Oceanarium, Bournemouth

Nestled on the picturesque Bournemouth seafront, adjacent to the beach, enter a world of aquatic wonder, and take an inspiring deep dive into our oceans and rivers. Students can get up close to 200 different species of saltwater and freshwater animals, whilst learning fascinating facts about conservation, biodiversity and sustainability. Learn more on how to protect and conserve endangered and vulnerable creatures. Every child who can be reached is a potential future conservationist, and every Oceanarium visitor can make a difference to the health and sustainability of wildlife and wild places.

With three award-winning packages to choose from, your class can opt for engaging guided tours and interactive sessions with the Oceanarium’s team of skilled education hosts. With a wide range of topics to choose from, interactive sessions can be catered to all Key Stages and abilities. The free KS1 and KS2 resource packs offer additional activities during your Oceanarium visit, and back in the classroom.

What We Offer Visiting Schools

The Oceanarium offers three enticing packages to choose from including a self-guided tour option, an interactive session led by Oceanarium’s expert team or choose the guided tour and interactive session to get the best of both worlds, all of which can be catered to different key stages. Please see the following packages:

Silver (Explore the Oceanarium at your own pace, with a self-guided visit)

Gold (Discover 200 species self-guided, and get engaged with a 30-minute interactive session and includes use of our lunch area)

Platinum (Follow your guide around the Oceanarium in an hour’s guided tour, and learn more in an engaging 30-minute interactive session and includes use of our lunch area)

Free KS1 and KS2 resource packs are included in primary school reservations. These include additional activities for the children to do during your visit, as well as classroom activities you can do before and after your trip.

Free SEND Social Story resource pack, can be supplied upon request.

The Marine Conservation Society have donated beach cleaning equipment to the Oceanarium, so you can add free beach cleans onto your booking. The free beach clean teacher pack can be sent upon booking and will assist you. (Max 30 individuals, per beach clean and managed by your school).

Free teacher places are available at the equivalent child to teacher ratio, depending on age group. (Check your ratio upon booking)

For an additional £2.60 per child, you can add Whippy ice creams onto your booking.

Why Choose Us for an Educational Visit

The Oceanarium offers an award-winning educational visit, relevant to various class topics. From Science and Nature, Environmental and Social Studies, to Cross-Curricular opportunities, Science, Geography and Eco-studies will come to life, right before your students’ eyes through active learning.

Our skilled education hosts have higher qualifications and experience within the subjects that you are studying, adding additional depth to your topic, further inspiring young minds.

Subjects and Topics Covered

Interactive sessions are available with both the Gold and Platinum package options and there are seven different topics to choose from.

Sensing the World – EYFS
Discover the incredible sights, sounds, colours and textures of the animal kingdom!

Ocean Sustainability – KS1, KS2 & KS3
Explore ways to be more sustainable and learn how to reduce your carbon footprint for a positive impact on our oceans. Dive into marine biodiversity, our impacts on it and ways to conserve it.

Habitat Helpers! – KS1 and KS2
Take a journey into some of the wonderfully varied habitats from around the world, from our incredible oceans to arid deserts, and identify animals which are adapted to live there!

Curious Classification – KS1 and KS2
Explore the differences between mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish, discovering the unique characteristics which allow us to group different animals.

Amazing Adaptations! – KS2
Discover some of the incredible habitats from around the world whilst identifying how animals are adapted for survival in different conditions. We will discuss these amazing adaptations, which over time may lead to evolution.

Food for Thought… – KS1 & KS2
Explore the different diets of carnivores, herbivores and omnivores and some of the amazing adaptations of how animals find their food in the wild.

Considering Conservation – KS3, KS4, Further Education, Higher Education
Investigate the importance of the existence of different species and the essential roles of zoos and aquariums in conserving our natural world.

NEW; Amphibian and Reptiles (In collaboration with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust)  – KS2, KS3, & Higher education  

Identify our UK native and non-native species, learn more about the impact of non-native species on our wildlife and ways to support conservation and biodiversity

Bespoke Further & Higher Education Sessions
Also available remotely (please enquire).

Accreditation and Awards

Bronze – Active Learning Experience – Dorset Tourism Awards 2025

Silver Education Award – DMB Tourism Awards 2024

Bronze Responsible, Ethical and Sustainable Award – DMB Tourism Awards 2024

Bronze Attraction of the year Award – DMB Tourism Awards 2020

Best Educational Day Out – Days out with the kids – 2019

Group Sizes Catered For

The Oceanarium welcomes school groups of all ages, abilities and sizes, all year round.

Itineraries, Resources, and Workshops

KS1 and KS2 free resource packs are available.

Seven different session topics to choose from, at different Key Stages

Beach Clean resource pack available

SEND social story resource pack available

Risk Assessment

Schools are required to carry out their own risk assessment prior to visiting. Two teachers are allowed to do a free pre-visit upon request. Upon booking you will receive a risk assessment guide to assist you.

Education Department Information

Phone number – 01202 311993 option 2
Email – info@ocenarium.co.uk

Pricing Information

Off Peak – (January-April & August-December)
Peak – (May-July)

Silver (self-guided) – Off peak – £6.49 per child
Silver (self-guided) – Peak – £7.49 per child

Gold (self-guided, session & lunch area) – Off Peak – £7.49 per child
Gold (self-guided, session & lunch area) – Peak – £8.49 per child

Platinum (Guided tour, session & lunch area – Off Peak – £8.49 per child
Platinum (Guided tour, session & lunch area – Peak – £9.49 per child

Facilities

If choosing our Gold or Platinum options, an interactive session is included and takes place in a reserved space in Bay View Terrace, overlooking Bournemouth Beach. Tables can also be reserved for lunch in this area with the above package options.

Accessibility and Disabled Facilities
Accessible toilet and lift are available.
School sessions and tours can be tailored to your requirements upon request.
Free 1:1s are available, when proof is shown on arrival

Opening Hours

Open from 10am every day (except Christmas Day)
Closing times vary, please check Oceanarium website.

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