Considering its status as Britain's national Aquarium, its selection of marine life was not very…read moreencyclopedic. For instance, just one octopus, two crabs, no squids. Also, the cafe food quality/value for money was what you'd expect for a British family venue, so I don't even need to elaborate on that point... The large tanks of fish where sharks live with sting rays, a turtle and large fish was very relaxing and fascinating to view. It's all laid out and organised well. I'll give it 7.5/10

On a wet day in Plymouth, the girlfriend and I headed for the relative indoor comforts of the…read morenational marine aquarium. It was thoroughly miserable and this is where the aquarium loses one star. There was a queue all day and everyone was forced to queue outdoors in the cold and rain It wasn't helped by the slow selling of tickets. When we finally got to the ticket desk, a contributory cause to this lack of speed became obvious - after we had purchased our tickets (£13 for an adult), we were asked whether we would sign a form to qualify for free attendance for a year. After we had done this, it became clear why they needed our signature - we were asked if we minded if the aquarium reclaimed tax on our tickets. I would have said yes if they had asked that at the beginning but doing it this way round made it feel a little like subterfuge. Especially as it slows the queueing process down for cold, wet customers outside Anyway, enough moaning. Our visit did improve considerably after the slightly iffy start. We did struggle a little to find the entrance but basically, just keep going up and up and you'll enter the first room, which covers the plants and wildlife from the local seas around Plymouth. This room is dominated by 2 large rockpools. A shame that it's stricly see, no touch though - there's no petting pool, which you sometimes see in other aquariums. The small tanks were well labelled, enabling us to find the little residents in each tank. Throughout the aquarium, you'll find a lot of information. You can really feel the educational emphasis here In the next section, you'll encounter the first of the aquarium's starring huge tanks. It's mesmerising to just watch the sea creatures swimming and also interacting with each other. The shark and ray tank is cool in that there are overhead ports, through which you can them swim over you. They've also sunk a whole biplane in another tank to create a habitat for warm water fish That's not say that the small tanks are dull. Au contraire. One of the prettiest creatures were the delicate jellyfish. I also loved the clown fish (Nemo!!) fiercely defending their anemone We lucked out near the end of our visit when we arrived just as Octavia, the aquarium's octopus, was being fed. The staff were really informative, explaining that octopi are as intelligent as 3 year old humans and love to play. They've been known to sneak off to other tanks to eat fish before returning to their tank and acting all innocent. Hence the elaborate access to Octavia's tank. She was given a live crab (she's the only animal which gets fresh food in the aquarium) inside a jar with a screw top. They set Octavia tasks to keep her stimulated and it wasn't long before she had the top off. It's definitely worth finding out when they have feeding times A final tank to see the turtle swimming round before the exit through the cafe or gift shop. A good way to pass the time in Plymouth, once you get in!

We booked the family ski pass which costs £66 for 4 people (2 adults/2 children). For this you get…read morean hour on the ski slope learning to climb up and ski down, then 1/2 hour snow tubing where you sit in a great big inner tube and slide down the hill plus 5 toboggan rides each. I would recommend the pass for families with smaller children (ours were 5 and 7) as it shows you a bit of each activity. For older children, it's probably best to go for a proper lesson. They also have a lift and a proper ski slope but you have to be proficient enough before you can ski down. The surface is much better than normal dry ski slopes and the snow tubing is great fun as you can all join up and go down together. The best thing about the day was probably the staff who were really helpful and always willing to please. It was our son's birthday and he was made to feel very special. The toboggan ride is not on artificial snow but you get pulled up in a toboggan cart and can then slide down as fast as you want. You need to be 8 to have a go on your own but on the plus side, they only charge you once if you go with a child together. Great fun for all the family!

kicked out because we were hitting a ball around a bit that they gave us, the manger stood out side…read moreour changing stools because there was there was a plastic bottle that wasnt ares and escorted us out for no apparent reason there was only one nice life guard that was nice but encouraged us to do bad things aslo I don't like the way the fat life guard spoke to us

Enjoy using the gym which is just huge and got everything you can think of. The staff are super…read morehelpful and the Personal trainer make sure you feel happy about the gym

This is a very friendly, pottery painting shop in the Barbican area. Very helpful and full of tips…read morefor getting the most from children's art work. They also have grown-up painting evenings - ladies nights - where you can go along - take a bottle of wine and paint in peace. Very relaxing. Also birthday parties and kids clubs during the holidays. There are quite a few of these places arounf but this is one of the best that I have been to and well worth a visit either with children or without.

From the owner: Paint your own potteryread more

LAst year I had a chance to visit this lovely aquarium which is located near the Hoe in plymouth…read more This is a lovely place to visit with your family, kids as you get to know more about marine life. There are so many different fishes of all varieties like star fish, clown fish and other species of water creatures like octopus, sea turtles, the shark. I was fascinated to see the shark as they were really huge and they would respond to you when you try to point your finger through the glass. This is a very big aquarium and in one of the sections you could see some marine people diving in the water to feed the water creatures. That was really awesome.

I have seen Zig Zag at lot's of public events in and around Plymouth…read more It's always great to watch him doing his Magic and Balloon Modelling.

From the owner: Zig Zag Children's Entertainers specialize it Children's Parties and Events…read more We cover anything from Birthday parties, Weddings and Christenings. To Fun days and Summer fairs. You can have just Balloon Modelling or Balloon modelling and Magic. If it's a party we bring along music for party games Dances and competitions

Quite expensive to joion but, if you have the time to use it, the membership is well worth it. it…read morehas abrs, restaurants, function rooms, excellent gym, sauna and jacuzzi with massage available. it also has accommodation and a first class golf course.

A great place to join if you enjoy exercise although it is quiet expensive. They do discounts for…read moremembers of the forces and family membership works out in line with similar places. The swimming pool can be cold sometimes but is a good size with a great slide and water fountains that they put on periodically. Exercise classes are very good as is the gym with alot of exercise stations so that even when busy you should be able to use your favourite ones. The cafe is very nice with newspapers to read and there is a free play area for members children. Staff are always very friendly and helpful. The golf here is also very good and you can have lessons.