Bristol Aquarium
Bristol Aquarium
3.6
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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3.6
1,557 reviews
Excellent
400
Very good
513
Average
416
Poor
155
Terrible
73
A O
2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
I was excited to bring my daughter here but left feeling short-changed. The exhibit is pathetically small; we took our time walking around it and even had a good sit-down, but we were surprised to have finished and reached the gift shop after only 45 minutes. This would have been fine if we hadn't paid £44 for two tickets; a shameful rip-off. It's clear that the footfall is pretty poor, therefore the approach has been to charge double what the experience is worth as opposed to actually improving the facilities and displays.
The baby changing area was also dirty and smelly, and the cafe prices are a rip-off... £8 for a sandwich? I suppose it's good that the tickets are all day because you can leave and have lunch somewhere proper, but then again, how many people really come back to see the same fish over and over again... seems like a poor excuse to charge people much more. One of the exhibits is plastic bottles in water. I understand the point about pollution, but is it really right to charge customers so much to see literal garbage? Perhaps if I'd taken the lack of customer service and poor attitude of the staff who sold us the tickets as a sign to come, I'd have saved my pennies.
Finally, the number of exhibits and shows listed all over the website is misleading. Some of the exhibits are the SAME exhibit, just from different angles. In the time we were there, there were no shows. We did come across one guide who was more interested in eating his snacks than talking to us.
I suggest that management actually take something constructive from these reviews as opposed to becoming defensive.
The baby changing area was also dirty and smelly, and the cafe prices are a rip-off... £8 for a sandwich? I suppose it's good that the tickets are all day because you can leave and have lunch somewhere proper, but then again, how many people really come back to see the same fish over and over again... seems like a poor excuse to charge people much more. One of the exhibits is plastic bottles in water. I understand the point about pollution, but is it really right to charge customers so much to see literal garbage? Perhaps if I'd taken the lack of customer service and poor attitude of the staff who sold us the tickets as a sign to come, I'd have saved my pennies.
Finally, the number of exhibits and shows listed all over the website is misleading. Some of the exhibits are the SAME exhibit, just from different angles. In the time we were there, there were no shows. We did come across one guide who was more interested in eating his snacks than talking to us.
I suggest that management actually take something constructive from these reviews as opposed to becoming defensive.
Written 4 August 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.
Denise E
Weston super Mare, UK56 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Visited with my husband and grandson yesterday and paid £56 entry.
It's actual quite a small area however the layout does try and make the most of it.
There's volunteers on hand to talk to and specified feeding times and talks. Lots of information at each tank.
There's a cafe in the entrance (£3.40 for small coffee) and a (overpriced) gift shop. Your ticket is valid all day so if you visit in the morning but would like to see an afternoon talk/feeding session you can leave and re enter which is helpful as even with reading alot of information and spending considerable time watching the sting rays, the clown fish (aka Nemo!) and the large tank it probably is no more than a few hours to do the lot.
I do have to mention the planting which was beautiful.
We all enjoyed it, lots to see and very informative. I totally appreciate the cost of running places like this however, still thought it a tad expensive for an experience lasting a few hours.
It's actual quite a small area however the layout does try and make the most of it.
There's volunteers on hand to talk to and specified feeding times and talks. Lots of information at each tank.
There's a cafe in the entrance (£3.40 for small coffee) and a (overpriced) gift shop. Your ticket is valid all day so if you visit in the morning but would like to see an afternoon talk/feeding session you can leave and re enter which is helpful as even with reading alot of information and spending considerable time watching the sting rays, the clown fish (aka Nemo!) and the large tank it probably is no more than a few hours to do the lot.
I do have to mention the planting which was beautiful.
We all enjoyed it, lots to see and very informative. I totally appreciate the cost of running places like this however, still thought it a tad expensive for an experience lasting a few hours.
Written 7 July 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.
Coleman Family
6 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
We bought tickets and then looked at reviews and were very concerned that we had wasted our money. However, we had a super couple of hours in the Aquarium. Yes, it was pricey, with a family ticket costing in excess of £60, and the guide book wasn't available, but the staff were friendly and knowledgeable and it was far from tiny. Some have mentioned seeing the same tank from different angles, but different fish have different preferences for where they swim so we saw a wide variety. The information provided was comprehensive and the tanks were clean and the fish clearly well looked after.
TL:DR a bit expensive but nice fishies!
TL:DR a bit expensive but nice fishies!
Written 6 September 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.
daisybug999
7 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
Loved it. Its amazing the staff are willing to answer all and any questions and are very friendly. The talks that the staff put on throughout the day are amazing and very informative and interactive. Theres plently of seating space to eat at or just take a minute. You can come and go as you please within the day (from open to close same day) just keep your ticket and they can print you a new one, so if you want to go out to lunch or have little ones that need a nap you can come back same day. Definitely worth tge money
Written 13 August 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.
