Lakes Aquarium

Lakes Aquarium

The Lakes Aquarium is a popular tourist attraction located at Lakeside on the southern shore of Windermere in the Lake District, Cumbria, England. It provides visitors with the opportunity to explore a variety of aquatic environments and to learn about the diverse range of species that inhabit them.

The Lakes Aquarium boasts a wide array of exhibits that showcase local and exotic wildlife. For example, the “Lake District” exhibit highlights local species found in the lakes and rivers of the region, while the “Tropical Rainforest” exhibit showcases the biodiversity of rainforest environments, featuring species such as pygmy marmosets and poison dart frogs.

One of the most popular exhibits at the Lakes Aquarium is the “Ocean Tank,” which houses a variety of marine life, including sharks and rays. Visitors can walk through a tunnel that goes directly through the tank, providing a unique, immersive viewing experience.

The Lakes Aquarium is also committed to conservation and education. It engages in a number of conservation projects and offers a range of educational programs designed to promote understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

The Lakes Aquarium can be reached by taking the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, or by taking a boat with Windermere Lake Cruises to Lakeside. This makes it a convenient attraction to visit as part of a broader exploration of the Lake District.

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More About Lakes Aquarium

Lakes Aquarium: A Guide to the Fascinating Underwater World

Lakes Aquarium is a popular tourist attraction located in Lakeside, at the southern tip of Lake Windermere in the Lake District, Cumbria, England. The aquarium is home to a diverse range of creatures, including local freshwater and marine fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Visitors can explore the underwater tunnel and watch sturgeon, carp, and diving ducks swim by. The aquarium is open daily, and visitors can purchase advanced tickets online to save money on admission. Children under the age of three can enter the aquarium for free. The opening times and admission prices are clearly displayed on the aquarium’s website, along with a map of the aquarium and information about annual passes and local resident discounts. Lakes Aquarium is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Cumbria, attracting visitors from all over the world. It is situated in a picturesque location, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Windermere while learning about the creatures that inhabit the lake and its surrounding areas.

Explore the Aquarium

Visitors to Lakes Aquarium can explore two floors of live animal displays, hands-on interactive exhibits, and stunning overlooks of the Lake District. The aquarium offers a range of exhibits that showcase the geologic, natural, and cultural history of the region, making it a perfect destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in aquatic life.

Displays

The aquarium offers a range of displays that allow visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of marine life. From the coral reef exhibit to the giant octopus tank, there’s something for everyone. Visitors can also explore the fossil exhibit, which features casts of prehistoric predators, ancient mollusks, and fish with lungs, taking them on an adventure through time.

Creatures

Lakes Aquarium is home to a diverse range of creatures, including American alligators, otters, seahorses, and a variety of fish and reptiles. Visitors can get nose to nose with an American alligator or watch otters play in their natural habitat. The aquarium also offers a range of interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn more about the creatures that call the Lake District home.

Fish

The aquarium’s fish exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in aquatic life. Visitors can admire the diversity of corals and anemones and ponder the fossil record. The exhibit features a range of fish, from the tiny minnow to the giant catfish, giving visitors a glimpse into the underwater world of the Lake District.

Reptiles

Lakes Aquarium is home to a range of reptiles, including American alligators, turtles, and snakes. Visitors can get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures and learn more about their habitat and behaviour.

Otters

The aquarium’s otter exhibit is a popular attraction for visitors of all ages. Visitors can watch otters play in their natural habitat and learn more about their behaviour and habitat. The exhibit also features interactive displays that allow visitors to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Seahorses

The aquarium’s seahorse exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in these fascinating creatures. Visitors can learn more about seahorse behaviour and habitat and admire the beauty of these unique creatures. The exhibit also features interactive displays that allow visitors to learn more about seahorse conservation efforts. In conclusion, Lakes Aquarium is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in aquatic life. With a range of exhibits and interactive displays, visitors can explore the geologic, natural, and cultural history of the Lake District and get up close and personal with a variety of marine life.

Facilities and Accessibility

Lakes Aquarium is a popular attraction located at Lakeside, a stunning lake-side location at the southern tip of Windermere. The aquarium is home to one of the largest collections of UK freshwater fish, including Pike, Sturgeon, Perch and Carp. In addition to the impressive collection of fish, Lakes Aquarium offers a range of facilities and accessibility options to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the aquarium experience.

Disabled Access

Lakes Aquarium is committed to providing a welcoming and accessible environment for all visitors. The aquarium is fully accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments. The entrance to the aquarium is level, and there are no steps or ramps to navigate. The aquarium is spacious, and there is plenty of room to move around in a wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Lift

Lakes Aquarium has a lift that provides access to all areas of the aquarium. The lift is spacious and can accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The lift is located near the entrance of the aquarium, making it easy to access. In addition to the lift, there are also a number of seating areas throughout the aquarium where visitors can take a break and rest their legs.

