Best zoo aquarium in the UK?

[Fallax]

Across mainland Europe and North America it seems like quite a few zoos have very impressive large aquariums within their grounds but in the UK it doesn't really feel like there is any?

Of course quite a few zoos have aquariums but none of them seem as impressive as what can be seen in Omaha, Columbus, Berlin, Burgers, Blijdorp... just to name a few.

With that being said, what is the best aquarium inside a zoo in the UK?

 

[Alwaysevergreen]

Across mainland Europe and North America it seems like quite a few zoos have very impressive large aquariums within their grounds but in the UK it doesn't really feel like there is any?

Of course quite a few zoos have aquariums but none of them seem as impressive as what can be seen in Omaha, Columbus, Berlin, Burgers, Blijdorp... just to name a few.

With that being said, what is the best aquarium inside a zoo in the UK?

Inside a Zoo is a tough one, as very few UK Zoos have aquariums these days. This is because there are a lot of Sea Life Centres, who concentrate on aquariums and most zoos seem to have a small holding or just a few tanks here and there.
I would say that Chessington World Of Adventures, have a Sea Life Centre at the park, so maybe they have the best in the same location as a zoo.

Chester has a lot of rarer species in their aquarium, although it is not very big, whilst Whipsnade also has a decent aquarium for a zoo. Bristol's was enjoyable before it closed, whilst Colchester has a small holding, but for those looking for specific collections to see marine life, one of the many sea life centres is probably a better visit.

 

[Kalaw]

Were they still open, London would easily be the best for me, with Bristol a respectable second. It’s heartbreaking how within a span of just four years, the country lost both of its best aquariums.

My personal favourite is by far Whipsnade. Plenty of endangered species, linked to extensive conservation work and often very rare (at times almost non-existent) in captivity makes this house a treat for all fish enthusiasts. Similar things could be said about Chester’s aquarium, which is probably the largest in the UK by species count these days, with over 80 species on my visit in 2021, but the tanks there are repetitive, box-like and at times appear to be far too small. Whipsnade’s tanks are far more interesting, with some of the best landscaping that I have ever seen in an aquarium, even including independent attractions. There are floor-to-ceiling displays, but also paludariums, with geckos, chameleons and pythons roaming above the fish, which can be very entertaining. I don’t know of any UK zoo which does paludariums so well. Tanks are assorted geographically, themed to obscure aquatic ecosystems and almost always mixed species displays, which is quite entertaining for the visitor.

Not really a zoo, but the Horniman Museum, which has a natural history museum, children’s zoo and butterfly house, also has a lovely aquarium in its basement, with paludariums, tidal tanks and live corals. Chester’s is nice in terms of species list, but very boring and even poor in terms of exhibitry.

 

[dillotest0]

Not really a zoo, but the Horniman Museum, which has a natural history museum, children’s zoo and butterfly house, also has a lovely aquarium in its basement, with paludariums, tidal tanks and live corals. Chester’s is nice in terms of species list, but very boring and even poor in terms of exhibitry.

I have recollection of the one time I went to Chester Zoo into the Aquarium. It was particularly memorable in that there was a camera crew there with much equipment - and after talking to them I learned that apparently there was a filming of Secret Life of the Zoo going on that day!

Though I will say that for whatever sentimental value it may have to me, I do feel that the Aquarium at Chester is rather outdated compared to the rest of the zoo - especially considering the high-grade developments the zoo has done [and intends to do!] since the turn of the century. It is quite a relic.

 

[Fallax]

I really need to revisit Whipsnade to see the aquarium it sounds quite good.

I don't know if I'd call Chester's aquarium "outdated" moreso that the rest of the zoo has become more "grandiose" over the years while the aquarium remains very simple by comparison. However simple it is, I think it still works quite well. Most of the tanks have interesting and often highly endangered species from all over the world with a bigger focus on freshwater species. I also appreciate that a large amount of the saltwater tanks show native species. I'm not sure I can see Chester ever creating a large scale aquarium due to the fact that the Blue Planet Aquarium is very close by.

 

[Jennings]

Chester's aquarium offering across the whole site is very impressive, although to my mind the Amazonas tank in SoJ has been spoiled somewhat by the pointless introduction of Red-Bellied Piranha, but the aquarium building itself is not a pleasant place to be unless it is empty. It's far too cramped, I would not want to be in there in the event of a fire, I doubt if it is DDA compliant, and it is far too easy for people to tap the glass. I once got into a blazing row in there with a woman who allowed her son/grandson to smack the glass of the Bermuda Killi tank so hard that he nearly went through it. I regret to say that it is high time that it was either replaced or used as an off-show breeding facility like the parrot house.