Eddie PhilipsFrom shark tunnels to coral reefs, the UK is home to some of the most fascinating aquariums in Europe. Whether you’re a marine-life lover, a parent planning a family trip, or simply looking for an educational day out, this list of the top best 50 aquariums in the UK will help you find the best spots to explore life beneath the waves.
These aquariums are not only exciting attractions — they also play a vital role in marine conservation, education, and research, helping protect ocean species for future generations.
Top Best 50 Aquariums in the UK
1. SEA LIFE London Aquarium (London)
Located on the South Bank of the Thames, this world-class aquarium houses over 280 species from around the globe. Visitors can explore ocean tunnels, watch penguin feeding sessions, and even walk over a glass floor above a shark tank.
Why visit: Central location, family-friendly, interactive exhibits.
Tip: Book online for cheaper tickets and shorter queues.
2. SEA LIFE Brighton (Brighton, East Sussex)
Opened in 1872, it’s the oldest working aquarium in the world. Set in a stunning Victorian building, SEA LIFE Brighton combines classic architecture with modern displays of coral reefs and tropical species.
Why visit: Historic setting meets marine wonders.
Tip: Arrive early to enjoy both the aquarium and Brighton Pier nearby.
3. The Deep (Hull, East Yorkshire)
Known as the UK’s “submarium”, The Deep features a futuristic design and a 10-metre-deep “Endless Ocean” tank filled with sharks, rays, and turtles.
Why visit: World-class exhibits and strong conservation focus.
Tip: Don’t miss the glass lift through the main tank.
4. Blue Planet Aquarium (Ellesmere Port, Cheshire)
Home to Europe’s longest underwater tunnel, Blue Planet is a must-visit for shark enthusiasts. It also features caimans, tropical fish, and coral reefs.
Why visit: Epic shark display and immersive tunnels.
Tip: Combine with a trip to nearby Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.
5. National Sea Life Centre (Birmingham)
This city-centre attraction features a 360-degree ocean tunnel and over 2,000 creatures including seahorses, clownfish, and penguins.
Why visit: Great for families visiting central England.
Tip: Visit early morning to avoid school-holiday crowds.
6. National Marine Aquarium (Plymouth, Devon)
The largest aquarium in the UK, with tanks holding 2.5 million litres of water. Operated by the Ocean Conservation Trust, it’s both educational and awe-inspiring.
Why visit: Largest tanks, top-tier educational displays.
Tip: Combine with a stroll through Plymouth Hoe and Barbican Harbour.
7. Bristol Aquarium (Bristol)
This downtown aquarium features a massive coral display, tropical tanks, and an underwater tunnel.
Why visit: Easy access and beautiful layout.
Tip: Buy combo tickets with the nearby science museum.
8. SEA LIFE Weymouth (Dorset)
Situated along the Jurassic Coast, this aquarium offers indoor and outdoor zones including otters, seals, and penguins.
Why visit: Coastal setting with family-friendly exhibits.
Tip: Perfect for combining with a beach trip.
9. SEA LIFE Loch Lomond (Balloch, Scotland)
A scenic Scottish aquarium with over 1,500 creatures, featuring native and tropical species.
Why visit: Stunning views and educational talks.
Tip: Enjoy a boat cruise on Loch Lomond after your visit.
10. Deep Sea World (North Queensferry, Scotland)
Scotland’s national aquarium located under the Forth Bridge. Highlights include an underwater tunnel and shark feeding shows.
Why visit: Excellent educational experience for families.
Tip: Plan your visit to catch diver presentations.
11. SEA LIFE Scarborough (Yorkshire)
Set on the North Sea coast, it features penguins, seals, and a turtle rescue centre.
Why visit: Great coastal location with conservation projects.
Tip: Check for daily feeding times.
12. Blue Reef Aquarium (Tynemouth)
Offers close encounters with seahorses, pufferfish, and tropical reefs.
Why visit: Family-friendly and affordable.
Tip: Ideal for pairing with a North East beach day.
13. SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth (Norfolk)
This aquarium features sharks, rays, and a pirate-themed zone for kids.
Why visit: Excellent for young families and beachgoers.
Tip: Visit during weekdays for quieter experiences.
14. SEA LIFE Blackpool (Lancashire)
Located on the famous promenade, this aquarium has over 2,000 sea creatures and an impressive ocean tunnel.
Why visit: Combine with other Blackpool attractions.
Tip: Evening sessions offer fewer crowds.
15. Anglesey Sea Zoo (Wales)
Focused on British marine life, this aquarium showcases species from local Welsh waters.
Why visit: Educational and conservation-driven.
Tip: Great for school trips and learning about UK marine habitats.
16. SEA LIFE Hunstanton (Norfolk)
Specialises in rescue and rehabilitation of seals and sea turtles.
Why visit: Inspiring focus on marine welfare.
Tip: Look out for live feeding events.
