Cornwall

The National Lobster Hatchery tickets and tips

🦞The only attraction of its kind in the UK — see lobsters up close at every life stage
🌊Your visit directly funds real marine conservation work
🧠Fascinating, educational fun for curious kids and adults alike
📍Perfectly located on Padstow's iconic harbour for a full day out
💚A feel-good experience that's kind to the ocean and the planet

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Where is it?

How to get to The National Lobster Hatchery

Address

The National Lobster Hatchery,
South Quay, Cornwall

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South West Cornwall

When is it open?

The National Lobster Hatchery opening times

Monday – Sunday 10:00 – 17:00

Please note - all opening times are subject to seasonal changes.

What about facilities?

The National Lobster Hatchery facilities

Toilets
Gift Shop
Baby Changing Facilities
Pushchair Friendly
Water Fountain/Drinking Water

Here’s the questions people are asking about The National Lobster Hatchery

The National Lobster Hatchery is a marine conservation, research and education charity based in Padstow, Cornwall. It focuses specifically on the European lobster, hatching and rearing juvenile lobsters before releasing them back into the wild to support sustainable populations.

Yes! The hatchery is engaging for children of all ages. Seeing live lobsters at various stages of their life cycle — including tiny larvae — tends to fascinate young visitors, and the team are great at explaining things in an accessible way.

Most visitors spend around 30 to 60 minutes at the hatchery. It's a smaller attraction, so it's perfect for combining with other things to do in and around Padstow.

The hatchery is located on the quayside and the space inside is relatively compact. It's advisable to contact them directly ahead of your visit if you have specific accessibility requirements.

It's situated on South Quay in Padstow, Cornwall (PL28 8BL), right on the picturesque harbour — very easy to find and conveniently located near the town centre.

Absolutely. The National Lobster Hatchery is a registered charity, and the money raised through admissions directly funds their conservation, research and education programmes, including the release of thousands of juvenile lobsters into Cornish waters each year.

Still got questions?

Contact The National Lobster Hatchery directly using the info below.

If you have a question for the Days Out team, please visit our help and contact section.

The National Lobster Hatchery tickets and tips

How to get to The National Lobster Hatchery

Address

More in this area

The National Lobster Hatchery opening times

The National Lobster Hatchery facilities

Says

Check opening times before you go

Says

Combine with a harbour walk

The National Lobster Hatchery tips and tricks

People say...

Says...

Check opening times before you go

Says...

Combine with a harbour walk

Says...

Great for a shorter visit

Says...

Ask the team questions

Here’s the questions people are asking about The National Lobster Hatchery

Q. What is the National Lobster Hatchery?

Q. Is it suitable for young children?

Q. How long does a visit typically take?

Q. Is the hatchery accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs?

Q. Where is the National Lobster Hatchery located?

Q. Does my entry fee support conservation?

Still got questions?

What's there to do at The National Lobster Hatchery?

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