Oceanarium

If bad weather strikes then this newly opened aquatic wonderworld might be just the ticket. It's located in the nineteenth century Natural History Museum, and there are a plethora of attractions to capture the imagination of young monsters. The Oceanarium has been done up like a sort of Captain Nemo's grotto, replete with a giant octopus (not real in this case!) that spirals down from the ceiling. Neptune's Kingdom is represented in a multitude of forms, with everything from small reef sharks to iridescent star-fish. It's difficult not to feel sorry for some of the animals, but this is a professional enterprise and a lot better than the travelling circus type set-ups that used to come to town.

I was pleasantly surprised! I wasn't expecting too much, but it's absolutely worth a visit. My boys were both amazed - 3-year-old loved the huge snakes and 1-year-old the monkies. So thanks!

What a surprise! We expected some freaky poorly kept fishy experience BUT came out having had a great time. The fishes all look well kept & the tanks are all clean. They have many more tanks than I expected & the fishes kept our young one entertained for a whole morning. Staff seemed helpful & the building is really nice- with nice toilets!! None of the upstairs was open (end of November), & I don't know if they were setting up another exhibit?
If you go expecting to be underwhelmed then you may be surprised. We were.