SEA LIFE London Aquarium
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
3.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Dive in to an underwater world here at SEA LIFE London Aquarium, home to over 5,000 creatures. Explore London's flagship aquarium where you could learn something a-RAY-zing, spot a feeding frenzy or two and even meet some of our FIN-tastic friends.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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$37.25
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Top ways to experience SEA LIFE London Aquarium
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Southbank
Big time attractions such as the London Eye and a thriving theatre scene (compliments of the National Theatre and the Young Vic) are but a few of the reasons that Southbank is such a collectively cherished part of town. With plenty of family friendly activities and venues lined up along a pedestrianized river bank between Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge, visitors can always expect a casual and festive atmosphere. On top of all the fun stuff to do at Southbank is the opportunity to simply sit back and admire photo-op views of iconic landmarks like Parliament and St Paul's Cathedral, just on across the Thames.
How to get there
- Waterloo • 5 min walk
- Embankment • 9 min walk
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See what travelers are saying
- Emily7 contributionsIncredible experience and blown away by how much there was to seeExcellent family afternoon spent in the Aquarium so much to see. Think the admission price is reasonable as can spend a whole afternoon there. Staff very friendly and a nice touch with the Halloween themed treatHi! It’s kraken to hear that you enjoyed making some amazing discoveries during your visit. We hope to welcome you back in the future! Best Fishes,Written October 25, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 24, 2023
- Honest777London, United Kingdom58 contributionsTwo for One Ticket DEALGet the buy one, get one free ticket deal and enjoy a visit to London's SEA LIFE Aquarium. All year round there are websites offering the 2-4-1 deal. Search London attractions two for one deals, and you will see the train ticket deal. This deal involves part of your journey being via a train and retaining your ticket. Various companies offer BOGOF (buy one, get one free) deals and it is worth buying a cereal box or whatever to get a code. I've paid £28 - £33 for a couple. We have been several times, the mrs loves it there. We always go through the week to avoid any queues. It is never that packed, we went on a Wednesday this time (with the Kelloggs deal). The only downside is the huge amount of babies/kids/school trips which can be noisy. Maybe booking later in the day would avoid this. A slow relaxed stroll around reading up on the fish etc is always pleasant and informative. I'm sure I'll be asked to book this again next year!Hi , Thank you for taking the time to review us. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit. Yes, during peak periods, such as weekends and school holidays, we do tend to see a higher volume of guests than usual, so the attraction will often be a lot busier on those days. We do advise guests to book for less busy times and during off-peak periods where possible so they can avoid the crowds. As an educational attraction we do often have visiting school groups that come along as part of their curriculum. Most school groups tend to visit in the morning, so to best avoid schools we would generally recommend visiting from 2pm onwards. Best Fishes,Written November 20, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 16, 2023
- Max W2 contributionsShark Tank SnorkellingThis experience was once in a lifetime. Firstly we went around the centre itself and then at our allotted time we went to the meeting point. We were met there by Joshua who was brilliant and so knowledgeable. We were hooked up with wetsuits, shoes, snorkles etc and got ready, we got introduced to all the sharks with descriptions and names of each ones which was great to know before getting in the cage. Joshua was so calming, informative and really helped make this an incredible experience. After giving us the health and safety information he offered to take photographs of us which we ended up with so many and some videos which were so amazing to keep forever and to show people back home. The sharks themselves were absolutely incredible, they came right up to the cage which we were in giving us an incredibly close up experience, they are truly incredible creatures and we would both do this experience again in a heartbeat.We’re so happy to hear you had such an A-Ray-Zing experience snorkelling with sharks and received such wonderful customer service from Joshua during your visit. One of the things we always strive for here at Sea Life is to ensure that every guest leaves with a smile, so we’re thrilled that Joshua was able to do that for you. We do hope to be SEAing you again soon BEST FISHESWritten January 8, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 4, 2024
