We’re delighted to present a thrilling opportunity for all you junior enthusiasts out there: a chance to win an exclusive Junior Annual Pass!

To seize this spooktacular opportunity, simply submit your entries by emailing us at bristoladmin@bristolaquarium.co.uk before the bewitching hour strikes on October 31st.

You can get your creative gears turning by downloading Part 1 of the story below and unleashing your inner storyteller using our template.

Best of luck to all the spirited participants!

Learning More about The Octopus

Octopuses, the mesmerizing cephalopods, are a testament to the marvels of evolution. Each species boasts distinct features and behaviors, but all share common traits that make them stand out in the aquatic world.

Here at Bristol Aquarium, we have Octavia! Octavia is a Common Octopus who is a cheeky character! She likes to play tug of war, and she often wins!

Here are some other facts you can sink your teeth into…

1. Shape-Shifting Chameleons: Octopuses are known for their shape-shifting abilities. Their skin can change color and texture almost instantly, enabling them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. This remarkable camouflage skill is a sight to behold.
2. Problem-Solving Prowess: These intelligent creatures are avid problem solvers. Researchers have observed octopuses navigating mazes, using tools, and even exhibiting playful behavior. Their cognitive abilities continue to astound scientists. Take a look at this video to learn more!
3. Remarkable Dexterity: With eight incredibly flexible arms lined with hundreds of sensitive suckers, octopuses display remarkable dexterity. They can manipulate objects and capture prey with astonishing precision.
4. Masters of Adaptation: Octopuses are highly adaptable, inhabiting a variety of marine environments. Some dwell in the depths of the ocean, while others thrive in shallow coastal waters. Their versatility is a testament to their evolutionary success.
5. Short But Spectacular Lives: Despite their impressive abilities, octopuses have relatively short lifespans, typically ranging from one to five years, depending on the species. After reproducing, most octopuses die, leaving behind a legacy of new generations.

If you’re interested in the Biology of the Octopus, this is an interesting video to watch too!

Conservation Efforts

While octopuses are not currently listed as endangered, they face threats from human activities, including overfishing and habitat degradation. At Bristol Aquarium, we are committed to raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation. Our efforts include promoting sustainable fishing practices, advocating for the protection of marine ecosystems, and supporting research to better understand and protect octopuses and their habitats.

As we celebrate World Octopus Day at Bristol Aquarium, we invite you to join us in exploring the captivating world of octopuses. These intelligent, adaptable, and masterful creatures are a testament to the wonders of our oceans. Through our special exhibits and dedication to marine conservation, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for octopuses and the fragile ecosystems they inhabit. Come dive into the depths with us and witness the magic of octopuses like never before.

On Friday 1^st September, immerse yourself in the magic of cinema and the wonders of an aquatic world with a special screening of Jurassic Park. But that’s not all! Step into our enchanting Botanical Houses, where dinosaurs roam among flora from different ecosystems. It’s a prehistoric adventure that’s sure to leave you in awe!

Arrive early from 6:00 PM to explore our marine exhibits and discover the beauty of the ocean and learn about marine conservation. As the sun sets, the cinema awaits! At 7:30 PM watch the film screening of Jurassic Park and relive the thrill of encountering dinosaurs on the big screen.  

Chloe O’dell, our brilliant Events Manager said, ‘We are all so excited to show Jurassic Park on our former IMAX screen, the IMAX sound system we have was made for Hollywood blockbusters such as this, hearing Rexy roar with our immersive surround sound will surely be a thrilling experience!

We also want to say a huge thank you to Dave at 20th Century Flicks for all his support with our cinema events!’

Experience one of the biggest films in motion picture history for the first time in 4K with director Steven Spielberg’s ultimate thrill ride, Jurassic Park. Featuring Academy Award®-winning visual effects and ground-breaking filmmaking that has been hailed as “a triumph of special effects artistry” (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times), this epic film is sheer movie- making magic that was 65 million years in the making.

Avoid disappointment and book your tickets here today!

