The National Marine Aquarium at Plymouth offers a chance to see a selection of "everything that lives under the sea". The aquarium has three huge tanks (one is the size of a three-storey building and the largest tank in the UK), over 50 live exhibits, and displays of 4000 animals from 400 species. It's a fascinating day out for the whole family.
The aquarium has six zones with creative and interactive exhibits: they are the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Reef, Coral Seas, Weird Creatures, The Shallows and Explorocean zones. Full of wonderful marine life and incredible facts from the seas of the world, they enable you to find out about fish, sharks, octopi, whales, sea turtles, sea mammals, seahorses, coral and more. The technologically innovative Explorocean zone is always very popular, featuring over 20 exhibits including the Aqua Theatre, Ocean Energy and Seabed Futures. This zone highlights ocean exploration and the all-important subject of sustainability.
The aquarium sets out to be an inspiration for people who wish to learn more about the oceans and seas (which cover 70% of our planet). Visitors can take a journey from the local coasts of Britain to the depths of the ocean, learning about marine life, and gaining a valuable insight into the waters surrounding the UK and the magnificent and amazing creatures that inhabit them.
The Devon Bird of Prey Centre is based at Fermoys Garden Centre near Newton Abbot and houses a wide-ranging collection of birds of prey from around the world. Here you can see falcons, eagles, kites, vultures and hawks at very close proximity, see them flying free or experience them feeding. It is also possible to try out the ancient art of falconry for yourself. Weather permitting, there are flying displays to thrill and enthrall people of all ages.
The centre offers various visitor experiences including the Ultimate Bird of Prey experience, falconry and hawk hunting days, and detailed courses designed for people serious about owning a bid of prey themselves. These give the prospective owner an appreciation and understanding of the work involved with ownership.
Staff are always on hand to answer any questions you may have. A visit to the Devon Bird of Prey Centre is a truly memorable experience, allowing you to get close to birds you normally only read about or see on television.
The Grade 1 conserved Bicton Gardens comprise 60 acres of horticultural magnificence in the Otter Valley and represent almost 300 years of floral history. The fabulous gardens include an Italian Garden dating back to 1735, Mediterranean and Rose Gardens, a Hermitage Garden with an incredible collection of dwarf conifers, elegant water features and a magnificent arboretum with over 25 British champion trees. There is also a most attractive palm house from the 1820's that is acknowledged as being more spectacular than that of Kew Gardens, together with tropical, arid and temperate houses, all featuring magnificent and quite unusual species.
In addition there's a countryside museum full of vintage, steam farm vehicles, extremely well-equipped children's indoor and outdoor play areas, a small railway and even an all-weather football pitch. And there's even a challenging 18-hole mini golf course.
Together, these three places make a feast of inspiration and excitement for nature lovers and children!
The Devon Visitor Guide contains hundreds of pages of information on Devon hotels and other accommodation, as well as restaurants, walks, places to go and things to do. In fact, we have all the information you'll need for a great holiday in Devon. Find us at The Devon Visitor Guide |
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