Blue Planet Aquarium
One of the UK's largest aquariums with Europe's biggest shark collection
At a Glance
Best Ages
All ages
Cost
Varies
Time Needed
2–4 hours
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor
Weather Fit
Great for rainy days
Stroller Access
Yes, step-free
Washrooms
On-site with baby change
Food
Café and ice cream parlour on-site
Parking
Paid on-site (£2.95)
Booking
Recommended
Parent Effort
Low (mostly walking)
Blue Planet Aquarium is a top-notch family day out in the north-west, combining awe-inspiring marine life with genuinely accessible facilities. The underwater tunnel and daily talks keep children engaged, while the dedicated accessibility days and carer policies make it welcoming for families with additional needs.
About This Place
Blue Planet Aquarium at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire is one of the UK's largest aquariums, home to over 2,500 species of sea life including sharks, rays, seahorses, and tropical reef fish. Its 70-metre underwater ocean tunnel — one of the longest in Europe — takes visitors on a walk-through surrounded by sharks and giant loggerhead turtles. Interactive rock pools, dive shows, and regularly changing themed exhibits make it a popular family destination in the north-west of England.
Official Website open_in_new- Monday – Sunday
- 10:00 – 17:00
Hours were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times.
Check the official website for current admission prices.
Europe's largest shark collection
Walk through the 70-metre ocean tunnel surrounded by sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, and giant loggerhead turtles.
Hands-on rock pools
Kids can touch starfish and crabs under the guidance of friendly aquarists.
Daily talks and feeds
Watch dive shows and keeper talks that bring the underwater world to life.
Birthday parties and junior dives
Special packages for celebrations and supervised shark dives for brave 8–15 year olds.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Parking charge
- £2.95 per vehicle; show your ticket in the café for a free hot drink
- Accessibility
- Free carer admission on a 1:1 basis with proof of eligibility; wheelchair hire available (£10 refundable deposit)
- Sensory-friendly days
- Selected quieter days with reduced noise and visitor numbers for neurodivergent guests—contact the aquarium to enquire
- Last entry
- One hour before closing time
- Shark dive age limit
- Junior dives for ages 8–15 (min height 125 cm); adult dives for ages 16+
- Food options
- Nautilus Kitchen serves hot and cold meals; themed Ice Cream Parlour with outdoor playground and picnic benches
- Public transport
- Buses from Liverpool, Chester and Ellesmere Port; nearest train station is Ellesmere Port (2 miles away)
Kid Fit by Age
Free entry for under-12 months; pram-friendly paths and lifts to all floors
£2.50 entry for 13–36 months; colourful tanks, short walk distances and interactive rock pools captivate little ones
Hands-on rock pools, daily talks and the impressive tunnel make this a magical age to visit
Old enough to appreciate the conservation messaging and dive shows; junior shark dives available from age 8
Shark dives and behind-the-scenes experiences add adrenaline for this age group
Adult shark dives from age 16 and impressive photography opportunities throughout
Insider Tips
Book tickets online in advance for the best prices and to guarantee entry on busy days
Check the daily talks and feeds schedule on arrival to plan your route around the highlights
If visiting with a neurodivergent child, contact the aquarium ahead of time to ask about upcoming enhanced accessibility dates
- •Children must be supervised at all times, especially near open-topped tanks and water features
- •The ocean tunnel and some walkways have low barriers—keep small children close
- •Hand-washing facilities are available after touching animals in the rock pools
- •Follow all instructions from staff during talks, feeds and dive shows
- •Step-free access with ramps and lifts to every floor
- •Accessible toilets located throughout the building
- •Dedicated accessible parking bays close to the entrance
- •Selected quieter days available for neurodivergent visitors—contact ahead to book
schedule Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings tend to be quietest, especially during term time. School holidays and weekends are busiest—arrive at opening time to beat the crowds. The aquarium is fully indoors, making it an ideal rainy-day destination year-round.
shopping_bag What to Bring
- check_boxComfortable walking shoes for exploring the multi-level exhibits
- check_boxA camera or phone for photos in the underwater tunnel
- check_boxA reusable water bottle—refill stations are available
- check_boxPocket change for the £2.95 parking fee
- check_boxA jacket or layers as some exhibit areas can feel cool
Location
Address
Cheshire Oaks, Cheshire, CH65 9LF, United Kingdom
Phone
+441513578804
Last checked: 2026