- Bogotarocks686 contributionsDecent attractionI went here with low expectations after a poor visit to the Brighton one which took about 30 minutes to get around - but this is about ten levels up. Much bigger, much more to see, and a proper 1.5 - 2 hour attraction. Kids loved it!Well Shello There, Tanks for your review! We’re eel-y pleased to hear that you had such a great time during your visit and made the most out of exploring all our wonderful tanks and exhibits. We shore hope to sea you again in the future for even more discoveries. Best Fishes,Written January 8, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 6, 2024
- Rigel_800Stafford, United Kingdom54 contributionsGreat fun and well worth a visit…We took our grandchildren here as part of a Christmas treat and they really loved it! There are lots of different zones and we all loved seeing the sharks, rays, turtle and many other aquatic creatures and plants. The jellyfish There are several interactive exhibitions for the kids and those of us who are young at heart and there are plenty of places where you can just sit and admire the tranquil beauty of ocean and tropical sea life. Thoroughly recommended.Hello, Thanks for taking the time to review us! We’re pleased to hear that you had such a kraken great time during your visit! Many tanks,Written January 8, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 7, 2024
- Parry_2020Cookham Dean, United Kingdom15 contributionsBack Down Memory LaneAnother outing from last year which I have fond memories of. A fantastic day out to London to go somewhere I hadn’t been since I was in my teens. Only downside was just how crowded it was and people were very happy to push you out of the way to get to where you were stood.Hi! It’s kraken to hear that you enjoyed making some amazing discoveries during your visit. During peak periods, such as weekends and school holidays, we do tend to see a higher volume of guests than usual, so the attraction will often be a lot busier on those days. We do advise guests to book for less busy times and during off-peak periods where possible so they can avoid the crowds. We hope to welcome you back in the future! Best Fishes, Sarah Guest Experience SEA LIFE London AquariumWritten January 16, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 15, 2024
- AmyDunstable, United Kingdom19 contributionsA nice addition to our trip to LondonA nice addition to our trip to London. It was bigger than expected, but well laid out. We were there during term time, so there were no crowds or queues and we could enjoy it at our own pace. Thought the penguin enclosure was a bit small/depressing (in comparison to the beautiful outdoor enclosures at Whipsnade zoo).Hello, Thanks for the great review! You’ve made us reel-y happy to hear that you had a great time. I hope that I can reassure you that the environment we have is perfectly suited to the animals we have in our care. Our penguin enclosure was designed with help and advice from specialist vets to greatly exceed the legal criteria, and to keep them protected from the dramatic changes to our British weather that could make the penguins ill. The habitat was approved by Edinburgh Zoo, which is a leading expert in penguin husbandry, and we have regular visits from independent specialist vets who check the penguins are in top health. We hope we can welcome you back again soon. Many tanks,Written January 22, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 20, 2024
- ChrisHinckley, United Kingdom1,041 contributionsGoodAs we were visiting London we decided to book tickets in advance. There was a long line of people when we arrived near our time slot. It took quite a while to get through the security check point (like in an airport) which you have to empty your pockets, walk through a scanner and have any bags checked. The place was bigger than thought it was going to be. There are lots of different sea life throughout on the different floors. The shark tank was good with different viewing areas on different levels. It was quite busy and in some places there were more people than other bits but if you are in no rush then this isn't a problem. The place in places was a bit shabby and worn so this place could do with a renovation. They take a picture of you which they put some different backgrounds on which you can purchase key rings or actual pictures however this is over priced and not overly professional. There was an area where you could touch some hatched shark eggs which thought it would have been more things than that. Overall this is a good place to visit, it can be expensive. There is a small gift shop. Some of the staff were ok others seemed to have poor customer service. Location is good.Hello, Thanks for taking the oppor-TUNA-ty to review us! We would be keen to know how we could have improved your experience. Please feel free to contact us at sllondon@merlinentertainments.biz, referencing this review, so we can discuss your feedback. We hope we can welcome you back again soon. Many tanks,Written January 22, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 21, 2024