Straddling the River Avon in southwest England, Bristol has earned a world-spanning reputation for its progressive culture and outstanding maritime heritage. But bars, restaurants, and art galleries aside, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities here, many of which are ideal for those rainy-day visits.

So, where should you head to when the rain clouds gather? Here’s our complete guide on things to do in Bristol for families when it’s raining.

Bristol Aquarium

Where else to start than Bristol Aquarium? Sure, we may be biased, but for our money, this is the best family attraction in Bristol for wet weather days – or any day for that matter!

Fully covered and brimming with colourful marine animals, Bristol Aquarium is sure to delight the little ones, helping them forget all about the drizzly conditions outdoors. And with seven unique exhibits to explore, there’s certainly plenty to keep you all occupied, no matter how long the showers last.

From the Sunken Shipwreck to the Bay of Rays, each zone of Bristol Aquarium is designed to mimic habitats found in our seas and oceans, all while showcasing the incredible animals that live there. Expect to see everything from the smooth-hound shark to the Atlantic wreckfish, before paying a visit to the Learning Lab to get up close to the aquarium’s cute-as-a-button nursery displays.

Tickets to Bristol Aquarium are available to book in advance on our website and it is possible to pay on the door if you’ve experienced a sudden downfall! If rain is forecast during your visit to Bristol and you’re keen to visit the aquarium, we’d strongly advise you to prebook, as lots of people may have the same idea.

Bristol Hippodrome

If you’re looking to stay clear of the bad weather for a good few hours, heading to the theatre for a mid-afternoon matinee is always a great option. And it just so happens that Bristol is home to one of the largest and most successful theatres outside of London – the irreplaceable, irresistible Hippodrome.

Opening its doors in 1912, the Bristol Hippodrome instantly became one of the largest theatres with one of the largest stages in the country. Since then, it’s earned a reputation for its award-winning stage shows and musicals, many of which come straight from London’s West End to the affectionately named “Bristol West End Theatre”.

Recent big-name shows to grace the boards of the Hippodrome include The Lion King, The Mousetrap, Shrek the Musical, and Annie, with tickets still available throughout 2023. There are, of course, plenty of child-friendly matinee showings too – ideal if you need to keep the kids occupied when the weather has taken a turn for the worse.

Check out the official Bristol Hippodrome website for further information and to book your tickets.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

If you’ve done Bristol Aquarium and are keen to keep the engaging, kid-friendly fun coming, the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery should be next on your rainy-day hitlist. Located in the heart of the city, this expansive visitor centre offers a huge array of exciting exhibits, many of which are interactive – enough to keep even the most restless of young daytrippers busy.

Remarkably, Bristol Museum features over 20 unique gallery spaces, each packed to the rafters with incredible objects and exhibits. While younger visitors may not find every gallery as exciting as the last, there is still enough here to occupy families for hours on end.

Young dino enthusiasts are well catered for here, with the ferocious and frankly terrifying “Sea Dragons” exhibit offering a snapshot of what might have been found swimming off Bristol’s shores millions of years ago.

Elsewhere, a dedicated exhibit for under-fives called Curious offers a perfect blend of performance, games, and interaction, while the Egyptology collection is ideal if the kids are currently covering the Pharaohs in school.

The Georgian House Museum

Immersive visitor attractions like Bristol’s The Georgian House Museum are always a huge hit with children, so we’d definitely recommend a visit whether it’s raining or not. This impressive site offers a life-like look at what a Bristolian manor house looked like in the 18th century, with a collection of expertly preserved and recreated rooms to explore.

Downton Abbey fan? The Georgian House Museum may have a familiar feel. Because while it can’t match the grandeur of Highclere Castle – Downtown’s original filming location – it has the same upstairs, downstairs feel. Visitors can tour the house’s grand upper chambers which were once home to Bristol’s well-heeled gentry, before descending to the lower levels where the cooks, cleaners, and chambermaids spent much of their time.

The Georgian House Museum has 11 explorable rooms in total, spread over four floors in their original configuration. Families can enjoy wandering from room to room imagining what life was like all those years ago, with special exhibits that tell the story of some of the house’s former and at times infamous inhabitants. This includes John Pinney, the original owner of The Georgian Museum, who made his fortune as a sugar merchant and slave owner.

