National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth (must see)

The National Marine Aquarium, built on reclaimed land, is located in Sutton Harbour, next to the Barbican and fishmarket, and was opened in May 1998. It is the largest aquarium in the United Kingdom. The mission statement of the National Marine Aquarium is "Driving Marine Conservation through Engagement". It is dedicated to its charitable aims of research, education and conservation.

The Aquarium is divided into 4 main zones: Plymouth Sound, British Coasts, Atlantic Ocean and Blue Planet. A visit to the aquarium takes you on a journey from the local waters of Plymouth across the world to the Great Barrier Reef. The Plymouth Sound displays marine life found around Plymouth. It concentrates on the surprising range of habitats found around the City. Most animals displayed in this zone are found in shallow water. sea stars, rays, lobsters, and an octopus. British Coasts zone houses life-size models of whales and dolphins found around Britain and the large Eddystone tank displays creatures found on the Eddystone reef, 12 miles offshore from Plymouth.