Popular family attraction is a 'splashing place' and is now up for an award

An attraction that’s delighted families for more than eight decades is in the running for Bolton News’ Best Indoor Family Entertainment 2025. Bolton Aquarium , one of our 10 finalists, is a “registered zoo” and unlike many aquariums – it is free to the public. The aquarium first opened on January 27, 1941.

Its location and layout have remained mostly the same. But its exhibits have changed since then. Back in the 1940s, its focus was on British freshwater fish , which could be replaced easily enough by fish farmers and local dealers.



Now, it is home to 70 varieties of fish from across the globe, including two extinct species – the Paretroplus menarambo or Pinstripe Damba and the Paretroplus damii, both originating in Madagascar. Cllr Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council ’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Bolton Aquarium has been nominated for The Bolton News ' Best Family Indoor Entertainment Centre award. “It’s a testament to the hard work of our team and the wonderful support from the community.

“Families and schools are continuously planning and enjoying trips to the aquarium, which we’re proud to support, as well as note that it’s the only public aquarium in Greater Manchester.” “We’re thrilled that the public have recognised it as a fantastic family-friendly destination, and we’re proud to see it celebrated in this way." The aquarium didn't always just have fish.

At various times in the past, some species of reptiles such as snakes, lizards and terrapins and mammals, such as ground squirrels, were also exhibited. Now, the aquarium’s team engages in fish conservation and breeding of rare species - called 'husbandry'. To keep the nitrates at a suitable level, the team needs to change one third of the water in every tank once a week; around 2,000 out of 6,000 gallons of water.

Fish are fed with a diet of high and low protein food including fruit, vegetable matter, aquatic animal protein, bloodworms, earthworms, and marine organisms. Pick up a copy of today's paper to vote..