M Shed

One of our favourite family attractions in Bristol – aside from our aquarium, of course – has to be M Shed. This charming museum tells the story of Bristol from its earliest origins right up to the present day, with a wonderful collection of interactive exhibits for families to enjoy. And best of all? Much of it is under cover – ideal for those rainy afternoons that can make city breaks tricky for those with young’uns in tow.

M Shed consists of three unique galleries, each shining a light on Bristol’s curious and compelling origins. Your journey begins in the prehistoric period, with a spectacular Thecodontosaurus skeleton to marvel at, before you move through history, learning the story of the city’s proud maritime past.

Of course, the attention spans of younger visitors can wander quickly, so to solve this, M Shed offers up plenty of exhibits that keep the fun and stimulation coming. That includes working cranes, trains, and boats that can all be ridden and explored, moving audio and visual shows, and tons of interactive displays that encourage viewer participation. The result of all this leaves a lasting impression, making M Shed a must-visit destination whatever the weather.

Flying Saucers The Painting Pottery Cafe

Should the rain show no sign of letting up during your family holiday in Bristol, you and the little ones can while away a relaxing and creativity-packed hour or two at Flying Saucers The Painting Pottery Cafe.

This unique visitor centre tells the story of Bristol’s rich pottery-producing past, before encouraging you to get creative with your own wares. Visitors can spend a couple of hours designing and painting their own traditional Bristolian pottery piece, which, once fired by specialists in the cafe’s on-site kiln, is perfectly usable and the ideal souvenir to remember your trip.

No skill, tools or specialist knowledge are required to paint and design your own piece of pottery. The cafe provides everything you’ll need, and the helpful staff are always on hand to help or provide inspiration. There’s no upper or lower age limit on who can get involved in the pottery design, either, so the whole family are welcome to join in and show off their creative side.

Of course, spaces are limited at Flying Saucers, so if it’s something you’re keen to try during your visit to Bristol, it’s worth booking in advance. Pottery painting sessions are available to book in two-hour slots, ideal if the weather’s starting to look a little grim. Visit the official website to learn more.

Whatever the weather, Bristol is a fantastic place to visit for a day, a weekend or even a week, with so much to see and do indoors and out. Keen to add Bristol Aquarium to your travel itinerary? Access up-to-date visitor information about the aquarium and book your tickets.

Changing Perceptions

Fintastic Friday was created out of the recognition that sharks are often demonized, misunderstood, and underappreciated. This annual event celebrates sharks and encourages people to transform public opinion from hatred to love and from fear to appreciation. By educating and engaging people, Fintastic Friday strives to cultivate a deeper understanding of the importance of sharks in our world’s delicate ecosystems.

Sharks face a grave threat to their existence. It is estimated that as many as 100 million sharks are killed yearly. Overfishing, bycatch, finning, and habitat degradation are among the primary culprits behind this alarming trend.

The Importance of Sharks

Contrary to popular belief, sharks play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems. As apex predators, they help regulate the populations of other marine species, ensuring ecological stability. Their presence is critical for maintaining the overall health of coral reefs and the oceanic food chain. Removing sharks from the equation can have far-reaching consequences, disrupting the delicate balance of our oceans.

Advocacy and Conservation

By raising awareness about the challenges faced by sharks, this initiative encourages individuals to take action. From organizing educational events to supporting conservation organizations, there are numerous ways to contribute to the protection of sharks.

Fintastic Friday is an initiative that strives to change public perception and promote the protection of sharks. With the decline in shark populations due to human activities, it is our responsibility to take action, raise awareness, and work toward a future where sharks are valued and protected.

Together, we can help these remarkable creatures survival and our oceans’ health for generations to come.

Remember, every day can be Fintastic Friday when we choose to appreciate and protect sharks!

At Bristol Aquarium, we have 7 different species of sharks. Book your tickets here to come and meet them face to fin!

