Are all areas of the attraction accessible by wheelchair?

No, all areas are not wheelchair accessible. Unfortunately for certain areas, such as on top of the viewing tank for activities such as Sea TREK and the Turtle Feeding experience, there is no wheelchair access due to the stairwell to the area.

Can wheelchairs be rented? If so, what is the cost?

No, wheelchairs cannot be rented.

Is SEA LIFE Manchester wheelchair friendly?

Yes, SEA LIFE Manchester is wheelchair friendly and has accessible toilets. Unfortunately for certain areas, such as on top of the viewing tank for activities such as Sea TREK and the Turtle Feeding experience, there is no wheelchair access due to the stairwell to the area.

Is SEA LIFE Manchester baby friendly?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities.

Are all areas of the attraction accessible with a pushchair?

Yes, all areas are pushchair friendly. This aquarium is fully buggy-accessible. But they unfortunately don't have any cloakroom facilities for you to be able to store your belongings.

No, SEA LIFE Manchester have stated they are not dog friendly. Assistance/Guide Dogs only

Is there food and drink available to buy?

No, there are no dining options. There is no food at SEA LIFE Manchester, but there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat close to the attraction.

Can visitors bring their own food?

No, guest are not allowed to bring their own food SEA LIFE Manchester has a strict no eating policy.

How long does it take to go around SEA LIFE Manchester?

That depends entirely on how much time your family wants to spend exploring the underwater adventure! On average it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to enjoy the full experience of SEA LIFE Manchester.

Does SEA LIFE Manchester have an octopus?

Yes! You'll find a super smart octopus - go see if you can find it. Don't forget to meet the mesmerising jellyfish too.

Does SEA LIFE Manchester have sharks?

Of course! You'll find black-tip reef sharks here, as well as guitar fish, stingrays and Queensland groupers!

Yes, there is parking. There's over 11,500 spaces for cars in The Trafford Centre where SEA LIFE Manchester is located. As well as disabled, parent and child spaces.

How far is the parking from the attraction?

There is on-site parking available

Can parking spaces be pre-booked or reserved?

No, parking can not be pre-booked or reserved.

Are there accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, there are accessible spaces for visitors with disabilities.

Does your attraction offer private hire, for parties or events?

No, there is no private hire at SEA LIFE Manchester.

How frequent is public transport to the attraction?

Regular buses fun to this attraction.

What are the closest public transport stops or stations to the attraction?

The closest train station is Manchester Piccadilly.

Do visitors need to pre-book time slots or tickets to get into the attraction?

Yes, SEA LIFE Manchester had stated that you will need to pre-book. Pre-booking ensures the best availability and prices.

Are there toilets available?

Yes, there are toilets available to the public.

Are there baby changing facilities available?

Yes, there are baby changing facilities available

Are there accessible toilets?

Yes, there are accessible toilets available Disabled toilets are available throughout the centre.

SEA LIFE Manchester

Manchester, Greater Manchester

All AgesAquariumsActivity CentresIndoors

About SEA LIFE Manchester

Dive into an underwater world at SEA LIFE Manchester and come face-to-fin with over 2,000 aquatic creatures. From majestic sharks and green sea turtles to mesmerising jellyfish and a giant Japanese spider crab measuring over 3 metres claw to claw - there's something to spark every family's love of ocean life.

Located at Trafford Palazzo within the Trafford Centre, SEA LIFE Manchester is easy to reach by car, bus or tram, with free all-day parking on site. Under 2s go free, and carers go free with accepted documentation.

Our Favourite Activity:
Exploring the Ocean Tunnel is a must. Face sharks, green sea turtles and 1000s of amazing aquatic creatures. You'll be blown away by the sheer size of it!
Make a Day of It with LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
SEA LIFE Manchester sits right next to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester at Trafford Palazzo - making it one of the easiest double-attraction days out in the North West.
Book both together from £30 for 2 attractions and save up to 33% compared to buying separately - that's from £15 per person, per attraction. There's no need to rush either; your LEGOLAND ticket is valid for 90 days from your SEA LIFE visit date.
Pre-booking all attractions is essential as same-day availability cannot be guaranteed. Adults must be accompanied by a child to enter LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.
After Hours with the Mermaids
When the aquarium closes to daytime visitors, the mermaids come out to play. After Hours with the Mermaids is an evening event running on selected dates from 5pm to 9pm (last entry 8pm), giving families an exclusive after-dark experience in the depths of SEA LIFE Manchester.
Your little ones can meet real-life mermaids in the underwater world - a magical, immersive experience that runs on set dates throughout the year. Check the official SEA LIFE Manchester website for upcoming dates before you book, as tickets sell out quickly.

Attraction Details

Opening Times

Regular Times

Monday, 10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday, 10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday, 10:00 - 18:00
Thursday, 10:00 - 18:00
Friday, 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday, 10:00 - 19:00
Sunday, 10:00 - 19:00

Opening hours may vary during school holidays and for evening events such as After Hours with the Mermaids. Check the official SEA LIFE Manchester website before you travel for the latest schedule.

Plan Your Visit

Typical visit time 2 - 3 hours

Suitable for Kids and Adults too

FAQs

Directions

SEA LIFE Manchester

Barton Square, Trafford Centre, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M17 8AS, England

Tel: 08712212483

Get Directions Visit Website

This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.

Last updated: 11:07 08/08/2026

By Train

You can access SEA LIFE Manchester easily via a bus connection from Manchester's biggest train station:

Manchester Piccadilly: Then catch the express X50 or 250 bus from Piccadilly Gardens, a few minutes’ walk away.

By Bus

Buses run regularly from all over the Greater Manchester region to our own on-site bus station.

City Centre Express X50: the X50 is our high-frequency express bus route from Manchester Piccadilly, running every 15 minutes from early till late, 363 days a year.

By Tram

Trafford Palazzo (where SEA LIFE is situated) is very close to the Barton Dock Road tram stop. The line runs from the Manchester City Centre Cornbrook stop.

By Car

This aquarium centre is situated right next to the Trafford Palazzo Car Park at The Trafford Centre. Parking is free all day, every day.

Directions: Located off the M60, via junction 9 or 10.

SEA LIFE Manchester

About SEA LIFE Manchester

Our Favourite Activity:

Make a Day of It with LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

After Hours with the Mermaids

Attraction Details

Opening Times

Regular Times

Pricing & Tickets

Facilities

Plan Your Visit

FAQs

Directions

SEA LIFE Manchester Reviews

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