SEA LIFE Brighton
Brighton, East Sussex
About SEA LIFE Brighton
Dive into an ocean of adventure at SEA LIFE Centre Brighton, the oldest operating aquarium in the world! Perfect for families looking to explore the wonders of marine life, SEA LIFE Brighton Aquarium offers an unforgettable journey through underwater worlds. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning marine enthusiast, our guide will unveil why this Brighton aquarium is a must-visit for a unique aquarium experience and a memorable family day out. And you can find it opposite the iconic pier!
Whether you're fascinated by marine life or love cute turtles, superhero sharks and shining starfish, it's time you dive into the amazing underwater world at the SEA LIFE Brighton Aquarium!
BRAND NEW from 24th May - 15th June
Animal Crossing is finally coming to SEA LIFE Brighton! Yep, that's right...TOM NOOK is coming to Brighton! Meet your favourite Animal Crossing characters as you embark on an underwater adventure set to leave you (and your villagers) in awe!
Things To Do
Embark on a fascinating journey and exciting experience through the diverse marine ecosystems at SEA LIFE Centre Brighton. Marvel at the vibrant coral reefs, be amazed by the graceful movements of stingrays and get up close with friendly and inquisitive turtles. The Brighton Aquarium is home to hundreds of mesmerising creatures, providing an incredible opportunity for kids and adults alike to learn about marine biodiversity and the importance of ocean conservation.
Day and Night
SEA LIFE Brighton Aquarium is full of excitement! Marvel at the wonders of the coral reef as it transforms from Day to Night in the UK's first Day and Night experience.
Dance on the interactive bio-luminescent beach, discover 24h hours of beautiful wander of a coral reef and uncover the magic of the ocean at night. With floor-to-ceiling viewings, you can see first-hand what makes amazing ocean creatures glow.
Glass Bottom Boat
Fancy a VIP experience that will blow your mind? You can sail over sharks and beautiful sea turtles as you glide over them in the Glass Bottom Boat ride experience!
Rainforest Adventure
Venture into the rainforest and discover a whole environment of exotic and aquatic animals! From leaping frogs and iguanas and snapping jaws from turtles - not to forget the piranhas with sharp teeth, too!
Ocean Tunnel
Ready for an amazing journey? Take a walk in a breathtaking underwater tunnel, set your eyes on beautiful sea creatures, spot the clownfish at the Coral Reef and see hundreds of amazing fish in the floor-to-ceiling viewing window.
With so many amazing displays, you will surely see some incredible creatures and discover more about our oceans and marine life at this wonderful Brighton aquarium!
In seven daily talks and feeds, you can also uncover the fascinating secrets of star fish, hear the clicking sound of sea horses feeding, and lots more. Kids will learn through play as they decipher hidden messages, clean rubbish from the ocean, and explore the rest of the activities at the Conservation Zone. Don't forget to pick from the lovely selection of gift shop products before you leave! Pocket money treats and more are available.
Don't forget to check out the rockpool, ray pool and harbour in the Victorian arcade! The Gothic-inspired vaulted ceilings are the centrepiece with tanks on either side. So, you can see some incredible creatures up close and marvel at the beautiful building.
VIP Experiences
Did you know Brighton SEA LIFE Centre also offers VIP feeding experiences? You'll have the chance to feed mighty sharks or cute turtles! It's truly an amazing experience.
Accessibility
Brighton SEA LIFE Centre is wheelchair-friendly. There is a disabled, step-free level access entrance located through an underpass from the beach that can be accessed via the ramp down to Brighton Beach. There is also an accessible toilet available with wall-mounted grab rails. There is plenty of sloped and step-free access throughout the aquarium.
There is only one area of SEA LIFE Brighton to which full access is not available: the Ocean Tunnel in the Auditorium. However, this display can also be seen from the Glass Tunnel, which is accessible. The marine experts who gave the talks in the Auditorium will head to the underwater tunnel afterwards to speak to anyone unable to attend.
Please also note that a step runs alongside some of the displays in the Victorian arcade, which means wheelchair or mobility scooter access is restricted by approximately 70 cm.
