Ilfracombe Aquarium, The Pier, Ilfracombe, Devon

Details

Accessibility

https://ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk/

2025:

"Wheelchair friendly throughout.

Well-behaved dogs are most welcome in the cafe & shop. Only assistance dogs allowed in aquarium due to insurance restrictions."

Brief description

https://ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk/

2025:

"Ilfracombe Aquarium consists of Local Aquatic Exhibits, Pier Café & Gift Shop. It is a much loved, award winning, and ever evolving, all-weather, family fun, educational attraction. It is located in the Old Lifeboat House on the pier. Conveniently located, it is surrounded by Ilfracombe’s picturesque, historic and bustling harbour which is also home to Damien Hirst’s extraordinary Verity sculpture and 14th century St. Nicholas’ Chapel. Ilfracombe town is located on the dramatic and spectacular North Devon coast. It is 20 mins. drive from Barnstaple, 10 mins. from Woolacombe. It is set within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)."

Address

The Old Lifeboat House
The Pier
Ilfracombe
North Devon
EX34 9EQ

Email

info@ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk

Phone

01271 864533                             

Website

https://ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk

Directions

https://ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk/visit/

2025:

"From Woolacombe/Croyde

Take the B3343 to Mullacott Cross roundabout. Take first turning left to Ilfracombe and follow the A361 into St. Brannocks Road. At the first set of traffic lights on Church Street after a mini roundabout turn left onto Wilder Road following a sign to the seafront and a brown directional sign to, amongst others, Lundy Island (Car Parking for Ferry). Just before the next set of traffic lights you should see a brown directional sign directing you straight on to the aquarium. Follow this sign along the seafront down to the end of St James’ Place. At the end of St. James’ Place, a further brown directional sign to the aquarium directs you left down the Quay to the Pier. The Aquarium is on the Pier to the left.

From Braunton

Take the A361 to Mullacott roundabout. Take 2nd turning left to Ilfracombe. Follow directions as per from Woolacombe/Croyde (above).

From Barnstaple

Either take the A361 to Braunton then follow the directions as per from Woolacombe/Croyde (above). Alternatively take the B3230 via Muddiford to Ilfracombe. At the first set of traffic lights (New Barnstaple Road) turn left for ½ mile until you drop down hill approaching the high street. You should see a brown directional sign on your left directing you to turn right to the aquarium. Follow this onto the seafront then right down toward the harbour and pier.

From Exmoor

Take the A3123 to Lynton Cross (On-A-Hill Garage to your left). Either cross straight over here travelling approx. 1 mile to Mullacott roundabout where you take 3rd turning left (effectively right!) to Ilfracombe. Follow directions as per from Woolacombe/Croyde (above). Alternatively turn right at Lynton Cross and take the B3230. Now follow alternative directions as per from Barnstaple (above).

From Combe Martin/ Watermouth/Hele

Take the A399 coast road bringing you into Ilfracombe via Hele Bay. At the first set of traffic lights you should see a brown directional sign directing to the aquarium follow this and additional brown signs to the harbour, pier and aquarium."

Opening Times

https://ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk/visit/

2025:

"Feb - Nov 2026

Sat 3rd Jan – Fri 13th Feb: CLOSED

Sat 14th – Sun 22nd Feb: Open every day 10am – 4pm

Adult (16yrs+) (Blue Light card holders 10% entry discount**)

£7.95

Child (3-15yrs)

£5.95

Seniors (65yrs+)

£6.95

Student (16+ in education. and/or with NUS card)

£6.50

Family (2 adults & 2 children)

£24.95

Family (2 adults & 3 children*)

£30.45

Family (1 adult & 3 children*)

£23.25

Grandparents (2 seniors & 2 children*)

£23.25

*any additional children within family groups charged @ £5.50 each

**valid for individual entry for those with Blue Light Card. Not valid with family tickets which provides a bigger discount."

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

Transport

https://ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk/visit/

2025:

"For all public enquiries in South West England call: Traveline 08712002233 

From Woolacombe Buses 31, 302

From Braunton From Barnstaple Buses 3, 30, 30E, 301

From Exmoor (Lynton/Lynmouth) Bus 300

From Combe Martin/ Watermouth/Hele Buses 3, 30, 30E, 300, 301, 33"

Amenities

https://ilfracombeaquarium.co.uk/visit/

2025:

"Threre is a cafe, a shop, and parking available:

Short stay parking: Pier car park alongside the aquarium. Prices vary according to time of year.

Short & long stay via Ropery Road car park. 5 mins. walk from aquarium.

Long stay: Cove and Larkstone car parks, both on the south side of the harbour. Prices are cheaper than short stay and vary according to time of year. 5-10 mins walk from aquarium.

Hillsborough car park, off Watermouth Road serving the swimming pool. Prices are cheaper than short stay and other long stay car parks. Prices vary according to time of year. 10 mins walk from aquarium. Alternatively a park & ride service normally functions during the main season. This takes passengers to the aquarium in 15 mins. via the high street and seafront."