Wallflower Explorer: Tynemouth Aquarium

Welcome to my first post official post in my Wallflower Explorer Series! In this series (which you can read more about here), I will be sharing my some of my favourite places to visit alone. Sprinkled in with some tips to help you feel more confident visiting places alone.

Tynemouth Aquarium is one of my favourite places to visit. I have even treated my self to an annual pass so I can visit as many times as a like. 

So why are Aquariums a great activity to do alone. 

Firstly, there is so much to see! I have been a few times but there is always something new to see. Whether that is a new breed of fish I hadn't noticed before or just seeing one of the animals do something different. For example, the first couple of times I visited the turtles were sunbathing (looking very majestic I must say!) However, the last time I visited they were swimming around which was fascinating to watch. I have to say they weren't very graceful and kept swimming into each other. 

A benefit of going by yourself is you can go at your own pace. Whether that's so you can take lots of photos (as I often do) or just simply watch the fishes swim around for a while.  

Secondly, Tynemouth Aquarium also do shows included in the price of your ticket. For me, the Seal Show is the stand out event.  This is where the keepers train the seals to do exercises focused on keeping them fit and engaging their brains. There is also a splash zone if you are brave enough to get wet! With the shows you don't have to feel nervous about being alone as everyone is too busy watching the adorable seals to notice you (unless you think you are cuter than a seal!). 

Thirdly, it doesn't matter what the weather is. Lets be honest in the UK (especially in the North), lets just say the weather can be often wet and cold! As Tynemouth Aquarium is mostly inside this isn't an issue! In fact is a great place to come inside away from the often bitterly cold coastline and admire the thousands of fishes! When I have days alone it is easy to fall into the trap of staying inside my cosy warm home when its horrible weather outside. As lovely as that can be, it can leave me feeling isolated so its best to get outside. 

So there you go, why not visit Tynemouth Aquarium. I promise you won't regret it. Be sure to stop by the Seal Hospital which rehabilitates sick and injured seals from the wild. They are eventually released back into the wild. Say hello to the current adorable residents Waffle and Porridge!

E x