Wembury Marine Centre

Celebrating & promoting the natural beauty of the south Devon coastline

Wembury is a magnet for wildlife! The rocky cliffs are home to nesting seabirds and the rocky shore, slate reefs and massive wave-cut platforms provide one of the United Kingdom’s best spots for marine life.

The best place to learn about marine wildlife

Our ever-popular Centre is the best place to learn about Devon's amazing marine wildlife. Inside you'll find a unique blend of interactive activities and beautiful underwater imagery to tell the story of local marine life. The Centre also explains the part we can all play in keeping Wembury special.

All through the summer the Centre hosts Rockpool Safaris and a full calendar of events (including snorkel adventures) which combine fun with fascinating learning.

The Centre is run by Devon Wildlife Trust, as part of the Wembury Marine Centre partnership. Since opening in 1994, it has inspired thousands of visitors, fascinating them with the richness of Devon’s seas and leaving them with practical messages on how they can help conserve the oceans. It was refurbished in 2006 thanks to a range of funders, including a legacy in memory of William and Helena Heath (nee Hurrell), beloved parents of Dorothy Harris, and again most recently in 2021.

The Centre and its activities are supported by local authority partners, Plymouth University and South West Water.

90 Marine Champions

Child on a rockpool ramble at Wembury beach

Child rockpooling at Wembury

Rockpooling with Wembury Marine Centre volunteers

Preparing to snorkel at Wembury Marine Centre

Wembury Marine Centre 2023

Wembury Marine Centre is now closed for winter and will re-open in Easter 2024!

Opening times are 10am-4.30pm, Wednesday-Sunday (in April) then Tuesday-Sunday from May onwards (closed on Mondays).

*The centre may be closed occasionally on other week days for staff training or to attend external events, so if you are travelling from afar to visit us, please do call in advance to check - 01752 862538.

Poster with photo of dead dolphin, title 'Marine Strandings Network' with hotline numbers for recording dead and alive marine strandings

Do you know what to do if you see a marine stranding?

Autumn and winter storms can see more marine animals being brought up onto our shores. Finding one can be distressing, but it's important that you know what to do when you see one!

Is the animal alive? Please call British Divers Marine Life Rescue immediately on 01825 765546 (office hours) or 07787 433412 (out of hours). Keep your distance, and keep other people and dogs away.

If the animal is dead, please call Devon Marine Strandings Network on 07719 086531 or email strandings@devonwildlifetrust.org. Please include photos, a location and when you found it.

Save the numbers in your phone and spread the word by downloading our leaflet.