Ilfracombe Aquarium

Ilfracombe Aquarium, The Old Lifeboat House, The Pier, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9EQ

Telephone: 01271 864533

Ilfracombe Aquarium

The Aquarium houses a diverse collection of aquatic life in beautifully recreated habitat. The Aquarium provides a fascinating insight into the wonders of the aquatic world found locally around North Devon. Providing home to over 75 species some of which for many visitors have never seen before.

The Aquarium is located in the old Lifeboat House and as a child we used to visit the Lifeboat each time we went to the harbour.

The Aquarium offers a small coffee shop where you can grab a Latte and peruse around the small shop selling all manners of fishy things.

Lundy Island's Puffins

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Lundy is also well known as 'Puffin Island' due to it's Puffin colony. the Puffin's of Lundy island were under threat due to the Rats that were living on the island of which there were some 40,000. The rats which live on the Puffin's egg and baby chicks had seriously affected Puffin numbers and was believed to be the reason as to why the numbers drastically declined. Conservationists set about removing the rats from the island in a 2 year cull which has proven to be good for the Puffin's. it has been said that there have been no sightings of Rats on the island now for over a year so they are confident that the island is now rat free. 

Barnstaple Attractions

Barnstaple Castle was built of wood in the 11th century and the castle's first stone buildings were probably erected in the 12th century. There are not many remains left of the castle other than the tree covered motte remains.

Today Barnstaple is a partly pedestrianised centre, everyday you will find a Pannier Market on. Each day hosting a different set of things to but. my favourite day is Wednesday as its a day collectibles - you can find anything from Silver spoons to Comics.

Interesting places to see are the original Norman Castle wall, the ornate Queen Anne's Walk and the 13th century "Long Bridge". Close to the bridge you will find the museum of North Devon.

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From Barnstaple, you can discover the excellent 180 mile "Tarka Trail" walk. Alternatively you can take the easy option and take the trip by rail along the scenic Tarka Line.