A83
Berkshire, UK146 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
I did hear mixed reviews about this before going with some people saying the tanks were too small for the fish. I must say I am not a fish expert by any means however I would say it is an enjoyable time out. It doesn’t take an entire day to get around it took us a maximum of 2 hours and of course there is going to be quite a few people no matter the time you go however with that being said we were still able to have a look at everything we ‘wanted’ to see. We did attend a talk and the staff was passionate and went in depth about the fish, in fact all of the staff there seemed positive and willing to provide information. When in Bristol this is something which should be done although this is also a “one time” activity and you wouldn’t do it more than once during your trip although the tickets do last for an entire day so you can come and go as you please. Seeing as this is a lot cheaper than sealife and has larger tanks than sealife you can’t really complain.
The general theme is based around one larger tank with multiple smaller tanks around the outside, the larger tank expands upwards throughout the floors and this even has an “outdoorsy” section with plants and the occasional fake dinosaur.
The general theme is based around one larger tank with multiple smaller tanks around the outside, the larger tank expands upwards throughout the floors and this even has an “outdoorsy” section with plants and the occasional fake dinosaur.
Written 26 October 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.
adeledee
Oswestry, UK48 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
What a night to remember! Dr Dean Lomax world renowned palaeontologist on a UK tour with Why Dinosaurs documentary. It was fabulous! Along with palaeontologists from UK and America. A film for everyone to watch and understand. Dean Lomax is the world's leading expert on ichthyosaurs. He and others show the life of palaeontologist, the history and how this can help our Climate Change. The next one is in Lyme Regis on the 8th June. I would recommend anyone who loves dinosaurs, fossils and nature to go and be inspired. I had no idea of the many books Dean Lomax has written for children. Wow, they are amazing too.
I have to say the Aquarium @ Bristol is one of the best attractions we have in the UK. Staff are always polite and helpful, making the visit a pleasant, fun place to be. Very well kept and clean. The venue is very unique, having an aquarium, plants and imax theatre. All right in the centre of Bristol with fountains and great shopping all around. There is always something new going on there. The Aquarium are on trend with what people enjoy, have interests in or never heard of before! Take a look at what they have to offer. You will not be disappointed.
I have to say the Aquarium @ Bristol is one of the best attractions we have in the UK. Staff are always polite and helpful, making the visit a pleasant, fun place to be. Very well kept and clean. The venue is very unique, having an aquarium, plants and imax theatre. All right in the centre of Bristol with fountains and great shopping all around. There is always something new going on there. The Aquarium are on trend with what people enjoy, have interests in or never heard of before! Take a look at what they have to offer. You will not be disappointed.
Written 6 June 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.
eus57
Penarth, UK10 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
The visit was OK but the aquarium is very dated and looks tired. Not that much to see, I took my 8 and 10 year old grandchildren and they very quickly became bored looking at the same tank but from different floors. The gift shop was extremely expensive so, with entry, souvenirs, and a snack it was an expensive day out, sadly not to be repeated.
Written 14 August 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.
bell&con
Wiltshire, UK54 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Overpriced for such a small aquarium that attracts alot of visitors , some interesting fish but expected a lot more
, its pretty much the same two tanks just from different angles, with smaller tanks dotted about.
The themes was good and it is enjoyable , I would recommend.
However , absoloutley breaks me when places offer student discount but not military.... Nice one.
Also crap gift shop
, its pretty much the same two tanks just from different angles, with smaller tanks dotted about.
The themes was good and it is enjoyable , I would recommend.
However , absoloutley breaks me when places offer student discount but not military.... Nice one.
Also crap gift shop
Written 18 February 2025
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.
Kelsie V
Hastings, UK97 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Was ok but a lot of money just to basically walk round one large tank, you see the same tank but from different angles. The section near the end where the turtles were was the best bit. Staff very friendly and knowledgeable. Gift shop was very disappointing
Written 27 April 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.
Faye
Dudley, UK75 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
This place is fab, there is such a wide variety of sea creatures to see and the layout is beautifully done, it didn't feel like we were in the middle of a city at all.
The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and approachable, they really made the visit special. I definitely learned a few new things about the creatures on display from them! There were talks and feeding times to see to.
Definitely worth going to, it really a fabulous place.
The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and approachable, they really made the visit special. I definitely learned a few new things about the creatures on display from them! There were talks and feeding times to see to.
Definitely worth going to, it really a fabulous place.
Written 16 February 2025
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, United Kingdom
Can visitors bring their own food? If so, is there an indoor area to eat one's own food?
Written 1 September 2020
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.
Written 2 September 2020
My partner has broke his foot and we are visiting today do you have wheelchairs available and what ticket shall I select?
Written 20 February 2019
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 .
Written 10 September 2019
Naylyan
Bournemouth, United Kingdom
How much is the ticket per person? Adult or child?
Written 31 May 2017
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)
Written 31 May 2017
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
Written 14 March 2016
Hi, I'm jasmine and I want to no How long does it take to go round the Bristol aquarium?
Written 10 January 2016
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
Written 31 January 2016
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?
Written 17 October 2015
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.
Written 20 October 2015
Will Elsa the Octopus be getting replaced by another octopus at some point?
Written 19 June 2015
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.
Written 20 June 2015
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
Written 15 June 2015
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