- Mary O19 contributionsDay tripI visited the aquarium with my two sons,I thought the tickets were expensive but we really enjoyed the tour, there was so much to see , walking over a tank and under another was a memorable experience, staff were very friendly but scarce throughout , the ones we did encounter added greatly though. Two downsides, 1. At stages of the tour it was most definitely overcrowded ,it was difficult to spend time at some viewing points and very stuffy and 2. No cash accepted , disappointing when you have kids wanting to spend their pocket money , overall a good day outHello, Thanks for taking the time to review us! We’re pleased to hear that you had such a kraken great time during your visit! There are a few different ways for families or groups to visit for less! Purchasing tickets ahead rather than on the day could help save over 30%, also there are several fantastic 2 for 1 offers that you can find through participating companies, such as Kellogg’s, Cadbury, The Sun Family days out, TFL days out for less and National Rail. We also offer student discount on tickets purchased through student beans, and discounted tickets purchased through blue light and defence discount service. Best Fishes,Written April 10, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 4, 2024
- Sharon PKent, United Kingdom11 contributionsDisneyed upIt's okay but like so many museums and other attractions it has been disneyed up for children so that there are so many signs and gimmicks the fish get lost in it. I do wonder if kids actually need all that stuff or whether they'd be just as happy with looking at the animals. It is expensive but there's quite a lot there to look at.Hello, Thank you for your feedback regarding your resent visit. We pride ourselves on being accessible for all ages and have plenty of exhibits that are suitable for young children. SEA LIFE London Aquarium is aimed at families with children aged 4-10 years old. All of our exhibits are child-friendly and offer unparalleled views such as our special viewing tunnels in Penguin Point where children can look through special dome bubbles in the centre of the exhibit itself! There are a few different ways for families or groups to visit for less! Purchasing tickets ahead rather than on the day could help save over 30%, also there are several fantastic 2 for 1 offers that you can find through participating companies, such as Kellogg’s, Cadbury, The Sun Family days out, TFL days out for less and National Rail. We also offer student discount on tickets purchased through student beans, and discounted tickets purchased through blue light and defence discount service. Best Fishes, Sarah Guest Experience SEA LIFE London AquariumWritten May 13, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Traveled soloWritten May 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
7,566 reviews
Excellent
2,108
Very good
2,250
Average
1,753
Poor
802
Terrible
653
Tariq
Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia15 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
The place gives you a nice experience compared to the usual aquarium we know, but it has 2 negative points. First, if you come to get tickets directly and through standard line, believe me, you’ll hate the waiting experience. The alternatives are either to get a fast-track ticket (very expensive) or to book on line few days before. Second negative point, the time you spend compared to the amount you paid is not fair, you could finish it, if there is no crowd, within 15-20 minutes.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ahoy there tariq_alyahya,
Oh Cod! Only 3 star(fish) out of 5! We're sorry to hear that your recent visit didn't live up to your full expectations on this occasion.
With regards to the process of entering the attraction, we would recommend pre-booking tickets in advance to guarantee entry and to beat some of the queues, especially during peak periods. If you do purchase tickets well in advance, this is usually cheaper, depending on when you visit or how in advance you purchase the tickets. We do apologise that you felt the way you did with regards to your time in the attraction. Our explorers are more than whale-come to take their time around the aquarium during normal opening hours. Glad to hear that you felt that the aquarium was nice overall! Did you know that yellow bellied terrapins can live for over 40 years?! WOW-ZAs!
Once again, tanks for taking the time to leave a review, and we hope to whale-come you back in the future!
Best Fishes,
Luke
Cod-duct Excellence Ranger
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Written February 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MrsBradders
East Grinstead, UK276 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
Having previously visited the Sealife centre in Brighton we decided to exchange some of our TESCO clubcard vouchers for an afternoon at London’s Sea life.
Booking was easy, and although you have to book an entry time, there is some flexibility and we pushed our time back 2 hours.
The Sea life aquarium was excellent. Very clean and covid secure. The displays were really good, and the centre didn’t feel over crowded.
We particularly enjoyed seeing two members of staff diving in the shark tank; where they were collecting shark teeth! We chatted to a lovely member of staff who told us about the sharks and about the girl having her first dive on this particular tank.
Jelly fish displays are amazing, really mesmerising!
All in all, a super experience and we wish we’d visited sooner!
Booking was easy, and although you have to book an entry time, there is some flexibility and we pushed our time back 2 hours.
The Sea life aquarium was excellent. Very clean and covid secure. The displays were really good, and the centre didn’t feel over crowded.
