Ilfracombe Aquarium
Entrance to Ilfracombe aquarium.
Down at the harbour past the shops is the Ilfracombe Aquarium. Small and independently run, it makes great use of the space available by organising its display to represent the whole of a North Devon river system from its source through the middle sections of the river, taking in a still-water lake, and on down to the estuary, and harbour, and at last out into the open ocean.
Clockwise from top left. Common lobster, River source, Harbour from viewing platform, harbour display from ground level.
Children can take an age specific quiz sheet to fill in as they go round, which encourages them to look at the exhibits and find out some information about them. it is free to take a sheet, and they get a sticker on completion
The fish and other water living species displayed are those which are most likely to be found in North Devon, each appropriate to their particular niche.
Each environment is represented with features you would expect to find in real life such as rocks and plants, fast flowing water in the upper reaches, and buoys and walls around the harbour. There is a viewing platform above the harbour area where you can stand and look down on the dogfish, skates, rays, and other larger fish.
At certain times of the day the staff feed the fish in the harbour region and give a talk about the types of fish on display.
As well as educating visitors about the fish, molluscs, crustaceans, etc. that can be found in North Devon's rivers and around the coastline, the aquarium also has displays about the ecology, and encourages children and adults alike to observe the coastal code.
There is also a special display about Lundy island including a video and a large map outlining the special Lundy Island Marine Conservation Zone, and visitors can sign an ongoing petition by writing their name on a "fish scale" which they can then add to the fish on the wall.
After visiting the aquarium there is a gift shop and ice cream parlour, and next door there is a newly opened cafe.
Visit the Ilfracombe Aquarium official website.