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Quick Information

ADDRESS

Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, UK

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

10:00–19:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

1000000

TICKETS

From $37.53

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

1-2 hours (Peak), 30-60 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

SEA LIFE London Aquarium boasts one of the world's largest collections of Cownose rays.

The aquarium is actively involved in various breeding programs, including those for seahorses, jellyfish, Cuban crocodiles, and butterfly goodeids.

Visitors can see the world's smallest venomous shark, the Dwarf Lantern Shark, measuring a mere 17 centimeters.

Why is SEA LIFE London Aquarium a must-visit attraction?

Nestled on London’s vibrant South Bank, SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to over 500 marine species across 14 themed zones. Walk through the immersive Ocean Tunnel, explore Seahorse Kingdom, observe sharks, rays, penguins, and sea turtles up close, and enjoy hands-on touch pools and feeding shows. With its combination of interactive exhibits and conservation initiatives, SEA LIFE London offers both an educational and entertaining underwater adventure, making it a must-visit attraction for anyone fascinated by marine life.

What to see at SEA LIFE London Aquarium?

Shark Walk

Walk over a glass floor with sharks gliding just below. This display gives you a close look at impressive shark species as they swim in the Pacific tank and sets the tone for your underwater adventure.

Atlantic Coasts

Explore the mysterious life along global coastlines where schools of sand eels shimmer and unusual species like Atlantic wolffish reveal fascinating coastal adaptations in their habitat.

Ocean Tunnel

Stroll through one of the aquarium’s most iconic features, a glass tunnel beneath a huge tank, with sea turtles, rays, zebra sharks, and colourful fish swimming all around you.

Coral Kingdom

Dive into the UK’s largest living coral reef display. Hundreds of dazzling fish like clownfish and butterflyfish swim through this vibrant ecosystem, showcasing reef biodiversity.

Rainforest Adventure

Step out of the oceans and into tropical freshwater streams and rainforest environments, where piranhas, crocodiles, and other lush habitat dwellers await.

Rockpool Explorer

Get closer to sea stars, anemones, and small creatures in interactive touch environments that reveal the tiny ecosystems of intertidal zones.

Polar Adventure

Visit a chilled habitat that brings you face to face with gentoo penguins as they swim, waddle, and play in their icy themed landscape.

Ocean Invaders

Discover Britain’s largest jellyfish experience with multiple zones showcasing different jellyfish species floating and pulsing through the water in mesmerising displays.

Seahorse Kingdom

Meet seahorses and sea dragons with their unique body shapes and curious behaviours as they move slowly through this themed habitat.

Highlights of SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Shark swimming at Sea Life London aquarium.

Sand Tiger and Blacktip Reef Sharks

Glide beneath these powerful predators at Shark Walk and watch their acrobatic movements and sharp teeth in a striking marine display.

Penguins being fed by a staff member at SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
Visitors interacting with marine life at SEA LIFE London aquarium.
Sea turtle swimming in an aquarium at Sea Life London.
Seahorse swimming near coral at Great Barrier Reef.

Brief history of SEA LIFE London Aquarium

SEA LIFE London Aquarium opened in March 1997 as the London Aquarium. It was established with a focus on showcasing marine life and promoting conservation and education. Located within County Hall on the South Bank of the River Thames, the attraction was acquired by Merlin Entertainments in 2009 and relaunched under the SEA LIFE brand. Since then, new features have been introduced, including the Ocean Tunnel in 2009, a penguin exhibit in 2011, Ocean Invaders in 2016, and Rainforest Adventure in 2018. Today, the aquarium is home to over 500 species and thousands of marine creatures, continuing its mission to inspire awareness and protection of ocean life.

Who built SEA LIFE London Aquarium?

SEA LIFE London Aquarium opened in March 1997 and quickly became one of London’s most popular marine attractions. The aquarium was designed and constructed within the existing County Hall building rather than as a standalone structure.

During the 2009 refurbishment, the architectural design and internal exhibit overhaul were supervised by architect Kay Elliott, introducing features such as the underwater Ocean Tunnel and the Shark Walk to create more immersive visitor experiences. Today, Merlin Entertainments, one of the world’s leading attractions operators, continues to own and manage the aquarium as part of its global SEA LIFE network.

Architecture of SEA LIFE London Aquarium

SEA  LIFE London Aquarium does not have its own unique exterior; its architecture is defined by the adaptive reuse of the historic County Hall, an Edwardian Baroque building designed by Ralph Knott and built between 1911 and 1939. The aquarium’s interior spaces were carefully fitted into the existing structural framework, with no new external construction specifically for the attraction.

During the 2009 redevelopment, the interior layout and thematic exhibit environments were redesigned to integrate new features such as the Ocean Tunnel, redesigned habitat zones, and improved visitor circulation, all while respecting the heritage of the listed building. Because most of the construction and design work occurred within the existing structure and the exterior of County Hall remained unchanged, the architecture of the aquarium reflects a thoughtful internal transformation rather than a distinct architectural style or purpose-built building.

Conservation efforts at SEA LIFE London Aquarium

SEA Life London

SEA LIFE London Aquarium supports marine conservation through the SEA LIFE Trust, focusing on protecting ocean habitats and wildlife. Its efforts are guided by three key pillars: Rescue, Restore, and Protect. The aquarium raises awareness about issues like plastic pollution and habitat loss through educational exhibits and events. It also participates in initiatives such as beach cleans and conservation campaigns, helping visitors understand the importance of safeguarding marine ecosystems for the future.

Frequently asked questions about SEA Life London Aquarium

Plan to spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring SEA Life London to fully enjoy and appreciate the exhibits and interactive experiences.

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