We particularly enjoyed seeing two members of staff diving in the shark tank; where they were collecting shark teeth! We chatted to a lovely member of staff who told us about the sharks and about the girl having her first dive on this particular tank.
Jelly fish displays are amazing, really mesmerising!
All in all, a super experience and we wish we’d visited sooner!
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Well Shello There MrsBradders,
WOW-Zas! Tanks for your JAW-some review! We’re pleased to hear that you had a jelly ol’ great time during your visit!
We shore hope to sea you again in the future!
Best Fishes,
Sally
Guest Experience
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Written August 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Global787618
2 contributions
Feb 2020
I fully understand that school holidays mean that such attractions will be busy but this was something else.
We visited on Friday a party of 4 (2 adults and 2 children) making the most of our Merlin passes. After a relaxing 30 minutes on the London Eye, we made our way to the Sea Life Aquarium for our time slot. The queuing system was farcial with people moving the purple barrier to let themselves through and the staff being ignored and having little control. I did feel for them as they were trying their best and maybe placing more staff outside would have helped this situation.
When we finally got inside it was simply horrendous. You could not move as the place so so packed. If you weren't claustrophobic before you certainly would be now. In certain pockets as you moved round you simply could not move you had to go with the crowd, let alone see any of the displays. We just wanted to get out but could not find any staff to ask to guide us to the nearest exit.
To top off an already dreadful experience when walking towards the `Rainforest' section my daughter spotted the snake. I have a phobia for snakes and no where on any literature does it say there are any snakes. If I had known this I would not have entered the Aquarium.
My advice - do not go here during holidays, weekends and any day that ends in a y.
The Dungeons on the other hand are a must.
We visited on Friday a party of 4 (2 adults and 2 children) making the most of our Merlin passes. After a relaxing 30 minutes on the London Eye, we made our way to the Sea Life Aquarium for our time slot. The queuing system was farcial with people moving the purple barrier to let themselves through and the staff being ignored and having little control. I did feel for them as they were trying their best and maybe placing more staff outside would have helped this situation.
When we finally got inside it was simply horrendous. You could not move as the place so so packed. If you weren't claustrophobic before you certainly would be now. In certain pockets as you moved round you simply could not move you had to go with the crowd, let alone see any of the displays. We just wanted to get out but could not find any staff to ask to guide us to the nearest exit.
To top off an already dreadful experience when walking towards the `Rainforest' section my daughter spotted the snake. I have a phobia for snakes and no where on any literature does it say there are any snakes. If I had known this I would not have entered the Aquarium.
My advice - do not go here during holidays, weekends and any day that ends in a y.
The Dungeons on the other hand are a must.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Global787618,
Only cod-ness me! Only 1 star(fish) out of 5! We're sorry to hear that you felt disappointed in your recent experience at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. We do usually have a higher explorer volume at certain times of the year, such as the school holidays. Please rest assure though that we limit the number of explorers who dive into the aquarium at any one time, and we keep an eye on this by time-allocating most of our ticket packages.
We do apologise as well that you felt disappointed in the queue management, and if you weren't aware of there being slithering snakes when trekking through the rainforest! We do try to have as many rangers to assist where need be. We'll pass your feedback though onto the relevant rangers for future consideration, as well as your feedback regarding the snakes.
Should you wish to discuss your feedback, you're more than whale-come to email into us at sllondon@merlinentertainments.biz.
Best Fishes,
Luke
Cod-duct Excellence Ranger
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Written February 24, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gninja12
Hertford, UK41 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
Great place to visit, lots of different tanks and fish to look and learn about. Lots of information at each display.
Timed slots for entry, temperature test on entry, staff in masks and lots of hand sanitiser throughout show that the aquarium is taking social distancing seriously. However, there were several points around popular exhibits which were really busy and people got bunched up. Also, the number of people not wearing masks all the way round or more commonly, not correctly made us feel really uncomfortable. You cant stop (selfish) people visiting but rules should be policed to keep everyone safe in these times.
Timed slots for entry, temperature test on entry, staff in masks and lots of hand sanitiser throughout show that the aquarium is taking social distancing seriously. However, there were several points around popular exhibits which were really busy and people got bunched up. Also, the number of people not wearing masks all the way round or more commonly, not correctly made us feel really uncomfortable. You cant stop (selfish) people visiting but rules should be policed to keep everyone safe in these times.
