Blue Reef Aquarium Hastings Review
Blue Reef Aquarium
Hastings
Reviewed by Amanda Hayes
With a very excited toddler safely strapped in his car seat we drove from one side of Sussex to the other until we reached Hastings the home of Blue Reef Aquarium. Blue Reef is located right on the very end of the seafront just a minutes’ walk from the pebbly beach and there is plenty of parking right outside.
We couldn’t have picked a better day for our trip to Hastings as there wasn’t a cloud in the sky so a quick walk on the beach was a must do when we arrived. The fishing boats are a great draw here and make fascinating viewing. Although it was clear and sunny there was a chilly coastal wind so we were glad to enter the warmth of the aquarium.
On entrance to the aquarium there are small plastic steps for small children to take with them so that they can see the fish properly which is a real bonus and having picked up one we made our way to the first tank. The Blue Reef does not cover a massive area but does have a huge variety of different fish, loads that I hadn’t seen before. Even though it was fairly busy but there was still plenty of space to see the tanks unlike some of the larger aquariums we have visited and you never felt like you were rushed to move on. Halfway round there is a jungle room which contains lizards, frogs and snakes, my son found these fascinating especially the gecko’s and we had to visit the jungle rea several times. Further round there are stingray tanks and an underwater tunnel where all kinds of fish including sharks swum above your head, you could take photos throughout so we ended up with some good memories to take home. Throughout the day there are talks and demonstrations with both fish and reptiles every hour including handling of the boa constrictor if you like that sort of thing!
In the centre there is a colouring table where you can stop and draw pictures of the fish you have seen and take to reception, they will then stick it up on the gallery wall for you. We went round the aquarium once and because of the speed of my son running round through excitement went around another couple of times. Due to the circular layout this is easy to do and adds to the enjoyment as different fish and reptiles seem to be near the front so each time seems like an alternative viewing. On our last trip round the highlight was the huge octopus who had woken up and was swimming around his tank. As the sun was still shining we ended the afternoon by walking along to the lifeboat house, viewed the huge lifeboat, took a trip on the mini railway and watched the cog railway go up and down the cliff.
Blue Reef was a good way to while away a couple of hours and my son loved it, at £7.25 I thought it provided good value for money for a one day pass. You could also purchase yearly passes for £21.75 that also allowed you entry into other aquariums such as Portsmouth and Newquay as well as Hastings Castle and Smugglers Cove. The aquarium seems like it’s in process of being updated with smart new information boards in places, when we were there the café was closed but the shop was clean and well stocked. The café holds children’s parties which seem great value at £13.75 per child as not only does is include a meal and aquarium visit, it includes a yearly aquarium pass and two adults entry free, an excellent idea and a bit different from the ordinary party options around.
Blue Reef Aquarium is well worth a visit especially when tied in with a few of the other attractions in the area, many free or low cost, to make a great family day out.
Rating: 4.5/5
Tickets: Standard £8.75 / Junior (3-12 years) £6.70 / Seniors & Students £7.75 / Family (2 standard, 2 Junior) ££28.90 – book online in advance to save money on these prices.
For more information or to book tickets online visit www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk.
Blue Reef Aquarium, Rock-A-Nore Road, Hastings, East Sussex. TN34 3DW | 0844 549 9088
