After mixed reviews, we decided to head here for a rainy day at Christmas. Although some of the less positive reviews are true, here is my review, based on a two year old and 4 month old twins spending a couple hours on site... The variety of sections, tanks is pretty good, and although the volume and type of fish can be questioned (i.e who wants to see Plaice, Coley and Pollock), there are some pretty cool species. This includes the Unicorn thing, several rays, sharks, "Finding Nemo friends" and various Tangs and Dragon Fish species (allllllll very appealing to a toddler). For my son, there were a few photo opportunities, through cut outs, and talks whilst feeding the animals which he enjoyed, although he was happy to move on to the next section after a few minutes. He particularly liked the outdoor sections (under canopy), where the turtles, rays, catfish and other tropical river fish were based, as it had curly pathways and dinosaur figures. Yes, you could move through the Aquarium in 30 minutes, but that would be bad parenting. The whole point of the aquarium is to educate and have fun with your kids, talking about the fish and films relevant (like Tiddler), and enjoy the day. Take note of the talks and time it well. The cafe is pretty gross, and the toilets need urgent improvement, but it's no different to a softplay or kids area. Under 3/4s are free, and therefore paying for an adult is not too expensive, if you compare it to other leisure activities. Overall, this is a great couple hours to spend with younger kids, but perhaps not something if you are an animal expert of family with older kids. Parking is super expensive - be aware.

A thoroughly lovely aquarium, a really nice size for young children and lots of education about conservation issues as you go round, which is a nice bonus. I won’t be going in the cafe next time though as it was £8 for a burnt panini and the only option for children was a lunch box of bits when mine would only want a sandwich (not an option). The gift shop is also full of flimsy plastic bits, which seems odd given all the messaging about the harm of plastic to ocean life as you go around!

Me 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.

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.

The 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.

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!

Be 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.

Came 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.

We 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.