Written September 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shella there gninja12,
A 4 star(fish) review! Not too fishy, although we know that we can improve. Tanks for taking the time to share some feedback regarding your recent dive into SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
We're pleased to hear that you felt that we're taking the COVID-19 guidance seriously. We definitely want to en-shore that our explorers (guests) have a safe and enjoyable time with us. We're sorry to hear about your concern regarding some aspects of your experience. We do have distance markings on the floors, such as in areas like the Ocean Tunnel and Rainforest Adventure, to en-shore that our explorers keep a safe distance between each other. We also have signage around the aquarium to politely inform our explorers to wear a face covering, as well as SEA LIFE London Aquarium Rangers (staff members) doing walk-arounds to en-shore that our explorers are wearing face coverings. We understand that there's certain explorers with exemptions as well.
We're EEL-ley pleased to hear that you felt that the aquarium was FIN-tastic overall, and that you enjoyed learning LOBSTER cool facts about some a-RAY-zing creatures throughout your journey. Did you know that coral belongs to the same animal family as sea anemones?! Corally cool, right?!
We shore hope to SEA you again in the future!
Best Fishes,
Luke
Guest Experience
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Written September 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sivan C
New York City, NY312 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Was very excited to come to SeaLife after one of my favorite movie scenes was filmed here. We arrived early and waited in line after going to the London Eye. Got inside and felt that the aquarium was dated, unorganized and just not what I anticipated. There were also groups of school children that were visiting so that definitely impacted our visit as every room was overloaded. The staff was friendly. Penguins were a highlight. Other than that this place needs a major touch up to bring it into 2020.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi sivancohen55,
Only 2 star(fish) out of 5! Ouch! We're sorry to hear that you felt disappointed in your recent visit on this occasion.
We're do apologise that your recent visit didn't live up to your full expectations. We've worked EEL-ley hard to ensure that the aquarium is as modern and interactive as possible. For example, we opened Ocean Invaders a couple of years ago, which gives our explorers the chance to learn LOBSTER cool facts about the jellyfish in an interactive and fun way! With regards to the number of explorers, we do have schools who do visit the aquarium, although please rest assure that we do limit the number of these explorers at any one time, and we monitor this through time-allocating most of our ticket packages.
Glad to hear that you felt that our SEA LIFE London Aquarium Rangers were friendly, and you loved sea-ing the penguins! Did you know that we whale-comed our first baby penguin chick in 2014?! Pretty cool, eh!
Tanks again for taking the time to share some feedback, and we hope to whale-come you back to London in the future.
Best Fishes,
Luke
Cod-duct Excellence Ranger
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Written February 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RianR
Cirencester, UK13 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
We went to sea life on the 12th September and had pre-booked on the website. Despite this, we were told multiple times by the member of staff at the door to keep waiting until the queuing area was free - seemed like too many tickets had been sold per time frame. The actual attraction itself was good but I wouldn’t completely say value for money. There was a good range of sea life/creatures in there, however, most of the tanks you would see multiple times (if you could get past the number of people in there and the dirty glass).
Overall, it seems like they have sold too many tickets and weren’t properly enforcing the 2 meter/face masks rules currently in place for people’s safety. We were only told once by staff in the petting area to stand 2m apart, other than that there were no staff anywhere.
Overall, it seems like they have sold too many tickets and weren’t properly enforcing the 2 meter/face masks rules currently in place for people’s safety. We were only told once by staff in the petting area to stand 2m apart, other than that there were no staff anywhere.
Written September 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi RianRush,
Thank you for taking the time to write a review regarding your visit to SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
We're sorry to hear that you felt that your recent visit didn't live up to your full expectations on this occasion. Guests would need to enter the aquarium at their allocated time. Please rest assure though that we do limit the number of guests who visit the aquarium, and this is monitored through time and date allocating our ticket packages. We're sorry to hear as well that you felt that certain rules weren't being enforced as much as you expected. We do have distance markers throughout the attraction to ensure that our guests do keep to the appropriate distance, as well as there being signage in the attraction to remind our guests to adhere to social distancing and wear a face covering. Staff members also do daily walk-arounds to ensure that our guests are following social distancing and wearing a face covering. We do appreciate the time you've taken to share some feedback though regarding this.
