Stockport marine and koi

The moment you walk through those glass doors, you're in a completely different world from the suburban streets around Macclesfield. Stockport Marine and Koi is exactly what it says on the tin - rows of aquarium tanks filled with fish from everywhere, plus a serious section devoted to koi carp. It's not London Zoo, but it doesn't pretend to be.

The marine tanks are the real draw. You get proper tropical setups with the fish that actually make aquarium-keeping worth the bother - clownfish, angelfish, the whole lot. The koi section is something else though; if you've got any interest in those massive, ornamental carp, you'll lose an hour easily just staring at the patterns on some of these fish. They're selling them too, which matters if you're the type who comes away from places like this wanting to start a hobby.

Really, this works best for families with young kids - the tanks hold attention better than you'd think, and there's no queuing nonsense. Aquarium enthusiasts will appreciate the breadth of stock. Casual visitors might spend forty minutes here and move on, which is fine. If you're staying at Eastwood End Caravan Park nearby, it's a decent rainy-day option when the weather turns, which it will.

Check opening hours before you go - these places can be unpredictable with their times. Admission isn't wild, and you're supporting a local operation rather than some corporate chain.