Visitor Centre

Experience pioneering marine conservation in action by the beautiful estuary in Padstow, by visiting one of the only conservation projects open to the public worldwide. At our award-winning visitor centre, get up close with rarely seen lobster babies, pregnant lobster mamas, giant lobsters and other weird and wonderful coastal creatures. Catch a glimpse of what’s happening at the forefront of marine conservation, and learn about how we work with the local fishing community at this unique family friendly attraction.

Muddy Stilettos Awards – Winners Best Family Attraction Cornwall 2024

Annual Pass Prices

Every penny goes to funding our conservation work.

Adults: £8.00
Child (3-15): £5.00
Family: £24.00 (x2 adults x2 children)

All admission tickets valid for 12 months, pay once unlimited entry for a year!

Open 7 days a week 10am -4 pm

(Please note we close for Christmas Day and will be closed Monday 6th January – Thursday 6th February 2025 for maintenance work.)

Buy Tickets

Find Us

Finding the National Lobster Hatchery is easy. We are on the South quayside next to Padstow’s main car and coach park and at the head of the Camel Trail.

For sat nav use postcode PL28 8BL

There is a paid car park outside the hatchery. You can pay for this via the Ringo app. Railway Car Park: Location code 2849.

Please note that this is our closest car park, but there are other car parks in Padstow. During peak times all car parks can get extremely busy.

Getting Here

Visiting by car

From the A30 come of at Indian Queens just above Fraddon services. Follow the A39 to Winnard’s perch and turn left at the roundabout sign posted to Padstow. Follow the road all the way to Padstow, in peak times there is a park and ride operating Just past the rugby ground. Alternatively there are car parks located just as you come into the town. Our nearest car park is on South Quay where we are located, take the first right hand turn as you drive into town, following the road past The Harbour Hotel.

On Foot or Cycling

You can cycle to South Quay from Wadebridge and Bodmin via the camel trail, as you near the end of the trail in Padstow you will see the hatchery next door to Padstow Cycle Hire. If you are in the town on foot, follow the pavement round to the right from the harbour past the tourist information office, walk approx. 2 minutes and you will see Rick Steins Deli on your right, we are just a little further on the water’s edge on the left.

On Public Transport

The nearest bus stop is located opposite our visitors centre, for more information on bus time tables visit Atlantic Coaster | First Bus.