Aquarium relishes new popularity of activities

UPTAKE of behind-the-scenes activities at Plymouth's National Marine Aquarium has risen sharply since a documentary into the attraction was broadcast last year, according to one of its managers.

- ANDY PHILLIPS

A range of experiences are available at the venue, which has broadened out its offering in recent years to include everything from turtle feeding and snorkelling sleepovers and yoga classes. However, places for many of their most popular activities have already been filled up for the Easter holidays, while the 'Feed the Turtle Experience' is already fully booked until October.

Freyja Thomson-Alberts, Ocean Engagement Manager at the NMA, said take-up of activities has accelerated since the Secrets of the Aquarium documentary was broadcast on BBC2 last year.

The six-part series offered an insight into the work of the aquarium, and has heightened interest in the venue, she added.

Freyja said: "What's great is that since the TV show came out we're getting a lot more recognition about the stuff we're able to do, and offer the public, in terms of events which are outside of the regular operation of the aquarium.