Bristol Aquarium
Bristol Aquarium
3.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,445 within 5 kms
Attractions
236 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Robert S5 contributionsWould recommend when quiteMe and partner really enjoyed this experience. Went in the summer but before kids out of school. Was still busy but quite quite enough to enjoy ourselves. I can see it being an issue if it’s packed as there’s no s lot space so best to go when quite if you can (in my option). It seems overpriced for what you get; nevertheless I enjoyed the top tanks being able to view all the different marine life swimming around. I wouldn’t go again but I think it’s worth a visit when it’s quiet. We followed this with food outside in the restaurant next door and ice cream along the harbour. Good to keep in mind it’s not a full day out. If you’re got kids that like to be on the move your be round the whole thing in 10 minutes. We followed the website recommendation. Try spend at least 60 seconds at each display and actually observe and pay attention to what you’re looking at. If you do this for each thing as you go along you’ll be in there for a couple of hours. They have toilets along the way.Visited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 9 May 2023
- Traveler147176073332 contributionsBrilliant experience.Visited Bristol Aquarium today with son and grandparent, what a fantastic experience, many different exhibits with information on the fish and plants. The water quality, cleanliness were excellent and the fish looked very healthy. The lady who did a talk was extremely good and I have to give the staff top marks for their hard work, dedication and welcome.Visited May 2023Written 20 May 2023
- Andrew DGloucester, United Kingdom92 contributionsFeeding times were fun to watch and it was great at times to sit and relax just watching the fish swimming about.We were able to go round twice on the membership ticket we had. Our daughter loved it and we enjoyed seeing all the aquatic animals. Feeding times were fun to watch and it was great at times to sit and relax just watching the fish swimming about.Visited April 2023Written 25 May 2023
- Sharon G1 contributionKnowledgeable, friendly staff.The aquarium was amazing and excellent value for money, the viewing stations gave great access to the fish. Staff members were especially helpful. They include Stacey who told us about the legendary Sheila the Groupa.Also Moss who have me a plaster when they noticed my hand randomly bleeding. Knowledgeable staff added significant value to the experience. Thank you.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 June 2023
- tasgardHobart, Australia261 contributionsEducational entertainmentThe Aquarium is focused on the youngsters. Notwithstanding it is an enjoyable experience for people of all ages. Bristol Aquarium has much in common with other aquariums but adds that bit of extra excitement for the youngsters with model dinosaurs lurking in the giant Botanical house which forms part of the complex. Patrons are able to watch, and in some cases participate in the feeding of the marine exhibits. Signs are set up outside each of the many separate locations such as the Amazon zone. The signs advise of feeding times where a staff member will feed the creatures and answer questions from the public about the animas being fed. The big tanks and the viewing tunnel are on the lower levels as are the café and shop. The well laid out and clearly signed pathway slowly winds up through the higher levels where one is able to look down into the lower tanks. The pathway leads upwards for a while through the jungle, big model dinosaurs and all, and slowly descends towards the eventual exit at the shop level. The entry price is £19.75 for adults with children’s, groups and seniors tickets cheaper. The complex is a little tired in sections but overall, it is not bad for an hour or so’s walk in a warm environment whilst being educated and entertained.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 July 2023
- McShepSwindon, United Kingdom114 contributionsChild eye level and friendly for them them running aroundChild friendly and full of information. Our son was able to run around the aquarium and it wasn't overly busy so always clear line of sight. Fish are mostly child eye level so son could bounce from one colourful tank to the other to his hearts contentVisited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 23 July 2023
- samanthaLas Vegas, Nevada4 contributionsBristol Aquarium - definitely recommend!I visited Bristol Aquarium last month and it was definitely a experience to remember! I loved it and would definitely recommend to anyone who is in Bristol. Shop was quite pricey but I understand. I loved the experience and would definitely recommend it’s very worth it! Also lots of places to eat near the aquarium. I loved seeing all the different types of fish and loved how pretty the place was. Only downside is that it felt quite short, like when I had finished walking through the aquarium (and I had also stopped multiple times to take photos) I was quite surprised that it was over but other than that a lovely place to visit and good for the whole family!Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 30 July 2023
- anthea p1 contributionover priced and shoddy goodsBe warned about buying goods from the shop in the Bristol Aquarium. My grand daughter wanted a bracelet. no prices on the goods. It was a bit of string with a small metal fish on it. She paid £6 25, probably worth 50p and it has now broken.. I bought a child's sandwich and crisps for £3 50, one slice of processed cheese in it and a bag of ??? not crisps. Cafe generally poor quality and expensive.. weak coffee for £ 3 25 per cup.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 August 2023
- Beth D7 contributionsSummer hol visitCame with young kids and elderly disabled grandparents. Felt that the experience is quiet short, and the price is fairly pricy for what you get (only my opinion) Only took 45/1hr to walk through. Best bit was the tunnel but even that was fairly short. Not a lot of passing places for pushchairs and wheelchairs.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 3 August 2023
- Martin MackenzieLondon, United Kingdom23 contributionsDecent Aquarium to VisitWe have visited quite a few Aquariums however this Aquarium was very decent, not overly expensive entry fee, especially considering that you can walk around leave the premises to do something else or eat and then go back in and walk around again. Which is handy if you have kids because you may have missed some bits the first time around. There is a few little bits around your journey here for the kids to do, like stick their head inside a tank for an all round view and sit in some curved glass giving you a feeling of being inside a tank. And the overhead water tunnel is a good view point to see all those different species of fish and the sharks!! Really good place to visit and on certain days and times there are talks and feeds to watch. If in Bristol and stuck for something to do - I would recommend giving this a go.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 August 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
3.5
1,532 reviews
Excellent
393
Very good
509
Average
407
Poor
153
Terrible
70
Nicole S
Cardiff, UK688 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Visited with our family and grandchildren aged 9 and 6. Spent a few hours here and were all impressed by the fish on display. Could have spent longer, but the youngest was not eager to go back for the talks. We did see the sea horses being fed which us adults found fascinating! Best thing is that the ticket allows unlimited access during your day pass, so you could effectively go out when it gets busy and return again later which is a good idea, as it did get very busy whilst we were there. Personally I thought the price for admission was good value, and even better as my daughter managed to get free tickets for the children via a phone app, so worth checking for offers.
