How long should we allow for a visit?

A typical visit takes about an hour, which gives you time to see the various sea creatures on display and take part in the interactive experiences like hand feeding the mullet and holding a starfish.

Is it a good rainy-day activity?

Yes, the aquarium is indoors and works well in any weather. The venue describes itself as "a brilliant place to visit come rain or shine".

Can we hand-feed the fish ourselves?

Yes, hand feeding the mullet is one of the main interactive experiences. You lower your closed hand with food into the water and slowly open it, and the mullet gently feed from your palm.

Yes, dogs are welcome at the aquarium.

Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium

Animal Farms, Zoos & Wildlife Parks · Lyme Regis, Dorset

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🏠 Indoor0–11–33–55–88–1212–16🐐 AnimalsEducational☔ Rainy-day friendly

What’s there

Dogs welcome

Access & inclusion

Step-free access

Venue site names no car park of its own. It says two long-stay car parks (Charmouth Road DT7 3DW, Holmbush DT7 3LD) are within walking distance and a park and ride runs in busy periods and school summer holidays. Cost and café not stated on the venue site; left unset.

Only facilities we’ve confirmed are listed — anything missing here we simply haven’t checked, rather than know to be absent.

A small, family-run aquarium at the end of the Cobb, the historic harbour wall in Lyme Regis. It shows local fish and sea creatures from the Jurassic Coast in a compact indoor space, so a visit suits an hour or so rather than a full day. The highlights for children are the hands-on experiences: feeding the tame grey mullet by hand, holding a starfish, and getting close to lobsters and crabs. The species on display include bass, ballan wrasse, blennies and dogfish. Because it is indoors, it works as a rainy-day stop as well as a pleasant addition to a walk along the harbour and seafront. The venue says the aquarium is all on one level and suitable for wheelchair users.

Questions parents ask

How long should we allow for a visit?: A typical visit takes about an hour, which gives you time to see the various sea creatures on display and take part in the interactive experiences like hand feeding the mullet and holding a starfish.
Is it a good rainy-day activity?: Yes, the aquarium is indoors and works well in any weather. The venue describes itself as "a brilliant place to visit come rain or shine".
Can we hand-feed the fish ourselves?: Yes, hand feeding the mullet is one of the main interactive experiences. You lower your closed hand with food into the water and slowly open it, and the mullet gently feed from your palm.
Are dogs welcome?: Yes, dogs are welcome at the aquarium.