Other Facilities

Lakes Aquarium offers a range of facilities to ensure that visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. These facilities include:
  • Toilets: Lakes Aquarium has accessible toilets located near the entrance of the aquarium.
  • Café: The aquarium has a café that serves a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, and meals.
  • Gift Shop: The gift shop sells a range of souvenirs, gifts, and toys.
  • Parking: Lakes Aquarium has a large car park with ample parking spaces for visitors.
Overall, Lakes Aquarium is committed to providing an accessible and enjoyable experience for all visitors. With its range of facilities and accessibility options, the aquarium is a great place to visit for families, groups, and individuals alike.

News and Events

Lakes Aquarium is always buzzing with exciting news and events. From talks to exhibitions, there is always something going on at the aquarium. Here are some of the upcoming events that visitors can look forward to.

Talks

Lakes Aquarium regularly hosts talks on various topics related to marine life. These talks are a great opportunity for visitors to learn from experts in the field and gain a deeper understanding of the creatures that call the aquarium home. One upcoming talk is “The Secret Life of Otters,” which will take place on May 20th at 2 pm. During this talk, visitors will learn about the behaviour and habitat of otters, as well as the conservation efforts being made to protect them. Another talk to look out for is “Sharks: Misunderstood Creatures,” which will be held on June 10th at 11 am. This talk will explore the myths and realities surrounding sharks, and how they play a crucial role in the ocean’s ecosystem.

Exhibitions

In addition to talks, Lakes Aquarium also hosts exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions provide visitors with a chance to see marine life up close and learn about their habitats and behaviours. One upcoming exhibition is “Jellyfish Kingdom,” which will run from June 1st to August 31st. This exhibition will showcase various types of jellyfish and their unique characteristics, as well as the important role they play in the ocean’s ecosystem. Another exhibition to check out is “Penguin Island,” which is a permanent exhibition at Lakes Aquarium. Visitors can watch the penguins swim and play, and learn about their behaviour and habitat. Overall, Lakes Aquarium offers a range of exciting events and exhibitions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages. Whether you’re interested in talks or exhibitions, there is always something new and exciting to discover at the aquarium.

Location and Views

Lakes Aquarium is located at Lakeside, on the southern tip of Lake Windermere, in the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, England. The aquarium is situated in a picturesque area, surrounded by stunning views of the lake and the surrounding hills. The location of the aquarium is easily accessible by road, rail, and boat. Visitors can take the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, which runs from Haverthwaite to Lakeside, and enjoy the scenic views of the countryside. Alternatively, visitors can take a boat trip from Bowness-on-Windermere or Ambleside and arrive at the aquarium’s own jetty. The aquarium itself is well-positioned to offer visitors stunning views of Lake Windermere. The aquarium’s underwater tunnel is a particular highlight, offering visitors the opportunity to walk through a tunnel surrounded by water, with fish swimming around them. Visitors can see a wide array of creatures, from local freshwater and marine fish to reptiles and amphibians. In addition to the views of the lake, the aquarium also offers visitors the opportunity to see some of the world’s most fascinating creatures up close. Visitors can see otters in the Asia area, piranhas in the Americas, and marmosets in the rainforest displays, as well as many other creatures that live in and around freshwater lakes across the globe. Overall, the location and views of Lakes Aquarium make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the Lake District National Park. With its stunning views of Lake Windermere and its fascinating collection of creatures, the aquarium is a great place to spend a few hours and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Admission and Prices

Lakes Aquarium offers admission to visitors at affordable prices. The prices include VAT at 20% and are subject to change without prior notice. Visitors can purchase tickets online or at the aquarium’s entrance. The admission prices for Lakes Aquarium are as follows:
Category Price
Adult (16+) £8.95
Senior (60+) £7.95
Child (3-15) £6.50
Under 3 Free
Family 3 (2 adults + 1 child) £20.95
Family 4 (2 adults + 2 children) £23.95
Visitors can save money by booking online in advance, or by purchasing an annual pass, which allows unlimited visits to the aquarium throughout the year. Lakes Aquarium also offers discounted rates for groups of 10 or more people. Group visits must be booked in advance by contacting the aquarium’s group sales department. It is important to note that Lakes Aquarium does not allow dogs inside the aquarium building, unless they are assistance/working dogs. Visitors are advised to check the aquarium’s website for any updates or changes to admission prices before planning their visit.

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