The Oceanarium stands on the seafront at the foot of Bournemouth Pier, an indoor aquarium that takes you through the oceans of the world without leaving the Dorset coast. It is small enough to cover in an afternoon but varied enough to keep inquisitive children and adults engaged, which makes it one of the most reliable attractions in the town centre and the natural choice when the day turns grey or windy.
What to see & do
Visitors follow a route through a series of themed habitats, starting near home in the cold waters of Poole Bay and then heading much further afield. Next comes the humid green of the Amazon, followed by the frozen Antarctic and the warm, vividly coloured Great Barrier Reef, with each zone reproducing the light and feel of its corner of the world. In the popular walk-through tunnel you stand under the water while the residents pass overhead, and a busy programme of daily talks and feeding sessions animates each habitat, giving you the chance to quiz the team and find out how the animals are looked after. As the whole thing runs along one indoor loop, you can go at whatever pace suits and stop wherever something grabs you.
Visiting
The building is step-free from end to end, so it is easy going with a pushchair or wheelchair, and there are toilets, baby-changing facilities, a café and a gift shop. One to two hours is enough for most people, though families with small children frequently stay longer. It is open every day with hours that change by season, so check the timetable before setting out, especially if there is a particular talk or feed you want to see. Admission starts from about £13, with lower prices for children and families, and buying online in advance is usually cheaper and avoids the queues on busy summer days. It is one of many attractions around the bay; find more in our guide to things to do in Bournemouth, and confirm current opening times and prices with the Oceanarium itself.
Nearby
Bournemouth Pier and the beach are moments away, so it is simple to add a stroll along the front or a paddle once the weather improves. Behind the aquarium, the Lower Gardens offer a gentle green walk back up towards the town centre, and their flower beds and seasonal displays make a pleasant next stop for families. Between them, the pier approach fills an easy half day on foot.
