National Lobster Hatchery

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Suitable for

Couples and romance

Dog friendly days

Family days

Rainy days

Nature and wildlife

Plan your day

South Quay, Padstow, Cornwall, England, PL28 8BL

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About National Lobster Hatchery

What you'll do

  • Discover newly hatched baby lobsters and see how they grow!
  • Visit the Maternity Ward for our egg-carrying mama lobsters (aka berried hens)
  • Come welcome our new baby seahorses!
  • Meet Saffron, one of our giant adults lobsters. Explore our native habitats and their unique marine species like starfish and more
  • Play with our interactive displays, crafting and seasonal trails
  • Be inspired by behind-the-scenes insights into our conservation, research and education work!

Amenities

Dog friendly

Gift shop

Plan your trip to National Lobster Hatchery

Don't miss this feel good, do good day out with a difference

The best of Cornwall, handpicked by experts

Tried, tested, trusted – by us, for you

We've hit the trails. Explored by boat, bike and train. Visited the gardens and galleries. Every attraction has been hand-checked by experts. Guaranteed.

Curated by local experts who love Cornwall

We know the attractions inside out, so you can too. We've explored every corner. Now you can spend less time searching and more time making the most of it.

Up to date – every season, every day

The best of Cornwall is always changing. New exhibitions. Seasonal events. Changing hours. We keep up, so you don't miss out.

What visitors say

Frequently asked questions

Are you dog friendly?

Yes indeed! We welcome well-behaved dogs on leads in The National Lobster Hatchery Visitor Centre.

Is there parking nearby?

The National Lobster Hatchery is situated on the harbour wall by South Quay Car Park. Padstow can be incredibly busy during the summer months, and parking can be a challenge. Take advantage of the park and ride scheme at the top of the town to avoid the challenge of finding a parking space in peak season!

What is included with my ticket?

Every admission ticket includes an Annual Pass, providing unlimited return visits for 12 months while supporting marine conservation.

Is The National Lobster Hatchery suitable for all ages?

Absolutely! The Visitor Centre is ideal for all ages from families, with interactive exhibits, seasonal activities, children's trails and plenty to inspire young ocean explorers. Fascinating displays and opportunities to meet the experts are on hand for older children and adults keen to dive deeper into the world of lobsters!

What is The National Lobster Hatchery?

The National Lobster Hatchery is an independent charity, small tourist attraction and working conservation project...and it is a great way to spend an hour during your visit to Padstow! Speak to the expert staff to get the most out of your visit. And combine the visit with lunch in the town and a visit to the beautiful fishing village and beaches.