So, swim to SEA LIFE Centre Brighton Aquarium for its amazing displays, unique aquarium tunnel, glass-bottomed boat and insanely cute giant turtles! There's a reason it's such a popular attraction in Brighton!
Why we recommend SEA LIFE Brighton as a must-visit for families:
- Underwater tunnel and glass bottom boat
- Oldest operating aquarium in the world
- It's an all weather attraction for children and adults
SEA LIFE Brighton Reviews
Mum and blogger Jupiter Hadley reviewed a recent visit to SEA LIFE Brighton with her family. Jupiter had a great time. She said:
"We really enjoy looking at animals and fish, so going to Sea Life Brighton, with the kids, was a goal of ours! We were planning on only going if it rained but found we had enough time on our long day out to see the aquarium. It's actually the world's oldest continually operating aquarium, which is quite a big deal! The aquarium is almost underground, so we went down some steps and went into the place. The architecture was wonderful; high ceilings, all lit up, and beautiful tanks of fish right at the entrance. They always have lots of activities going on too!"
Dive Into History at SEA LIFE Brighton: World's Oldest Aquarium
Embark on a thrilling marine adventure at SEA LIFE Brighton. First opened in Brighton in 1872, it is the oldest operating aquarium in the world. Whether you're gazing at graceful stingrays, feeding friendly turtles, or walking through the magical underwater tunnel, this iconic spot opposite the Brighton Pier offers a timeless blend of marine wonder and rich history—perfect for a memorable family day out.
Experience the Ocean From Daylight to Dazzling Night
Witness the stunning transformation of a coral reef from day to night at SEA LIFE Brighton's unique Day and Night experience. Dance on a glowing bio-luminescent beach, marvel at the ocean’s nocturnal magic, and discover what makes sea creatures shine in the dark. This is an underwater spectacle you won’t find anywhere else in the UK!
Get Up Close and Personal: Feed Sharks& Sail Over Turtles
SEA LIFE Brighton offers VIP experiences that put you right in the heart of the action. Feed mighty sharks, glide over sea creatures in a Glass Bottom Boat, or explore the lush Rainforest Adventure. With these unforgettable encounters, you’re not just visiting an aquarium—you’re diving into an ocean of excitement!
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Baby Changing
Food Available
Pushchair Friendly
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:30 - 15:00
- Tuesday, 10:30 - 15:00
- Wednesday, 10:30 - 15:00
- Thursday, 10:30 - 15:00
- Friday, 10:30 - 15:00
- Saturday, 10:00 - 15:00
- Sunday, 10:00 - 15:00
Opening times may vary during the holidays. Please see website for more details.
Opens from 9:30-6pm from 23rd July until end of Aug
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (3-14) : £20.00
- Adult (15+) : £23.50
Buy your SEA LIFE Brighton tickets with Day Out With The Kids! The UK's biggest family attraction website, not only do we offer official tickets to all your favourite attractions, but you'll get the best value for money too.
Not to mention, easy-to-access tickets using our mobile-friendly e-tickets. So, your entry to the attraction is hassle-free. Plus, our price promise guarantees that you won’t find a better deal elsewhere, making us your go-to for family fun without the fuss.
General admission: Under 3s Free
Prices quoted are dated February 2024
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to SEA LIFE Brighton by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 1 - 2 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
There is a coffee shop serving light meals and snacks. You can also purchase hot and cold drinks.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
By Train
The closest train station is Brighton Railway Station. It's a 20-minute walk away from the attraction.
By Bus
You can take the following buses: 27, 12A, 12.
By Car
All main routes into Brighton will take you to the seafront. Follow the brown tourist signs or look for Brighton Pier (they are opposite the pier). If you are travelling south from London, follow the A23 down London road until you hit the seafront. And, if you are travelling East form Portsmouth or west from Eastbourne, follow the A27 until it merges with the A23.
Verification & Last Updated
Verified Status:
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 12:20 05/11/2025
SEA LIFE Brighton Reviews
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