impressive large scale tanks full of fish of all different scales and colours, it’s really quite beautiful and spectacular to see.

I’ve seen a few negative reviews about Bristol Aquarium, mainly referring to the fact that it doesn’t take long to go around it. I understand why people would say this, as when you get to the end you kind of think, “Is that it?” However, once you have your ticket for the day you can go around as many times as you like and it’s totally worth doing a few laps, as you spot different things each time. It’s also important to take your time, it’s not one to rush around, there is a lot to take in, information to read, plus the occasional talk or feeding session to observe.

As well as the huge variety of fish, there are lobsters, crabs, seahorses (including a seahorse nursery, as they breed them at the aquarium), stingrays, jelly fish and even a tarantula and some frogs. Then there is the giant octopus. We actually spotted this on our third loop around the aquarium, how we missed it before I don’t know. It’s huge! Really quite a phenomenal and eery sight.

You will also see a wide range of tropical plants throughout the site and Pip has been learning the names of some of those too. She was very interested in the gourds which look like giant pears. For young children there is a lot to see and learn at Bristol Aquarium.

If you’re local and think you could easily visit three or four times throughout the year then I would suggest considering the annual membership. We’ve already been twice in one week! If you’re visiting just for the day the prices are a little steep, but like I say, take your time, do a few loops and take in everything there is to see along the way.