Written 14 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
terrythy
Bristol, UK242 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Pleasant place to spend a couple of hours, more if you enjoy watching fish - all the feeding and talks were worth attending - But we arrived late because although one of the transport possibilities on the aquarium site includes the water ferry from Temple Quay, these only run five times a day and are only available on school holidays! Which meant that we had to walk back through the station to get a taxi from Temple Meads.
The bay of rays tank was lovely, and the large tanks include almost 200 fish, everything from a large grouper to moray eels with plenty of sharks, tangs and trigger fish. The female octopus is a star, interesting crustaceans, nice Amazon display, turbot and plaice. The staff are very enthusiastic and are worth talking to if you want to know more about individual fish ... even their names!
The bay of rays tank was lovely, and the large tanks include almost 200 fish, everything from a large grouper to moray eels with plenty of sharks, tangs and trigger fish. The female octopus is a star, interesting crustaceans, nice Amazon display, turbot and plaice. The staff are very enthusiastic and are worth talking to if you want to know more about individual fish ... even their names!
Written 29 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
allim
Hassocks, UK152 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Was expecting more for the very steep entrance fee of £20 each.
Absolutely FULL of screaming children but that was our bad for visiting on a weekend 🙄
Needs better exhibits and better information
Absolutely FULL of screaming children but that was our bad for visiting on a weekend 🙄
Needs better exhibits and better information
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
N J
7 contributions
July 2023 • Family
The place is really big, there is a great gift shop where you can buy GIANT fish plushies. I bought a clownfish plush and I love him.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Food&Traveller
Newport, UK42 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Amazing. I have been to nearly every aquarium in the Uk. This would make the top 5. Staff very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Some increadible species.
The aquarium is laid out so well. Lots packed into the space but in a way visitors are not crammed in together (even though we attended in half term!)
The aquarium is laid out so well. Lots packed into the space but in a way visitors are not crammed in together (even though we attended in half term!)
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie
Sevenoaks, UK50 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We visited the aquarium during October half term and our first time in was very busy with children which was to be expected but the good thing about this aquarium is that tickets last all day so we went in again an hour before closing and got to see everything a little better. The aquarium itself is very nice, smaller than some others but still lots to see
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miss HT
Bristol, UK22 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We had a wonderful day here. Average entry prices and much better than other aquariums we've been to. Fully accessible for prams/wheelchairs which is fab, plenty to see for all ages. Our children absolutely loved it. Staff friendly and whole venue very clean. Once you pay for your ticket you can go around as many times as you like which is brilliant. Would highly recommend.
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ozcymru
Cardiff, UK112 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We were very disappointed. Might as well as called it the Grey Mullett aquarium as there were in a lot of the tanks with these bland fish in. The displays were only ok and didn't represent much imagination or size for the fish's habitat. The bigger tanks were overstocked with too many fish. It didn't take long to get around either. Why was the ground devoid of aquariums and contained bland white space? Very underwhelming in deed.
We won't be back as this attraction represents poor value for money and not worth a trip into England to spend our hard earned money on.
We won't be back as this attraction represents poor value for money and not worth a trip into England to spend our hard earned money on.
Written 3 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marley Elliot
London, UK22 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I was also disappointed with the variety of fish on display. There were a few interesting exhibits, such as the piranhas and the penguins, but overall I found the selection to be quite limited.
Written 1 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea
Liphook, UK5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The aquarium itself was nice but quite small if you remove the tropical plant house section - the exhibits all well maintained. The short walk through tunnel was great (we wished it could have been longer, however could have done with lighting to the right hand side of that specific exhibition as once fish went to that side, it was a little harder to see them.
The shop was disappointing in that it didn’t have a lot of own branded items ie fridge magnets saying that you’d visited.
We arrived late in the day but were very surprised to see that the cafe had already shut by 3:45 on a Saturday!
It took us about 45 minutes to walk round, including sitting down to watch in the larger exhibitions plus allowing one of the party to sit regularly.
