Blue Planet Aquarium sits beside Cheshire Oaks in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, and is the largest aquarium in North West England. Its main draw is a 71-metre underwater tunnel, where sharks and fish pass overhead, and a shark collection counted among the largest in Europe. Themed zones cover tropical reefs, a freshwater Flooded Forest with fish from South America, and a recreation of Lake Malawi. Families with younger children will find the outdoor play area and hands-on activities useful.
Opened in 1998
Queen Elizabeth II opened the aquarium in 1998. The building is shaped like a crashing wave, and it is the largest aquarium in North West England.
The site lies by Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Village, so many visitors combine the two in one day. The complex is split into regional zones, including tropical rivers, a coral cove, lakes and ponds, and seas and oceans.
Inside the underwater tunnel
The 71-metre tunnel is the centre of the visit. Sharks and rays pass overhead while you walk beneath them, and the tunnel is among the longest of its kind. Many visitors walk through it more than once.
The Coral Cave holds tropical reef fish, rays and puffer fish. The Flooded Forest shows freshwater fish from South America. The Lake Malawi display recreates one of the world's most distinctive freshwater environments. Other tanks hold reptiles, frogs, spiders and otters.
Shows and feeding
The Aquatheatre runs daily shows. Divers feed the fish in the large underwater viewing window, with the sharks in view. Feeding sessions are held through the day, and the shark presentation is one of the most popular parts of the visit.
The aquarium also offers a shark encounter with a diving instructor for guests who want to be in the water with the animals.
Outdoor areas and children's activities
Outside, the Pirate Playground has a shipwreck, slides and monkey bars. A dinosaur walk is also set up outdoors, and there are picnic benches for lunch.
Inside, young visitors can take on the role of Ocean Explorers, with explorer hats and themed challenges. These include guessing what is inside mystery touch boxes and digging for hidden treasure in the sand pits.
Cafe, shop and access
The cafe has seats by the windows, where you can watch the fish pass while you eat. A gift shop is on site.
The entrance, seating, restrooms and parking are wheelchair accessible. A lift serves the upper levels, and the main areas are pram accessible, though some levels have steps.
By car, leave the M53 at junction 10 and follow the brown tourist signs for Blue Planet and Cheshire Oaks. The M56 and M6 both give access. Regular buses run from Chester to Cheshire Oaks.
FAQ
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended. Visitors who arrived at opening found it quiet, and it became busier later in the day.
How long do you need at Blue Planet Aquarium?
Most visits take 1 to 2 hours. Allow more time if you want to see the shows and use the outdoor play area.
Is the aquarium wheelchair and pram friendly?
The entrance, seating, restrooms and parking are wheelchair accessible, and a lift is available. The main areas are pram accessible, but some levels have steps.
How do I get there by car or bus?
Leave the M53 at junction 10 and follow the brown tourist signs for Blue Planet and Cheshire Oaks. Regular buses run from Chester to Cheshire Oaks.
Is there parking?
Parking is listed as paid, so allow for the cost when you plan your budget.
