At the London Aquarium, two areas gather the main souvenirs: the main shop adjoining the entrance hall and the “Boutique Souvenirs Oceanic” space located just after the shark tunnel. Open every day from 10 am to 6 pm, they offer exclusive marine plush toys – blue whale, hammerhead shark, or seahorse – starting from £8. 🎁
Access map and opening hours of the London Aquarium souvenir shops
The map below summarizes the key information so you don’t miss a single “Aquarium Treasure” during your visit.
| 🛍️ Shop | Exact Location | 2025 Hours | Star Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boutique Souvenirs Oceanic | Main Hall, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, SE1 7PB | 10 am-6 pm 🕓 | “The Cozy Shark” plush toys |
| Le Comptoir Marin de Londres | Level ‑1, exit of the ray tunnel | 10 am-6:30 pm | “Depths Souvenirs” tote bags |
| Blue Whale Boutique | Panoramic mezzanine (view of the Thames) | 11 am-5 pm | Luminous figurines 🐋 |
| Starfish Boutique | Interactive area Kids’ Corner | 10 am-5 pm | Custom badges ⭐ |
| La Cale aux Peluches | Final exit, next to the café | 10 am-7 pm | “Plush & Maritime Memories” combo |
- 📍 All sales points are less than 3 minutes from Westminster metro station (District, Circle & Jubilee lines).
- 💳 Recommended cashless payment: Apple Pay, contactless cards, and Oyster accepted.
- 🚸 The shops are accessible with strollers & wheelchairs.
How to optimize your visit?
Queues get longer after 3 pm; the ideal is therefore:
- 🕘 Arrive before 11 am to enjoy the shelves neatly arranged.
- 📦 Use the free “Pick-Up Later” service: your purchases are set aside and collected at the exit.
- 📲 Scan the QR code on each tag to receive the product sheet and coupons valid at other partner destinations.
Marine plush toys: the 2025 best-of 🐙
Plush toys account for 60% of souvenir sales at the Aquarium. Focus on iconic models and their little manufacturing secrets.
| 🐾 Model | Size | Price | Originality |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cozy Shark | 45 cm | £18 | Magnetized fins 🤩 |
| Blue Whale XXL | 70 cm | £32 | 80% recycled fabric |
| Rainbow Seahorse | 25 cm | £12 | Changes color under UV 🌈 |
| Zen Manta Ray | 35 cm | £15 | Built-in stress-relief beads |
| Cozy Octopus | 30 cm | £14 | Reversible tentacles 😄/😴 |
- ♻️ All stuffing comes from PET bottles collected in Greater London.
- 🌊 £1 per plush is donated to the London Sea Life Trust for the preservation of deep-sea species.
- 🎟️ Annual Pass holders get an immediate 15% discount.
Gift idea: the “Depths Souvenirs” set
A ready-to-gift pack including a mini whale, commemorative medal, and phosphorescent stickers. Available exclusively at La Cale aux Peluches.
For those already collecting local treats described in our posts on Crete or Martinique, this limited London edition nicely completes the display. ✨
Practical tips for smart shopping by the Thames
Following a few tips avoids suitcase headaches and lightens the final bill.
- 🚇 Transport: combine your Aquarium entry with a River Bus to access other spots like Borough Market, ideal after shopping.
- 🛫 Customs: plush toys go through without issues, but water globes are forbidden in the cabin.
- 🎒 Packaging: ask for the complimentary compressible bag; it fits in your carry-on.
| 💡 Tip | Estimated Savings | Where to find it? |
|---|---|---|
| £2 coupon via aquarium app | ≈ 10% | QR code on ticket |
| Combo ticket + plush discount | £5 | Main cash desk |
| Tax Free (non-UK residents) | ≈ 20% | “Le Souvenir Nautique” office |
These tips add to the methods already recommended for Florence or Naples, detailed in our guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time should I plan to tour the shops?
15 to 20 minutes is enough if you know what you’re looking for, but allow 40 minutes to browse each aisle and enjoy the photo booths.
Are items available online?
Yes, a selection of “Aquarium Treasures” ships to 27 countries; giant plush toys shipped outside the UK incur an extra volumetric charge.
Are there souvenirs under £5?
Holographic magnets, “Starfish Boutique” keychains, and recycled notebooks start at £3.
Do the shops accept euros?
No, only international cards or British pounds are accepted; a currency exchange office is 50 m away, under the London Eye canopy.
Is international shipping offered?
The “Ship-My-Plush” option ships the order within 48 hours, live tracking included, thanks to the logistics partner also present at the port of La Rochelle.