The shop was disappointing in that it didn’t have a lot of own branded items ie fridge magnets saying that you’d visited.
We arrived late in the day but were very surprised to see that the cafe had already shut by 3:45 on a Saturday!
It took us about 45 minutes to walk round, including sitting down to watch in the larger exhibitions plus allowing one of the party to sit regularly.
Written 28 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy P
Wiltshire, UK
Can visitors bring their own food? If so, is there an indoor area to eat one's own food?
Turners80
High Wycombe, UK86 contributions
There is a cafe with seating but it’s for paying customers only. Outside the aquarium there is plenty of space to have some food if it’s a nice day and they have fountains and water for the children to play in.
My partner has broke his foot and we are visiting today do you have wheelchairs available and what ticket shall I select?
Carolla
Bristol, UK113 contributions
Hi sorry for late reply ! I somehow missed your question !
I hope you went I love it there 😍
Yes it is wheelchair friendly , not sure if they provide wheelchairs ! As for which ticket to select I would say one adult and cater .
If I am bringing my two year old do I select the 3-13 option or not include one? I'm confused
Darrell F
Swansea, UK95 contributions
You don't have to pay for children under 3.
Naylyan
Bournemouth, UK
How much is the ticket per person? Adult or child?
wiseguy4reel
Bath, UK71 contributions
Hope this helps:
Standard (13 yrs+) £14.75 (Standard Admission) £13.28 (Online Price)
Junior (3-12 yrs) £9.75 (Standard Admission) £8.78 (Online Price)
Child Under 3years Free (Standard Admission) Free (Online Price)
Family (2 standard and 2 junior) £47.00 (Standard Admission) £42.10 (Online Price)
Friends pack (4 adults) Online Exclusive (Standard Admission) £51.10 (Online Price)
Stevebuster
2 contributions
Hi do you have concessions for foster carers
Hi Stevebuster,
Thank you for your question. At the current time we do not offer any reduced concession rate for foster carers, only for full-time students with an NUS card, over 60s, and people with disabilities (who may bring a free carer with them).
Keep an eye out for promotions that may be running such as our popular 'Kids Go Free' which may help you.
Kindest regards,
Simon Hubbard
Office Supervisor
Hi, I'm jasmine and I want to no How long does it take to go round the Bristol aquarium?
Hi Jasmine,
Thank you for your question. The length of time for a visit is completely variable depending on your level of interest. Some visitors like to walk through in 45 minutes to an hour and some like to spend a few hours reading the information boards and learning about wildlife and conservation. We have over 40 naturally themed exhibits and so you really want to be spending more than a minute looking at each one to really see what's inside.
The ticket price is an all-day rate for unlimited entry all day so that you can catch the daily talks and feeds too!
Hope to see you soon,
Kind regards
Simon
SallyBristol
Bristol24 contributions
Instead of recommending visitors to look out for special promotions, would it not be more helpful to reduce the general ticket price to a more realistic level?
Hi Sally, Thanks for your question. We review our prices every year, as well as compare our prices with other major city attractions, but your comments will be passed to the General Manager. Kind Regards, Sarah.
SallyBristol
Bristol24 contributions
Will Elsa the Octopus be getting replaced by another octopus at some point?
Hi Sally,
Thanks for your enquiry regarding one of our displays. We’ve had giant Pacific octopus at Bristol Aquarium for five years now and, following the sad loss of Elsa, we are taking this opportunity to review the cold-water area within our displays, with a view to introducing new species here to share new habitats with our visitors and members.
We haven’t ruled out introducing octopus altogether though, so watch this space. You can follow announcements of our new displays on our Facebook page, BristolAquarium.
Thanks again, hope you can visit us soon.
jennifer c
Bristol, UK1 contribution
Opening hours
Hi Jennifer,
Bristol Aquarium opening hours are
Monday 10am – 5pm
Tuesday 10am – 5pm
Wednesday 10am – 5pm
Thursday 10am – 5pm
Friday 10am – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday 10am – 5pm
Last entry is one hour before closing.
We are open all bank holidays. The only day we are closed is Christmas Day.
Thank you
Sarah
Sarah Moore
Marketing Manager
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingBristol Aquarium - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Bristol Aquarium
- Bristol Aquarium is open:
- Mon - Fri 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Sat - Sun 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Hotels near Bristol Aquarium:
- (0.17 km) The Bristol
- (0.11 km) Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
- (0.17 km) YHA Bristol
- (0.13 km) The Stables
- (0.21 km) Ibis Bristol Centre
- Restaurants near Bristol Aquarium:
- (0.05 km) Blazing Bird
- (0.05 km) Bristol Sports Bar
- (0.06 km) Prezzo
- (0.06 km) Las Iguanas
- (0.07 km) Tikka Flame
- Attractions near Bristol Aquarium:
- (0.04 km) Bristol Street Art Tours
- (0.06 km) Wildscreen
- (0.15 km) Blackbeard to Banksy the Ultimate Bristol Walking Tour
- (0.11 km) Haunted and Hidden Bristol Walking Tour
- (0.14 km) Bristol Highlights Walk