Thanks for taking the time to share some feedback regarding the presentation of the displays and the display offering. We do have a variety of amazing creatures to see throughout your underwater journey. At one point, you would have been seeing some great coral in Coral Kingdom (which currently has the largest coral tank in the United Kingdom) before venturing into Rainforest Adventure to #BraveTheBugs. Our dedicated displays team also try to ensure that our displays are as presentable as possible.
If you would like to discuss your feedback, you're more than welcome to email into us at sllondon@merlinentertainments.biz.
Kind regards,
Luke
Guest Experience
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Written September 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jfizzable
Dundee, UK323 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
I was somewhat apprehensive about Sea Life due to its incredibly high cost for tickets; even with my AA Discount, it was a very expensive attraction but, I have to admit it was worth every penny with the whole family loving every minute.
Despite pre-booking our tickets, we still had a good 15-20 minute wait in a queue to get into the attraction which was somewhat unexpected. The vending machine with the kid’s activity sheets was also out of order which was disappointing, more so as staff didn’t have a solution as they were “too busy” with scanning customers into the building. Alas though, this negativity disappeared as we dived down in the elevator to start our Sea Life adventure.
The tanks were filled with a beautiful variety of sea life ranging from starfish, stingrays, turtles and even sharks; all of which being hits to visitors of all ages. There are even penguins which are located nearer the end but, due to their fun personalities, provide endless entertainment for visitors. I particularly loved the larger tanks filled with a vast mixture of sea life in which you can see them swim about as if you were seeing them in the ocean they originate from. The first large tank also includes a walk through tunnel which has numerous holes for smaller visitors to look through too! They really made it so it’s accessible for all ages.
In addition to this, the whole attraction is brimming with information about the creatures in each tank to help teach visitors about the species here. Also, there is information about the conservation work Sea Life does to help species including that of the Beluga Whale and numerous donation points for those wishing to to support them in their work. There is also a rock pool in which you have the opportunity to touch a starfish which was interesting - I learned starfish have eyes at the end of their points which I didn’t know before.
The gift shop at the end is filled with a vast mixture of items for you to purchase including toys, souvenirs which can be personalised and other items. As with most gift shops, they are a little pricier than the average store but there is definitely something there for all budgets.
I would say that Sea Life London Aquarium is a must if you love sea creatures and have the money spare. I would like to add though, if you are doing other Merlin attractions (eg. London Eye, Shrek World, Dungeons, Madame Tussaud’s), then do look into combo tickets to save yourself money!
Despite pre-booking our tickets, we still had a good 15-20 minute wait in a queue to get into the attraction which was somewhat unexpected. The vending machine with the kid’s activity sheets was also out of order which was disappointing, more so as staff didn’t have a solution as they were “too busy” with scanning customers into the building. Alas though, this negativity disappeared as we dived down in the elevator to start our Sea Life adventure.
The tanks were filled with a beautiful variety of sea life ranging from starfish, stingrays, turtles and even sharks; all of which being hits to visitors of all ages. There are even penguins which are located nearer the end but, due to their fun personalities, provide endless entertainment for visitors. I particularly loved the larger tanks filled with a vast mixture of sea life in which you can see them swim about as if you were seeing them in the ocean they originate from. The first large tank also includes a walk through tunnel which has numerous holes for smaller visitors to look through too! They really made it so it’s accessible for all ages.
In addition to this, the whole attraction is brimming with information about the creatures in each tank to help teach visitors about the species here. Also, there is information about the conservation work Sea Life does to help species including that of the Beluga Whale and numerous donation points for those wishing to to support them in their work. There is also a rock pool in which you have the opportunity to touch a starfish which was interesting - I learned starfish have eyes at the end of their points which I didn’t know before.
The gift shop at the end is filled with a vast mixture of items for you to purchase including toys, souvenirs which can be personalised and other items. As with most gift shops, they are a little pricier than the average store but there is definitely something there for all budgets.
