Hastings Aquarium

Description

Looking for the best things to do with kids in Hastings? Hastings Aquarium is a popular family-friendly marine attraction situated on the seafront in Hastings Old Town, East Sussex. Operating as an immersive underwater adventure hub. 

Prices start from around £13.00 for junior day passes, with all standard tickets providing a full day of access. it lets visitors explore native sea creatures, exotic marine life, and themed freshwater exhibits filled with fascinating animals.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this coastal attraction brings marine discovery, daily animal feeds, and close-up wildlife encounters to life. Children and teenagers can walk through underwater glass tunnels, watch blacktip reef sharks, and experience interactive rockpool sessions.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

What makes Hastings Aquarium unique?

  • Immersive underwater glass tunnel allowing families to walk right through a massive ocean tank surrounded by swimming sharks and rays.
  • Daily live feeding demonstrations and educational talks hosted by knowledgeable marine keepers throughout the day.
  • Diverse global habitats showcasing everything from British coastal rockpools to tropical freshwater rainforest environments.
  • Prime seafront setting located right on Rock-A-Nore Road in the heart of historic Hastings Old Town.

What are the top 5 highlights to see?

  • What can you see in the Ocean Tunnel? This signature underwater glass walkway lets families walk beneath a massive tank filled with swimming sharks, rays, and large marine species. Children love watching large fish glide smoothly right overhead.
  • How does the Rainforest Adventure bring exotic nature to life? This warm, themed freshwater habitat is home to exotic river fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Kids can spot unique freshwater species while exploring lush jungle plant displays.
  • What is special about the Rockpool Zone? This hands-on interactive area lets visitors see coastal creatures up close under guidance from aquarium staff. Children can learn about local marine ecosystems through engaging tactile sessions.
  • What can families discover in the Native Species Exhibits? This dedicated zone highlights fascinating marine animals found right around British coasts. Children enjoy spotting dogfish, crabs, and colourful underwater creatures hiding in rocky crevices.
  • Where can you find the Piranha and Freshwater Display? This specialized freshwater exhibit houses shoals of sharp-toothed piranhas and other river dwellers. Visitors get a thrilling look at these apex freshwater predators in action.

Facilities

  • Toilets & Baby Changing: Clean public restrooms and baby-changing facilities are available on-site.
  • Buggy Policy & Access: The site features level access, though visitors should note there are seven steps up and down required to navigate the underwater tunnel section.
  • Sensory Considerations: Indoor lighting creates an atmospheric underwater environment, though peak holiday times can get busy and noisy.
  • Food Options: The on-site aquarium café offers hot food, light bites, and drinks for resting families.

Pro-Tips for visiting parents

  • Best Time to Arrive: Arrive right at opening time (10:00 AM) to enjoy quieter pathways before afternoon crowds peak.
  • Show Timing Plan: Check the daily keeper talk timetable upon arrival to align your walkthrough with scheduled feeds like the 11:00 AM Ocean Talk.
  • Tunnel Navigation: Keep pushchairs easy to manage when approaching the seven steps located around the main underwater tunnel area.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Hastings Aquarium worth it for toddlers? Yes, toddlers love looking at colourful tropical fish at eye level, exploring the interactive rockpool zones, and spotting creatures in the glass tunnels. The manageable layout ensures little legs don't get overtired during a standard walk-through.
  • How long does a visit take? A typical family visit lasts between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, giving you ample time to view all indoor marine tanks and enjoy the keeper talks. The flexible arrival schedule means you can take your time exploring at your own pace.
  • Where is the best place to park? The most convenient place to park is the council pay-and-display car park situated right next to the aquarium on Rock-A-Nore Road using the postcode TN34 3DW. These spaces provide immediate, hassle-free access to the main entrance.
  • Are there cheap indoor activities in Hastings for families? Yes, Hastings Aquarium provides an affordable, all-weather indoor escape featuring native and exotic sea life, interactive rockpools, and daily feeding talks. It serves as a fantastic family-friendly attraction on the East Sussex coast for rainy or cold weather days.

What to see

Key Exhibits and Named Features

  • Main Ocean Tank: A deep-water viewing habitat housing sharks, rays, and large marine species.
  • Underground Tunnel: A transparent glass walkthrough offering 360-degree views of swimming sea life.
  • Rainforest Adventure: A warm, humid habitat featuring freshwater river fish and exotic reptiles.
  • Rockpool Interactive Zone: A hands-on shallow water pool for discovering local coastal creatures.
  • Native British Coast Zone: Displays showcasing marine life found around UK shores.
  • Piranha Tank: A specialized viewing area featuring active shoals of freshwater piranhas.
  • Aquarium Café: An on-site refreshment stop serving hot meals, snacks, and drinks.
  • Gift Shop: A retail area near the exit offering marine-themed toys, souvenirs, and gifts.
  • Daily Talk Schedule: Regular educational feeds including Ocean Talks and Jungle Encounters.

What Visitors Love

  • Fascinating Underwater Tunnel: Walking underneath sharks and large rays provides a memorable highlight for children of all ages.
  • Educational Daily Feeds: The informative keeper talks and scheduled feeding times keep kids engaged and learning throughout the visit.
  • Great Old Town Location: Being right on the seafront makes it easy to combine with other local family attractions and beach walks.
  • Friendly Staff: Helpful team members receive praise for answering children's questions during animal encounters.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • Steps Near Tunnel: The presence of steps around the underwater tunnel area requires extra care for pushchair users.
  • Parking Availability: Seafront parking can fill up quickly during peak summer weekends, requiring early arrival.
  • Compact Footprint: The venue is moderately sized compared to massive national aquariums, which families should keep in mind for scheduling.

What is near the aquarium for secondary activities?

  • Smugglers Adventure at St Clements Caves: An exciting underground cave attraction located a short distance away.
  • Hastings Fishermen's Museum: A heritage museum situated right next door on the seafront.
  • Hastings Adventure Golf: A popular three-course miniature golf complex located along the seafront.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Standard (13+): £16.50
  • Junior (3–12): £13.00
  • Concession (65+ / Student): £15.50
  • Babies & Toddlers (0–2): Free

Pricing URL: https://hastingsaquarium.co.uk/visitor-info/admission-prices/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Hastings Aquarium Birthday Party

  • Price: £17.00 per child (3+), including lunch and a party bag.
  • Party size: 8–20 children.
  • Start time: 11:30am; guests should arrive 15 minutes early.
  • Includes: Aquarium self-guided trail, Aquarist animal encounters, Jungle Encounter, Archer Fish feeding, lunch, birthday celebration and party bags.
  • Birthday child: Receives a 1-year Discover Hastings Annual Pass.
  • Adults: 1 free adult for every 5 paying children; additional adults pay the standard admission price.
  • Cake: Bring your own cake and candles.
  • Annual Pass holders: Get 10% off the total party price.
  • Booking: Full payment is required at least 7 days in advance.

Visit the website for more information. 

  • Aquarium: 10:00–18:00 (last entry 17:15)
  • Aquarium Café: 10:00–17:15 (last food orders 16:45)
  • Note: Opening times vary seasonally.

Address: Blue Reef Aquarium, Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings, UK

Post Code: TN34 3DW

Council: Hastings

County: East Sussex

  • By Train: Hastings railway station is 0.8 miles away (approximately a 20-minute walk), with excellent rail links across Sussex and London.
  • By Bus: Local regional bus services connect frequently towards Hastings Old Town and the seafront.
  • By Car: Use the satellite navigation postcode TN34 3DW and follow brown tourism road signs featuring shark symbols.
  • Parking: A council-operated pay-and-display car park is located directly next to the aquarium on the seafront.

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