Learn about some of the features and behaviors that make these creatures so strange, as well as the challenges they face in todays ever threatened marine environment. Filmed in-house around our very own seahorse tanks, with production, editing, and narration all done by one of our Guest Experience Assistants and amateur filmmaker Billy Tonkin.

Enjoy a mythical day of fun this February half-term at Bristol Aquarium! Meet our favourite mermaid and hear about her magical ‘tales’ of the sea. Or, prepare to walk the plank with our playful pirate, Captain Cannonball!

Join us and take part in our Flags Ahoy competition, craft treasures mermaids would be delighted by, and complete our mermaid’s purse trail!

You can Meet the Mermaid from the 11th of February to the 19th between 10 am and 3 pm! Our Pirate will be lurking around from the 20th – the 26^th of February between 10 am and 3 pm.

This is all included in the usual admission price and tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the ticket desk.

Bristol Aquarium does not operate on a ticket booking system so you do not need to choose a date for a visit, simply turn up on a date of your choosing. Tickets are valid for redemption for 6 months from the purchase date.

While Christmas fills many people with joy, it can be a time when the environment is impacted. If we all went out of our way to be more sustainable this Christmas, we can help the planet this holiday season!

Buy Smart, Not Hard

Some gifts will fill a practical need and will have to be bought new. However, there are lots of gifts that you can buy that are thoughtful keepsakes.

You can give more while spending less by giving gifts that are personal and unique. People tend to appreciate anything that shows thoughtfulness. It’s also a nice way to get creative in the run-up to Christmas too!

If your list of people to buy for is feeling like Santa’s ‘Nice’ list, organising a Secret Santa can be helpful! It’s a good way to save time, money, and unnecessary buying! Even though we won’t admit it, there are always a couple of presents we get at Christmas that will be buried in our drawer for years!

Shop Local

Sadly, a lot of gifts in today’s marketplace come from all around the world, and the impact of transportation contributes significantly to greenhouse emissions and global warming. Local craft fairs and artisan shops are a good source for gifts that come without the added costs of transportation. And gifts made locally often have a story that goes with the gift, since the artisan and the origin of the gift are known.

In Bristol, there are many independent shops that can offer thoughtful and sustainable gifts. The Bristol Christmas Markets are a good place to look. The stallholders are independent local traders, and there’s also no better place to get in the Christmas spirit!

Choose gifts made from recycled sources

Many individuals and small businesses have developed great products using recycled materials. Supporting these businesses helps reduce the waste stream while promoting the concept of making the best use of available materials.

Gifts at Bristol Aquarium

Here at Bristol Aquarium, our gift shop has lots of options for you! From fishy stocking fillers to big plushes, our gift shop has it all. Also, you don’t need to buy entry tickets for the aquarium to use the gift shop!

Or if you want to give the gift of Bristol Aquarium, you can now purchase an Annual Membership or a Day Ticket. To find out more, head to our Gift Shop page by clicking here.

The online dating app eharmony has taken a deep dive into the dating lives of Bristolians and has found that people have enjoyed having their first dates mingling with sea life.

On your first date, you can read our signage, listen to our talks, and point out our wonderful creatures.

We are currently running our Bon Voyage summer campaign, so if you’re looking for a break from the sun, dip into our aquarium to see how we have transformed our foyer into a port terminal hub! We’re excited to provide guests with an immersive experience where they can explore the world’s oceans.

You and your date can stamp your passport as you go around our talks and activities. You could even have a little competition between yourselves on who could come up with the best name for our new octopus!

You can also spot some of our residents that have a romantic side! Did you know that clownfish have a love hormone and choose to be exclusive with one partner?

Another romantic creature that you can find in our aquarium are seahorses! Seahorses find a companion that they’ll stay with for life. They’re monogamous creatures, meaning they only mate with one other seahorse for their entire lives.

Seahorses engage in a fascinating display of courtship. The male may spend days swimming tail in tail with a female. This display is believed to help the seahorses synchronize their movements with one another. They may also change colour during their ritual, varying between lighter and darker shades.

