While in Padstow recently we decided to head out and do something a little different. I'd had a look at the local attractions and came across the website for the National Lobster Hatchery. Somewhere that would not only shelter us from the wet weather but would be interesting and educational; teaching the Mini Mes about the importance of conserving marine life.
I must admit I was quite excited to see tiny baby lobsters too!
It's incredibly cheap to get in, at only £7.50 per family of 4, and this entitles you to an annual ticket so you can always pop back again for free when in the area. I'll admit however that it's only a very small building so there is a limited amount to see and do inside.
Upon entry there is an interactive question wall where the Mini Mes could lift panels to reveal the correct answer about lobsters and learn something new behind each. The Mr and I learnt a few things too so it was certainly a beneficial visit for us all!
There were a variety of creatures to view including Jaffa a rare colour morph lobster and 30 year old Goliath.
There were a variety of creatures to view including Jaffa a rare colour morph lobster and 30 year old Goliath.
We then moved on to the 'Get Hooked' area where the Mini Mes enjoyed 'fishing' and learning about the life cycle within the sea. There were also colouring sheets and crayons available at this section plus a gift shop to pick up a few souvenirs.
My favourite part of the hatchery was being able to see the development of the lobsters from egg to adult. I was really impressed by just how many newly hatched lobsters were actually there!
After our visit to the hatchery we decided to pop to the beach so the Mini Mes could have a run around on the sand for a while. I had to remain in the car unfortunately due to my back injury but the Mr took them to explore.
They searched for pebbles and skimmed them across the water and looked at the recent damage caused by the weather. Seeing the destruction in person rather than via the news channels made it seem a lot more real!
The day ended with fish and chips... a must for any seaside trip.
They searched for pebbles and skimmed them across the water and looked at the recent damage caused by the weather. Seeing the destruction in person rather than via the news channels made it seem a lot more real!
The day ended with fish and chips... a must for any seaside trip.
Where have you visited recently?
Looks like they had so much fun! I can't wait for proper spring and sun to come ;-)
ReplyDeleteFish 'n' chips at the seaside is the best seaside food! And OMG, how cute is a baby lobster?!!
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Sounds great!! Wish we lived closer to the seaside!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a great day and £7.50 for a family of four is a bargain x
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have ever seen a baby lobster! It's great when you can find new and different things to do and well some fun on the beach and fish and chips too is a huge bonus!
ReplyDeleteLooks like great fun! Can't believe that road, blimey! x
ReplyDeleteThat is great value! And looks like a lot of fun
ReplyDeleteMy kids would love it but I think I would be too scared , I know im a wimp lol .x
ReplyDeleteBrilliant value - especially as you can pop back in again and again x
ReplyDeleteI remember the children's primary school taking them to the hatchery for school visits! As you say it's small but reasonably priced and to finish it off with the beach and fish and chips - lovely. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
ReplyDeletelooks like that had great fun, Wilf refuses to call Lobster's lobsters and insists they are crabs
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a really interesting place to visit - albeit small and brief. Sometimes the small places like that really capture their interest! Was the last photo damage from the recent floods? Looks impressive :S
ReplyDeletePadstow is lovely, very busy though. Never heard of this, but what a cool activity!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab place to visit!!! I think sometimes the small places would suit us better than having to drag Xavier around somewhere big! He would fast lose interest i think!
ReplyDelete£7.50 is a very good price and it looks like a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great place to visit. Love Cornwall
ReplyDeleteMediocre Mum visited the lobster hatchery when we were at coombe mill and was raving about it. Will definitely pay a visit when we go back in October
ReplyDeleteGosh, I'd never heard of a lobster hatchery before! Sounds like a great stop off point for the family during a coastal adventure. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI've been with my family to Padstow so many times, yet I didn't know this existed. Will look out for it next time!
ReplyDeletelook's fun for kid's and adult's
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