Lakes Aquarium, Windermere: REVIEW

Lakes Aquarium is one of those attractions families often discover on a rainy day in the Lake District and end up enjoying far more than expected.

Located at Lakeside on the southern shore of Windermere, the aquarium is home to hundreds of creatures from both the Lake District and around the world: from playful otters and tiny harvest mice to piranhas, poison dart frogs and rays.

While the aquarium is smaller than some of the larger aquariums found elsewhere in the UK, its local focus helps it stand out. The journey beneath a recreated Lake Windermere is particularly memorable and offers something visitors are unlikely to find elsewhere.

Where is Lakes Aquarium?

Lakes Aquarium is located at Lakeside, on the western shore of Windermere, close to Newby Bridge. It’s a 20 minute drive from Bowness-on-Windermere.

Address: Lakeside, Newby Bridge, Ulverston LA12 8AS
Click here for Google Maps location

One of the biggest advantages of its location is that it sits alongside both the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and the Windermere Lake Cruises pier. This makes it easy to combine an aquarium visit with a boat trip or steam train ride.

Parking

Parking is available in the main Lakeside car park, which also serves Windermere Lake Cruises and the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.

At the time of writing, parking costs £5 all day. The parking machine accepts cash, while card payments can be made at the nearby ticket office.

Opening Times

The Lakes Aquarium is open daily from 10:00am to 5:30pm (last admission 4:30pm). It only closes on Christmas Day.

Ticket Prices

Click here to book online. Advance online discounts are available.

What to Expect from Your Visit

The aquarium is divided into themed areas representing different parts of the world. Visitors move through each zone in turn, discovering everything from local Lake District wildlife to tropical rainforest species.

Although the route is straightforward to follow, there is enough variety to keep children engaged throughout.

The English Lake District

The first section introduces visitors to wildlife found closer to home. While the fish are impressive, the harvest mice often steal the show. These tiny creatures dart through the grasses and are surprisingly entertaining to watch.

Asia and the Otters

The Oriental small-clawed otters are among the aquarium’s most popular residents. Visitors should try to time their visit around one of the daily otter talks and feeds, which take place at 11:45am and 2:30pm. These keeper-led sessions are informative and offer the best chance to see the otters at their most active.

The Americas

This section introduces some of the aquarium’s more exotic residents. The piranhas are always popular, while the axolotls are another highlight. Children will also enjoy spotting some of the more unusual fish species found throughout the tanks.

The Rainforest

The rainforest area is home to poison dart frogs, geckos and one of the aquarium’s surprise stars: the leafcutter ants. Watching the ants carry leaves many times their own size through a network of ropes and tunnels is strangely fascinating and often keeps children watching for longer than expected.

Africa

The Africa section includes a range of freshwater species, including the unusual elephantnose fish. Giant tortoises are another favourite here.

Recreated Lake Windermere

One of the most unique parts of the aquarium recreates life above and below Lake Windermere. Visitors first cross a walkway over a huge tank before descending below the waterline to continue their journey through an underwater viewing tunnel. This area showcases species found in the lake itself and is often one of the highlights of the visit.

At the Seaside

The final section recreates nearby Morecambe Bay. Here visitors can spot rays, starfish, mussels, sea anemones and other local marine life. The ray tank is particularly impressive.

The Gift Shop

As with many visitor attractions, the route ends through the gift shop. There is a good selection of souvenirs, toys, books and aquatic-themed gifts, making it worth a browse before leaving.

Facilities

In addition to the aquarium, visitors will find:

• Toilets
• Baby changing facilities
• Lift access
• Gift shop
• Cafés nearby

The seasonal Lake View café overlooks Windermere, while the 1872 café and shop offers sandwiches, cakes, drinks and snacks close to the station and pier.

The Lake District Kids Verdict

The Lakes Aquarium isn’t huge, but it has plenty of charm. It’s easy to explore in a couple of hours, but there’s still plenty to hold children’s attention from start to finish.

From watching otters and rays to spotting leafcutter ants and piranhas, there’s a nice mix of local and exotic wildlife throughout. The recreated Lake Windermere exhibit is also something a little different and one of the highlights of the visit.

For families spending time around Windermere, it’s a great rainy-day option and well worth adding to the itinerary.

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