Following these rituals, the male begins to display his brood pouch to his partner. In their final display, the two release their hold from the sea grass and float toward the surface while the female deposits her eggs into the male. Then the male becomes pregnant and carries the young through gestation and delivery. Seahorses are the only species where the male gets pregnant, making these interesting creatures even more wonderful!

Throughout the male’s pregnancy, the female returns to the male each day and the two engage in a “morning greeting.” For a couple of minutes, they dance alongside one another to help reaffirm their bond. Once a seahorse has found a mate and made this bond, they usually are then a pair for life.

If you are lucky, on your date you may spot some newly born seahorses at the top of the tank!

Have you been on a date here? If your date has gone swimmingly well, please get in touch and let us know, we would love to hear your story.

Bristol Aquarium is made up of seven themed zones and is home to thousands of aquatic creatures, located on Bristol’s harbourside, right in the heart of the city.

Come and visit us at Bristol Aquarium, Anchor Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5TT.

We are open 10am daily (everyday except Christmas Day).

Call 0117 929 8929, or browse our website for more details.

Underwater Quiz Night at Bristol Aquarium 

Fancy yourself a clever Octopus? Take on Bristol Aquarium’s after dark quiz on the 12th of September 2019. Gather your teammates and put your aquatic knowledge to the test as you’re surrounded by the ocean’s coolest sea creatures. With no kids allowed, prizes up for grabs and onsite cocktails, it’s everything you need for a night to remember with your mates. 
Quizmaster not your thing? There’s no need to worry, tickets also include full access to the aquarium. So spend the evening wandering through the underwater tunnels, and discover the wide range of amazing sea animals. From thornback rays and smoothhound sharks to giant pacu’s and clownfish, you’ll be entertained for hours. 
And there’s even better news… tickets cost the price of the aquarium’s usual child’s ticket. How could you possibly pass that up? Head to this page for more information and to get hold of your tickets!
 

Go bouldering at the local rock climbing centre

Put your muscles to the test with a trip to your local rock climbing centre. Get to grips with the wall as you climb without a harness or ropes. 
Scared of heights? There’s no need to worry. 
Bouldering only involves climbing at lower heights and you’re always above safety mats on the floor. It’s super easy to get started and makes a fun social evening too. 
Most bouldering places are open evenings and weekends, so if you’re looking for a more active friend-date, give it a go. 
 

Explore Redcliffe Caves

Go back in time to the middle ages with a visit to Redcliffe Caves. Stretching out over an acre beneath Bristol is a labyrinth of man made tunnels. The Redcliffe caves were originally dug out to mine sandstone used in the glass and pottery industries, and today they still stand filled full of history. 
Looking for an adventure? Take one of their evening tours for a guaranteed interesting night out. 
And don’t forget, the tunnels are pretty dark with uneven footing, so wear a good pair of shoes, and remember your torch! 
 

Chill out with a film at Bristol’s smallest cinema

Seating an audience of just 11, this tiny cinema will make for an interesting night out. Costing only £50 for a 2-hour slot, you and your pals can pick a movie of your choice and settle in for the evening with popcorn, chocolate, or you can even order-in pizza!  
So where is this cosy little gem? You can find it hidden away in the back of a DVD rental store, the only one left in Bristol in fact. 
 

Board Game Cafe

From Chess and Jenga to Cluedo and Uno, a good game session is totally underrated. So crack out your old board games or grab your mates and head to your nearest games cafe. 
Order in a round of coffee, and get your competitive streak going. Whether you choose to play one-on-one, or amp it up a notch with a team effort, you’ll be in for a night of laughs. 
 

Dance the night away at a fitness rave

Combining a workout with the best bits of a night out, head to a fitness rave for a night you’ll remember. Climb into your lycra, grab a neon headband and glowstick while you’re at it, and prepare yourself for an evening of music, fun and endorphins. 
If you hate the gym, this one’s for you. With such high energy and a groovy atmosphere, you won’t feel like you’re exercising, especially when you spend most of the time laughing at how ridiculous you all look!
 
Try something different with Bristol Aquarium! Head to the calendar on our website to learn more about what’s on.