I would say that Sea Life London Aquarium is a must if you love sea creatures and have the money spare. I would like to add though, if you are doing other Merlin attractions (eg. London Eye, Shrek World, Dungeons, Madame Tussaud’s), then do look into combo tickets to save yourself money!
Written February 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Well Shello There Jfizzable,
Wow!!! What a great review!!! We’re eel-y pleased to hear that you had such a great time during your visit and made the most out of exploring all our wonderful tanks and exhibits. It sounds as if you got to make some truly magical underwater memories!
We shore hope to sea you again in the future for even more discoveries.
Best Fishes,
Kye
Guest Experience
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Written February 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SiobhanB1984
Brentford, UK221 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
It was very very busy, I cannot stand people pushing and shoving. The rudeness of other people just ruin the whole experience. We have Merlin passes so I wasn’t too fussed, if I had paid full price I’d of been annoyed as there was some woman swanning about like she’d come from a James Bond movie pushing and elbowing small children out the way in her ghastly fur headband. Couldn’t see much as lots of people had their faces pushed up against the glass or trying to selfie with sea horses.
Penguin section makes me sad, poor beautiful creatures.
It’s an ok day out, like all Merlin attractions, overpriced and overcrowded
Penguin section makes me sad, poor beautiful creatures.
It’s an ok day out, like all Merlin attractions, overpriced and overcrowded
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there SiobhanB1984,
Yikes! Only 3 star(fish) out of 5 star(fish)!
We're sorry to hear that you felt that your recent visit didn't live up to your full expectations on this occasion. We do usually have a higher explorer (guest) volume during the holidays. Please rest assure though that we do limit the number of explorers in the aquarium at any one time, and this is monitored through time-allocating most of our ticket packages. We do apologise as well that you felt that some explorers' behaviour affected your experience slightly. With regards to what we offer at the aquarium, we do try to make the attraction EEL-ley enjoyable and value for money by introducing new opportunities to get close to a variety of a-RAY-zing creatures. For example, we'll be opening a new Rockpool area this year, which we're EEL-ley excited about!
Thank you for also taking the time to share some feedback regarding the penguin enclosure. Please rest assure though that the enclosure is suitable for these wonderful creatures in our care. It has been designed with the help of professional animal keepers and independent vets.
Please rest assure that animal welfare is of utmost importance to us. We would invite you to email us at sllondon@merlinentertainments.biz, referencing this review, so we can discuss this part of the feedback with you.
Best Fishes,
Luke
Product Excellence Executive
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Written January 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hannah
Bermuda11 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
One word to describe this place: crowded
If you love waiting in line behind screaming and crying children this is the place to be. Our tickets were for the later afternoon and were booked in combination with the London Eye, so it was a total of £60 each in total, not cheap.
When you enter, as was many places in London, you go through a mini airport security check. Then the 'fun' starts. There are children everywhere, and I get that kids love animals, but parents need to get a handle on them and not let them run loose.
It's very hard to see anything through the crowds, and it's very noisy. I don't understand the point of times tickets if it's just chaos inside. There were a few staff members dotted around with mics on explaining the animals, but you can't hear them over the crowds.
I personally think Sea Life is a waste of time and money.
If you love waiting in line behind screaming and crying children this is the place to be. Our tickets were for the later afternoon and were booked in combination with the London Eye, so it was a total of £60 each in total, not cheap.
When you enter, as was many places in London, you go through a mini airport security check. Then the 'fun' starts. There are children everywhere, and I get that kids love animals, but parents need to get a handle on them and not let them run loose.
It's very hard to see anything through the crowds, and it's very noisy. I don't understand the point of times tickets if it's just chaos inside. There were a few staff members dotted around with mics on explaining the animals, but you can't hear them over the crowds.
I personally think Sea Life is a waste of time and money.
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for taking the time to provide a review.
We’re sorry to hear that you felt disappointed in your recent experience on this occasion.
We would be keen to know how we could have improved your experience. Please feel free to contact us at sllondon@merlinentertainments.biz, referencing this review, so we can discuss your feedback.
