Lakes Aquarium
A visit to the
award winning visitor attraction, the Lakes Aquarium, formerly known as the Aquarium of the Lakes, makes a great day out for all the family. The aquarium is situated at
Lakeside, on the south west bank of Lake Windermere
Uncover the secret world of the lakes at Britain's unique freshwater aquarium - with all new features allowing you to visit the lakes of the world along with those a little closer to home
On a journey from mountain-top to Morecambe Bay visitors to the attraction are able to see the incredible underwater tunnel with giant carp and diving ducks, meet British sharks and rays from around the coast. Enjoy close encounters with otters as they forage around in their spectacularly designed woodland home complete with waterfalls and pools and watch them dive and swirl underwater.
The Aquarium of the Lakes recreates the journey of a river from mountain top to sea, with stunning displays that bring the visitor face to face with an array of life found in and around the Lake District. See Lakeland’s menacing pike, char and giant carp.
Set off from a Lake District Mountain Top and follow the tranquil water flow to find jumping trout and river bank creatures. Leap over the paddy fields to Asia- homeland of our delightful and mischievous otters. Your journey warms up as you forage your way through our themed areas of Africa, the Americas and our amazing tropical jungle.
The aquarium features mini mammals such as harvest mice, voles and brown rats and their nocturnal activities. Film presentation and plasma screen documentaries along with children's quiz trail. Offering a fully interactive experience, the Aquarium also provides a series of information boards and a programme of daily talks and presentations to help you discover more about the fascinating world of the lakes.
Interact with hippos, crocodiles and sharks in the worlds first virtual dive bell. Ask questions while you watch them feed.
An educational and enjoyable experience for all age groups.
There are also a range of shops and a cafe at the quayside with panoramic views of Lake Windermere and a mouth watering menu.
Coming soon to the Lakes Aquarium Marmoset monkeys, Owls, Kestrels and Caimans
Images courtesy of the Lakes Aquarium
Opening times
Open daily from 9a.m. - 6p.m. (5p.m. winter)Last admission one hour before closing
Closed on Christmas Day
Events at the Lakes Aquarium
The Launch of the Worlds First Interactive Dive Bell 24th March - 13th April
Be a part of the Aquariums re-launch not only will it have a new name and new hot features but it will also have the worlds first Interactive Dive Bell where you can experience what it is like to be face to face with life size hippos, alligators and sharks. You can ask questions whilst immersed in the semi-spherical screens, watch them feed and even strip them down to there skeletons. The Aquarium will be buzzing with creature facts and fun crafts.
Festival of Trees 26th May-1st June
The Aquarium will be celebrating trees. Exhibits around the aquarium will give a detailed insight into lake forests around the world, their uses and also the mythical c onnections with them. Learn about how trees a have always played a part in our lives throughout history. We will also be dealing with tree-related ecological issues. Activities will be held throughout the exhibit to highlight the causes and give innovative ways that we can help the environment.
Tribal Global 28th July-15 Aug
The Aquarium is going global and so are its exhibits. This summer holiday, there will be displays of tribes around the globe, and fun craft activities such as head dress making and tribal quizzes. Learn about Apache Indians, Maasai warriors and Pygmy tribes. Learn some of the life and survival skills that tribes still use today!
National Book Week 6-12th October
In order to encourage children to embrace the magical world of books, the aquarium will be host to a number of local authors who will take part in story telling sessions and interactive displays.
Big Draw 13-19 October
We are taking part in the National Campaign to encourage people, young and old to engage in the art of drawing to express themselves. We will have fishy drawing competitions, arts and crafts.
Wizards on Windermere 27 October-2 November
Get into the spirit of Halloween and Hogwarts with Harry Potter type activities including owl displays, creepy crafts and dressing up. Makes wands, consult the sorting hat, meet a scary dementor and take part in Potty Potter competitions. Prize for best fancy dress. This half term event coincides with Lakeside and Haverthwaite's spooky Ghost Train on the first weekend in November.