National Lobster Hatchery

Padstow

Tickets include Free Returns for 12 months

free entry for Under 3s

Book National Lobster Hatchery tickets & meet baby lobsters, explore marine conservation & enjoy a family day out in Cornwall

Looking for things to do in Cornwall? Home to baby lobsters, interactive exhibits and inspiring conservation projects, The National Lobster Hatchery offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Cornwall's most important marine species.

  • Meet tiny baby lobsters in the hatchery nursery
  • Learn how Cornwall's lobster populations are protected and supported
  • Discover interactive exhibits focused on marine life and conservation
  • Explore seasonal exhibitions and educational displays
  • Adopt a lobster and support the hatchery's important work
  • Enjoy a family-friendly indoor attraction ideal for rainy days

As a marine conservation, research and education charity based in Padstow, the National Lobster Hatchery works alongside local fishing communities to help create a sustainable future for European lobsters and Cornwall's coastal waters. Every visit directly supports this important conservation work! 

Get closer than ever to one of the most important marine species in the UK

  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
  • Under 3s: Visit free of charge
  • Duration: Spend as little or as long onsite as you like
  • Location: South Quay, Padstow, Cornwall PL28 8BL
  • Opening Hours: Open daily from 10am to 4pm
  • Tickets Include: Entry to the Hatchery, exhibitions, baby lobster nursery, conservation displays and gift shop access

Baby lobsters, hands-on exhibits and marine conservation all under one roof

The National Lobster Hatchery offers visitors the chance to get closer than ever to one of the UK's most important marine species. Watch baby lobsters developing in the nursery tanks, learn about their incredible lifecycle and discover how young lobsters are carefully raised before being released into the wild. 

  • Annual Tickets: Every admission ticket includes unlimited return visits for 12 months
  • Baby Lobsters: See tiny lobsters up close and learn how they are raised before release
  • Marine Conservation: Discover how your visit helps protect Cornwall's marine environment
  • Seasonal Exhibitions: Enjoy changing displays and special exhibitions throughout the year
  • Interactive Learning: Get hands-on and learn about local marine wildlife
  • Gift Shop: Browse ocean-inspired gifts and adopt a lobster to support conservation

Whether you're visiting Padstow on holiday, searching for a rainy-day activity or looking for an educational family attraction in Cornwall, the National Lobster Hatchery offers a truly memorable experience.

Book National Lobster Hatchery tickets and dive into the wonderful world of marine conservation in Padstow!

Location

National Lobster Hatchery

South Quay,
Padstow,
Cornwall,
PL28 8BL
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How to get there

Address: National Lobster Hatchery, South Quay, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8BL

  • By car: The National Lobster Hatchery is located on Padstow's South Quay, next to the main car and coach park.
  • Sat Nav: Use postcode PL28 8BL.
  • Parking: Paid council parking is available directly outside the Hatchery. Additional parking is available throughout Padstow.
  • By foot: The attraction is situated at the head of the Camel Trail and within easy walking distance of Padstow Harbour.
  • By bus: Regular bus services operate into Padstow town centre, a short walk from the Hatchery.
Facilities
  • Annual entry pass included with admission
  • Indoor visitor attraction
  • Interactive exhibits
  • Educational displays
  • Baby lobster nursery
  • Gift shop
  • Family-friendly attraction
  • Accessible visitor areas
  • Nearby public parking
  • Toilets
More Info
Are dogs allowed at the National Lobster Hatchery?

Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Is National Lobster Hatchery wheelchair accessible?
  • Indoor attraction
  • Wheelchair-accessible visitor areas
  • Suitable for all ages
  • Convenient location beside Padstow's main car park
What age is National Lobster Hatchery suitable for?

The National Lobster Hatchery is suitable for visitors of all ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and children under 3 visit free of charge.

Is there food and drink at National Lobster Hatchery?

The National Lobster Hatchery has a gift shop, and there are numerous cafés, restaurants and food outlets available nearby in Padstow.

What animals can I see at National Lobster Hatchery?

You can see baby European lobsters at various stages of development and learn about the marine creatures that share Cornwall's coastal ecosystem through interactive displays.

How long can I stay at National Lobster Hatchery?

You are welcome to spend as little or as long onsite as you like during opening hours.

Can I revisit National Lobster Hatchery during the year?

Yes. Every ticket purchased for the National Lobster Hatchery acts as an annual pass, allowing unlimited return visits for 12 months.

Is National Lobster Hatchery suitable for rainy days?

Yes. The National Lobster Hatchery is an indoor attraction and is ideal for rainy-day family visits in Cornwall.

What do National Lobster Hatchery tickets include?

Tickets include entry to the Hatchery, exhibitions, baby lobster nursery, conservation displays and access to the gift shop.

What is the National Lobster Hatchery?

The National Lobster Hatchery is a marine conservation, research and education charity based in Padstow, Cornwall. Its mission is to help protect and support populations of the European lobster through pioneering conservation work, scientific research and education. Visitors can learn about the lobster lifecycle, see baby lobsters being raised in the nursery tanks and discover how the hatchery works with Cornwall's fishing communities to promote sustainable fishing and healthy marine ecosystems. Every visit helps support the charity's vital conservation efforts.

Are these the cheapest tickets for National Lobster Hatchery?

Yes, we guarantee price match or better. If you can find them cheaper, we want to match it so please get in touch here.

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