Kind regards,
Written August 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marge E
8 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
This was an incredible experience from start to finish. I used to be terrified of the thought of being amongst big fish, but I wanted to overcome a fear. This aquarium did this for me. From start to finish, there was an excellent variety of different fish, from small to big. Penguins, sharks, sting-rays - the lot!
Over all, we were in there for two hours. The music inside was calming, and the whole experience was very pleasant. The staff were also lovely.
It is the perfect place to bring young children or even to go around as adults. It is definitely worth the money. The location is also prime for tourism activity’s and tends to having people busking in the street, too - which is also very entertaining. And, if you’re hungry, there are lots of restaurants along the front to choose from.
Over all, we were in there for two hours. The music inside was calming, and the whole experience was very pleasant. The staff were also lovely.
It is the perfect place to bring young children or even to go around as adults. It is definitely worth the money. The location is also prime for tourism activity’s and tends to having people busking in the street, too - which is also very entertaining. And, if you’re hungry, there are lots of restaurants along the front to choose from.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Well Shello There 18margee,
WOW-Zas! Tanks for your JAW-some review! We’re pleased to hear that you had a jelly ol’ great time during your visit!
We shore hope to sea you again in the future!
Best Fishes,
Sally
Guest Experience
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Written August 16, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Are we allowed to bring a small suitcase into the sea life centre? Or back pack with overnight things in?
Written May 30, 2022
SLLAquarium
London, United Kingdom
Hi,
Suitcases or big holdalls are not allowed, but the London Eye has a baggage area that will hold your luggage all day! :)
Written May 1, 2023
How can I book a time slot of my choice? Every date I pick is coming up for 10am which is too early for us to be able to get there
Written October 26, 2021
There should be other times available. I'm guessing if you can't see any other times they have already gone🤔 perhaps call them for some advice.
Written October 26, 2021
Trail14968979807
Dalton-on-Tees, United Kingdom
Are there seats around Sea Life . I have difficulty walking and need to sit now and again
????
Written September 3, 2021
I don't remember seeing any.
Written September 5, 2021
Online you can book tickets for 5.45pm, but the aquarium closes at 6pm- does this mean you only get 15mins? Or do you stay until 7.45pm? Thanks
Written August 16, 2021
I have just booked two adults for next Tuesday and didn't realise I had to have a ticket for our baby, what can I do?
Written June 17, 2021
SLLAquarium
London, United Kingdom
Hi there,
Thank you for your message to SEA LIFE London Aquarium via TripAdvisor!
It is great to hear about your underwater adventure. We hope you have a great time. We are sorry to hear that you weren't aware of the process of pre-booking a ticket for Under 3s. If you are visiting us next Tuesday, please swim by to our official website, go to the 'Tickets & Prices' on the top right of the page, scroll down to 'Book a timeslot' and then click 'Book Now' under 'Other Tickets.' It should then give you the option to just pre-book an Under 3 ticket. You would show this ticket alongside your paid tickets.
Hope this information helps!
Best Fishes,
Luke
Guest Experience Team
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Written June 18, 2021
SLLAquarium
London, United Kingdom
Ahoy there!
Tanks for your message to us via TripAdvisor!
We do currently have JAW-some sharks, although we don't currently have whales.
Hope this info helps!
Best Fishes,
Luke
Guest Experience
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Written August 31, 2020
How much is a walk up ticket planning to go this Friday and use a 2 for 1 ticket?
Written December 31, 2019
Yes there is but when I went with my daughter and grandson they expect you to stand in the normal queue but there is another door that disable and carers can go through and not have to wait. Hope that helps
Written November 3, 2019
SLLAquarium
London, United Kingdom
Hi James B,
Thank you for your message to SEA LIFE London via TripAdvisor!
It's FIN-tastic to hear that you're interested in visiting SEA LIFE London! It's from £30 per adult (16 years old or above). Prices are subject to change.
Hope this helps!
Best Fishes,
Luke
Product Excellence
SEA LIFE London | County Hall | Westminster Bridge Road | SE1 7PB
Written September 14, 2019
How long should I plan on spending at the Aquarium... i have a 1 year old toddler so she will only be ohhhing and Ahhhing.
Written September 12, 2019
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