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Rockpool Creatures
Have you ever wanted to know what a stingray egg feels like? Or perhaps stroke a mermaids purse? Now’s your chance, because at our Rockpool you can do both! Our experts will be on hand through this unique opportunity to learn more about these fascinating micro-habitats and the incredible creatures that thrive in them.
What is a rockpool?
Rockpools are made from water left behind when the tide goes out. Lots of different creatures live in these shallow pools – they all need to be tough to adapt to different temperatures and waves crashing overhead!
Rockpools are found all over the UK coastline, and they made very interesting homes for sea creatures...
Crab
Crabs are crustaceans along with Lobsters and Shrimp. Crabs have eight legs and two claws.
Instead of having a bony skeleton like we do, crustaceans have an external skeleton which protects their body like a suit of armour!
As Crabs grow, they sometimes get too big for their shell! Can you guess what they do next? They wriggle out of a hatch in the back of it, and grow themselves a whole new, bigger shell.
The Crabs in our Rockpool are European Shore Crabs. Their greenish-brown colouring helps them to hide in the sand and look like a stone, so predators don't spot them!
Starfish
Starfish are found in every ocean in the world! There are over 2000 known species, each one is full of surprises!
Did you know that a starfish can drop an arm at will if it needs to? If one is grabbed by a hungry predator they will drop it off and make their escape, eventually growing a new arm to replace it.
Starfish have no brain, heart or blood! What they do have is a specialised stomach. They can eject part of it out of their body to digest food much bigger than their mouth, and then suck it all back in to finish digesting it... Gross!
Sea Anemone
Sea Anemones look like colourful, underwater blooms and they got their name from the anemone flower.
They are in fact animals and are closely related to Jellyfish and Corals. They have no brain, heart or blood, but that doesn't stop them from being great predators!
Stinging tentacles help Anemones to catch tiny plankton which they draw in to their mouth. Don't worry though as all the Sea Anemones you'll find in our Rockpool are safe to touch as their stings are too weak for us to feel.
If you go to the seaside it's always wise to look but don't touch as other species can give you a nasty sting, such as the beautiful, purple Snakelock Anemone.
Did you know?
Most starfish have 5 arms but some species can have up to 24!
Jewel Anemones are a beautiful coldwater species. They reproduce by splitting in half!
Starfish have hundreds of little tube feet which they use to walk, stick to rockfaces and respire!
Anemones have long arms called tentacles that help them catch tiny bits of food and plankton floating in the water.
Mermaids Purses
You might spot a Mermaid's purse whilst visiting our rockpools! They don’t belong to Mermaids though. They are in fact ray eggs! Yes- much like a Chicken, Skate rays will lay these eggs which look a little like seaweed. They have small hooks on the end of them which help them to hang onto weeds in the ocean and camouflage. The little ray will develop in the middle of the egg and when they are ready, pop- out they come! These egg shells they often end up in rockpools or washed up on the beach!
Rockpool Safety
If you’re exploring Rockpools at the beach, remember these important rules:
- Safety first: Make sure you’re with an adult and only explore when the tide is going out. Wear non-slip shoes.
- Be kind to creatures: Put any rocks back carefully and try not to the disturb creatures you find. Never take them home with you!
- Leave nothing behind: Take all your waste back home with you, or use bins provided on the beach side.
- Observe and discover: Make the most of your adventures and learn about nature and its amazing creatures!
Discover more about rockpool safety in the UK with the Seashore code here
Online from
£27.50
Per adult
On the day
£40
Per adult
- Entry at your chosen 15-minute time slot
- Discover species from around the world in 14 themed zones and interact with them at our public feeding, diving displays and touch pools
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Book early & save!
Skip the Door Pricing: Tickets booked online in advance are consistently cheaper than purchasing on the day so that you can enjoy more for less.
Ticket Type Save up to 31% with Advance Booking On the day / Walk-up Adult
From £27.50 £40 Child (2 - 15 years)
From £25 £36 Under 2
Free Free Please note online ticket prices vary depending on available capacity and prices may fluctuate during periods of high demand.
Online from
£31.50
Per adult
On the day
£44
Per adult
- Standard entry at your chosen time slot
- Includes an immersive VR experience: Dive into the ocean's depths with this cutting-edge virtual reality adventure
Online from
£32.50
Per adult
On the day
£45
Per adult
- Enjoy the freedom to arrive at any time on the day of your choice - no rush, just adventure at your own pace!
