UK aquarium parking and driving advice guide

31st Aug 2023

If you are looking for somewhere to take the family on a fun day out, then why not consider one of the many aquariums spread out across the UK?

Home to many of the world’s rarest fish and marine animals, these locations are some of the most popular tourist destinations.

This guide looks at the parking and driving tips for you before you set off on your next road trip.

How many aquariums are there in the UK?

In the UK, there are officially 23 aquariums. However, there are hundreds more that are part of zoos and other tourist destinations.

Best aquariums in the UK

Although Sea Life London and the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth are perhaps the most famous in the country, there are many others that are popular amongst tourists.

Advice for driving to an aquarium

For anyone looking to drive to these locations, it is important to note that most are based in cities or seaside towns where parking is at a premium and comes at a cost.

Dog friendly aquariums

Other than guide dogs, there are no pure aquariums that allow dogs into their facility. However, many zoos, farms, and safari parks that also feature aquariums do allow dogs.

The best thing to do, is to check the zoo or aquariums official website before you set off on your next day out.

Sea Life London Aquarium

Based on the south bank of the River Thames next to the London Eye, this aquarium at the heart of the capital is one of the nation’s most popular animal attractions.

They recommend arriving to the aquarium through public transport, however, if you are using a car, then there are parking options nearby.

The Q-Park Westminster can be pre-booked to get a 15% discount if you are visiting the aquarium.

Parking costs (without discount) £9.50 for 1 hour; £19 for 2 hours; £28.50 for 3 hours; £38 for 4 hours; £47.50 for 5 hours; £53 for up to 11 hours and £55 for up to 24 hours.

If you haven’t pre-booked, then you pay via contactless card when you enter and exit the car park.

Use SW1P 3RX if you are traveling by car.

Alternatively, there are some NCP car parks nearby.

Bristol Aquarium

Based in the city centre, Bristol Aquarium sits alongside the harbourside with multiple car parking facilities within short walking distance.

The facility is based at BS1 5LL, but it is important to search for one of the below parking destiantions before setting off on your journey.

They recommend parking at Millennium Square car park (a 2 minute walk); Prince St (NCP) (approx 5 minute walk); Wapping Wharf on Wapping Road (approx 10 minute walk); The Mall Galleries, Broadmead (approx 20 minute walk); or Cabot Circus car park (approx 25 minute walk).

There are also Bristol City Council Car parks available within a short walking distance.

Weymouth Sea Life Adventure park

One of the nation’s many seaside aquariums, Sea Life Weymouth is located on the outskirts of Lodmoor Country Park and runs alongside Weymouth Beach.

There is a pay and display car park, operated by Dorset Council, next to the main entrance.

It opens at 8am and closes at midnight – and comes with 550 spaces. It can be found at DT4 7SX. There are winter and summer charges.

For 3 hours, it costs £3.30 in the winter and £6 in the summer; for 4 hours it costs £5.30 in the winter and £7.50 in the summer; and for 10 hours it costs £9 in the winter and £15 in the summer.

Blue Plant Aquarium – Chester

For those traveling by car, enter CH65 9LF into your sat nav and look out for signs for Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. The aquarium is based next door.

Based less than an hour from both Manchester and Liverpool, there is ample parking available and is charged at just £2.75 per vehicle.

They also will give you a free hot drink if you pay for your ticket at the on-site cafe.

Lake District Coast Aquarium

For visitors to the iconic Lake District, the aquarium has become popular for tourists when the weather takes a turn for the worst.

If you are driving to the venue, enter CA15 8AB into your sat nav.

Home to many of the local marine species, there is something for all the family.

There are free parking spaces available for visitors. If this is full, then there are pay and display car parks on the nearby quay.

Sea Life Manchester

Located within the Trafford Palazzo, and next to the Legoland Discovery Centre, the aquarium can be found by entering M17 8AS into your sat nav.

Parking at the nearby Trafford Centre is free – and has over 11,500 parking spaces.

National Sea Life Centre – Birmingham

Another of the Sea Life aquariums in the country, parking at the Birmingham location can be found at the nearby Arena Birmingham Car Parks.

This can be found at B1 2JF.

There are 3 car parks – North, South, and West. The West option can only be used if you have pre-booked.

Parking for up to 8 hours costs £13 and for up to 12 hours, it costs £16.

If you are looking to stray in the area for up to 24 hours, then the cost is £20.

The Deep - Hull

Although it is primarily used as a marine conservation facility, it has grown to have more than 300 species on display.

There is a car park on site, which can be found by travelling to HU9 1TU.

Charges are £3.75 for 5 hours 6am to 6pm and £2 if you park from 6pm 6am.

National Marine Aquarium – Plymouth

All visitors are advised to pre-book entry into the aquarium before setting off on their journey as the venue has timed entry.

The aquarium can be found by traveling to PL4 0LF.

If you are driving to the venue, then you’ll likely be parking at the Sutton Harbour Car Park.

The cost for parking for up to 9 hours is currently £12.

Sea Life Brighton

The final aquarium on this list, is a popular tourist destination for visitors to the seaside town.

Although there is no on-site car park, there are 3 nearby options for drivers; The Lanes, High Street/Chapel Street, and Churchill Square.

For all day parking at these venues, it costs £38.20 at The Lanes; £18.20 at Chapel Street; and £28 for Churchill Square.

Enjoy your visit to the aquarium of your choice! If we have missed any of your favourites, leave them in the comments below and we will add them to this guide.