Blue Reef Aquarium: A Family Guide
A family guide to Tynemouth Aquarium (formerly Blue Reef) — what to see, opening hours, ticket prices, and tips for getting the most from your visit.
Tynemouth Aquarium — still known to many as Blue Reef Aquarium — sits directly opposite Longsands Beach and is one of the most popular family attractions on the North East coast. With more than 40 living displays showcasing marine life from British rock pools to tropical reefs, it is an ideal rainy-day activity or a complement to a beach visit.
Here is everything you need to know before you go.
Best for: Tynemouth Aquarium is located on Grand Parade, directly opposite Longsands Beach — a two-minute walk from Tynemouth Metro station.
What to See
The aquarium is arranged as a journey through different aquatic environments, from cold local waters to warm tropical seas. Highlights include:
Seal Cove — The outdoor seal enclosure is home to resident rescued seals. Feeding times are a highlight for children and are usually scheduled at set times throughout the day — ask at the desk when you arrive.
Sharks and Rays — The main ocean tank features several species of shark and stingrays, with an underwater viewing tunnel that lets you walk beneath the tank as fish pass overhead.
Tropical Rainforest — A warm, humid zone housing tropical fish, frogs, iguanas, and monkeys. The bright colours and unusual species make this section particularly popular with younger children.
Seahorses — A dedicated seahorse display showcasing these delicate and fascinating creatures in a calm, well-lit tank.
British Marine Life — Tanks replicating local rock pool habitats, including lobsters, crabs, and native fish species found in the waters off Tynemouth.
Otters — Asian short-clawed otters are among the most entertaining residents, with regular activity sessions that draw crowds.
Opening Hours
The aquarium is open daily throughout the year, though hours change seasonally. As a general guide:
- Peak season (school holidays and summer): typically 10am to 5pm or 6pm
- Off-peak: typically 10am to 4pm
It is worth checking the official Tynemouth Aquarium website or calling 0191 258 1031 to confirm hours on the day of your visit, particularly outside of school holidays.
Ticket Prices
Online booking is recommended and usually offers a discount compared to on-the-door prices. As a guide, tickets start from around eight pounds when booked online. Children under three typically enter free.
Family tickets and annual passes are available and represent good value if you live locally — many families visit multiple times throughout the year, particularly to see the seals and otters.
Check the official website for the most current pricing.
Tips for Families
Arrive early. The aquarium is busiest between 11am and 2pm, particularly during school holidays. Arriving at opening time gives you a quieter experience and better views of the tanks.
Catch the feeding times. Seal feeds, shark feeds, and otter activity sessions are scheduled throughout the day. Ask at reception for the day's timetable and plan your route around the highlights.
Allow 90 minutes to two hours. The aquarium is compact enough to see everything in a single visit without exhausting young legs, but give yourself enough time to linger at the popular exhibits.
Combine with the beach. The aquarium is directly opposite Longsands, making it easy to pair an aquarium visit with a beach trip. It also works brilliantly as a wet-weather backup plan — if the rain comes in, cross the road and spend an hour or two inside.
Pushchair access. The aquarium is accessible throughout, though some sections are narrow. There is space to leave pushchairs near the entrance if needed.
Getting There
By Metro: Tynemouth Metro station is a two-minute walk from the aquarium. Services run frequently from Newcastle (approximately 25 minutes).
By car: There is limited parking on Grand Parade directly outside. The nearest car parks are on the seafront and surrounding streets. In summer, parking fills up quickly — arriving early or using the Metro is recommended.
On foot: The aquarium is a short walk from Front Street and the village centre.
Is It Worth It?
Tynemouth Aquarium is not the largest aquarium in the country, but it is well-maintained, genuinely educational, and perfectly sized for families with young children. The combination of seals, sharks, otters, and tropical species gives enough variety to hold attention, and the location opposite Longsands makes it easy to build into a full day out.
For local families, an annual pass pays for itself within two or three visits.
Have a question about visiting? Get in touch.