Address: Marine Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 1TB, United Kingdom
Phone: +441273647707
Rating: 4.2
based on 163 reviews.
Atmosphere and Location
Pros:
"A great atmosphere and enjoyed by the whole family...which included teenagers!"
"An absolutely iconic building and an amazing visit with so many different areas to explore."
"It's huge and really interactive, and the building is gorgeous."
"It felt a little short, so we went back through a second time once we had looped back to near the entrance - but you can really feel the history of the place."
"Looks very dated from outside and parts of inside but it is one of the oldest in the world / UK."
"It is the oldest aquarium & certainly worth the price, it's like entering a BBC Life documentary."
"Situated on the main Esplanade opposite the pier, SEA LIFE offers a fascinating insight into marine life."
"The building is very beautiful in it's architecture and there's a nice variety of aquatic animals."
Cons:
"Still under renovation, but plenty to see."
"I did feel that quite a lot of the enclosures appeared to be closed or under development."
"Saw a cockroach like creature near the café, so would avoid that."
"It will definitely be five stars when completed."
"The majority of the aquariums were foggy and sweaty so could not see the fishes very well but it is worth a one time visit."
"Sadly smaller than expected. Didn’t take long to walk around."
"The glass bottom boat, a £4 extra charge per person to sit in a 'boat' for 10 minutes which is pulled along a rope from one side of the tank to the other."
"This has to be one of the most outstanding exhibition I have been to and one I can't wait to return to again and again."
Educational Value and Staff Engagement
Pros:
"An amazing visit with so many different areas to explore and substantial information, which kept the younger members of our family totally interested."
"Educational and environmental messages are good."
"The exhibits that we explored were well put together and had a good balance of information about the animals."
"The staff were great, so helpful, and more than happy to talk about all the marine life, we learned a lot from them."
"SEA LIFE also offers a lot of interactive knowledge hubs and immersive areas that lend itself to an educational experience."
"Had a charming member of staff near the VR approached me and explained the names and back story of the animals."
"Dedicated knowledgeable staff who were so passionate and insightful, made it all so interesting."
"Fantastic fish! The staff here really know a lot about turtles and sharks."
Cons:
"Difficult with a push chair. People wouldn't move out of the way despite being asked politely."
"Some of the tanks in the main hall were empty, but the biggest let down was the glass bottom boat."
"Other than the lady on the front desk the staff were disinterested."
"They did not ask him if he wants a badge but it was offered to other children before him."
"There is a whole section devoted to sustainability and where you can get sustainable fish etc...however a gift shop full of plastic toys undermines their efforts entirely."
"Very busy as it was thexstart if school holidays and mobbed by visiting students but a great place to take the family, main downside admission is expensive for adults @ £22.50."
"The whole experience was spoiled by the fact that it is impossible to find an entrance to SEA LIFE. Only misleading signs."
"So this is a rewrite: had been in the past and now I returned under different circumstances."
Exhibits and Marine Life
Pros:
"Amazing selection of exhibits to see. Definitely a great day out."
"The tunnel is amazing, swimming in with the turtle and sharks."
"From small tiny fish to giant sea turtles, there is large selection of different animals to see."
"Bonus for sharks and massive turtles, as well as a rock pool experience."
"The turtles and sharks were really cool to watch, and we enjoyed being in the day and night tunnel."
"Slowly meander through the rows of tanks of many beautiful species of fish, shark, turtles, and more."
"The tunnel was good, plenty of different fish and turtles."
"The highlight was the mesmerizing tunnel that allows you to walk through a tank teeming with sharks and rays."
Cons:
"Not lots to see or do for a 4 year old. He was rushing to get to the next tank."
"I did feel that quite a lot of the enclosures appeared to be closed or under development."
"No penguins but other than that good fun."
"A few sections were closed. Struggle to spend more than an hour."
"Very expensive. I went with my 7 years old during half term. It was £40 entry for 2 of us. Which would be acceptable except for the fact that a number of tanks are empty."
"This is a beautiful aquarium and although parts are being renovated it is still worth a visit."
"The kids love it here! We always have a great time. However, the building is listed as there isn't much they can do with regards to the tanks, as they are all Victorian."
"Nice little aquarium with beautiful creatures but £20 for a souvenir picture is obviously outrageous."
Accessibility and Facilities
Pros:
"Arrived in time for turtle feeding. Made it much more worthwhile."
"Booking in advance was a good idea. Not too crowded on a Friday afternoon."
"High recommend going when it opens and to get up close."
"Really joyed our experience here overall! It felt a little short, so we went back through a second time."
"If you go, make sure you use those vouchers. Too expensive otherwise."
"It's situated underground to the Brighton beach and also has a small glass boat for spotting sea creatures."
"The cafe prices are actually very reasonable and the cafe itself is clean and well placed, surrounded by large tanks full of fish."
"We arrived 20 late for our time slot, not a problem. Tickets checked and the gentleman was friendly and welcomed us."
Cons:
"Difficult with a push chair. People wouldn't move out of the way despite being asked politely. Ended up carrying grandaughter for her own safety."
"Parking for 4 hours cost me £20 in one of the local car parks."
"Sadly the sea life center had areas that were in construction and you couldn't visit."
"Parking is pricey as you would expect for Brighton depends on how far away you want to park then travel."
"Parking, sea life doesn’t have a parking space , I drive around about an hour to find the parking."
"It's not the biggest; if you walk straight through it would probably only take half an hour."
"Had to book a time but was perfect, lots of room for everyone, refreshments offered inside."
"There is also a see through bottom boat ride on offer, we had it, a bit disappointing to be honest."