Daytripper: Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay

Go by tube to meet the sharks

What is it?

A hi-tech centre which recreates underwater habitats, including the Mediterranean and Caribbean, then stocks them with fish and crustaceans of appropriate kinds. Thanks to its glorious walk-through transparent tunnel, visitors can get an idea of what it is like to swim with sharks. Friendly rays come to the rim of their open tanks to gawp at you. On a more serious level, the aquarium seeks to inspire deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world - but is never anything less than fun.

Where is it?

Towan Promenade, Newquay, Cornwall TR7 1DU (01637 878134; www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk). Newquay is on Cornwall's north coast and the Blue Reef is at the west end of town, near the harbour, overlooking Towan Beach.

Something for the children?

This half term (24-30 May) has been designated "Shark Week". There will be workshops and talks intended to show that not all sharks are man-eaters. There will be activities for children, including measuring 10m basking sharks on the café floor. There's also Claws, the new "Incredible Crustacean Trail", where youngsters will be encouraged to discover every kind of shellfish, from huge, edible crabs to the brightly coloured fire shrimp.

Something for grown-ups?

Blue Reef is not just for looking. Three "aquarists" (qualified marine biologists) can answer your questions in depth.

I'm hungry

Basic children's fare of burgers, sausages, fishy whales and chips can be found in the glass-roofed café, which overlooks the bay, for £1.99. For adults, scampi and chips is available for £5.75 and tuna baps £3.50.

Can we buy a souvenir?

You bet. Blue Reef has a shop and no shortage of merchandise, from an A-Z Fish Puzzle in wood (£14.99), the Blue Reef Aquarium Guidebook (£2.99), to a large cuddly stingray (£23.99) or a Jaws kit (£15.99), which enables you to build and sculpt the jaws of a great white shark.

How do we get there?

By car: A30 then follow signs to sea front. There is no parking at Blue Reef. By train: change at Par, the nearest mainline station, for Newquay. By coach: National Express, from all over Britain (0121 625 1122; www.gobycoach.com).

Will there be queues?

As Blue Reef is under cover it can get pretty busy on rainy days, so avoid them. Queues tend to be smaller early on, but your ticket is valid all day.

Opening times: 10am-5pm, every day.

Admission: adult £5.50, child £3.50, families (2 adults, 3 children) £16.95. The website has a voucher which can be printed and used to get two tickets for the price of one

Disabled access: there is a lift and wheelchairs are available. Call ahead (01637 878134) for disabled parking.