Blue Aquariums Design

London's aquarium scene isn't exactly sparse, but Blue Aquariums Design carves out its own corner in Greater London with a focus on tank design and setup rather than the vast marine collections you'd find at SEA LIFE. It's geared toward serious aquarists and enthusiasts who want to understand the mechanics of keeping fish rather than just gawping at them through glass.

The space functions partly as a showroom, partly as an educational hub. You'll find meticulously designed aquatic systems on display - the kind that make you realise how much thought goes into creating a proper habitat rather than chucking gravel in a tank. It's particularly rewarding if you're already into fishkeeping or considering starting.

Families with young children might find it a bit dry, to be honest. There's no dolphin tank or touch pools here. What you get instead is technical knowledge and visual inspiration, which is brilliant if that's your thing, less so if you want the spectacle.

The real appeal emerges if you're staying at somewhere like Lovat Parks just outside the capital - it makes for a focused, quieter alternative to the major London attractions. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're genuinely interested in the design side. Details on admission and opening hours weren't forthcoming, so ring ahead before making the trip into the city.