17. Oceanarium Bournemouth (Dorset)
Overlooking Bournemouth Pier, this aquarium combines stunning sea views with interactive displays.
Why visit: Great mix of seaside fun and marine life.
Tip: Book combined tickets with pier attractions.
18. SEA LIFE Manchester (Trafford Centre)
Located inside the Trafford Centre, this aquarium is compact but well-designed.
Why visit: Convenient indoor attraction for shoppers.
Tip: Pair with LEGOLAND Discovery Centre nearby.
19. St Andrews Aquarium (Fife, Scotland)
Family-run aquarium featuring penguins, seals, and reptiles.
Why visit: Intimate setting and coastal views.
Tip: Excellent for children and small groups.
20. SEA LIFE Bray (Ireland)
Though across the Irish Sea, it’s part of the UK’s SEA LIFE network, housing exotic sea creatures and coral reefs.
Why visit: Small but engaging exhibits.
Tip: Ideal for day trips from Dublin.
21. SEA LIFE Oban (Scotland)
Located in western Scotland, this aquarium focuses on local sea species and marine rescue.
Why visit: Authentic Scottish marine life.
Tip: Don’t miss the touch pools.
22. SEA LIFE Gweek (Cornwall Seal Sanctuary)
A seal rescue centre and aquarium combined — home to adorable rescued seals and sea lions.
Why visit: Family favourite and conservation-focused.
Tip: Visit during feeding time to see seals in action.
23. Fife Aquarium (Scotland)
Small but charming, known for interactive exhibits and local fish species.
Why visit: Perfect stop during a coastal road trip.
Tip: Affordable tickets for families.
24. SEA LIFE Scarborough Turtle Rescue Centre (Yorkshire)
Home to injured and rehabilitated turtles, open for educational tours.
Why visit: Conservation-minded experience.
Tip: Great for eco-friendly travellers.
25. SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Shark Dive Experience
An add-on attraction for thrill seekers — dive safely with sharks in a supervised setting.
Why visit: Once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Tip: Pre-book diving sessions in advance.
26. Skegness Aquarium (Lincolnshire)
An underwater-themed adventure park featuring pirate exhibits and shark tanks.
Why visit: Perfect for families and children.
Tip: Visit early for the pirate shows.
27. Macduff Marine Aquarium (Aberdeenshire)
A local gem highlighting marine life from the Moray Firth.
Why visit: Focus on Scottish coastal ecosystems.
Tip: Visit in spring for local events.
28. SEA LIFE Birmingham Penguin Ice Adventure
Home to an Antarctic-themed penguin habitat.
Why visit: Unique penguin enclosure in a city setting.
Tip: Combine with the Birmingham Library and canals walk.
29. Rhyl SeaQuarium (Wales)
A smaller but engaging aquarium featuring ocean tunnels and seal shows.
Why visit: Great seaside family stop.
Tip: Visit during off-peak hours.
30. SEA LIFE Blackpool Ocean Tunnel
Known for its impressive walk-through tunnel and shark feeding times.
Why visit: Immersive photo opportunities.
Tip: Book combo tickets with the Blackpool Tower.
31. SEA LIFE Blackpool – Lancashire
Blackpool’s famous aquarium combines interactive displays with conservation awareness. Sharks, turtles, and tropical reefs await curious minds.
32. SEA LIFE Adventure Southend – Essex
SEA LIFE Adventure in Southend-on-Sea features over 40 zones of marine life, including crocodiles and piranhas. It’s also home to the UK’s first “Rainforest” aquarium exhibit.
33. SEA LIFE London Rainforest Zone – London
Inside the London Aquarium, this special section recreates tropical environments with piranhas, poison dart frogs, and exotic reptiles—an adventure within an aquarium.
34. Northern Ireland Aquarium (Exploris) – Portaferry
Exploris Aquarium highlights Irish marine species, seals, and otters. The underwater tunnel and native ocean displays are perfect for families and schools.
35. Oceanlab Aquarium – Aberdeen
A smaller scientific aquarium tied to Aberdeen University’s research department. It showcases North Sea ecosystems and marine research projects.
36. Weymouth Sealife Adventure Park – Dorset
This expansive marine park offers rides, outdoor exhibits, and marine conservation talks, making it perfect for full-day family fun.
37. SEA LIFE Scarborough Penguin Island – Yorkshire
Part of SEA LIFE Scarborough, Penguin Island lets you observe Humboldt penguins up close and learn about their breeding habits.
38. Fort William Sea Discovery Centre – Scotland
A local gem focusing on the ecology of Scottish lochs and coastlines. Interactive exhibits highlight conservation and environmental awareness.
39. SEA LIFE Hunstanton Seal Hospital – Norfolk
Dedicated to seal rehabilitation, this SEA LIFE site gives insight into the challenges facing marine wildlife and offers real-life rescue stories.
40. Scottish Seabird Centre – North Berwick
Although focused on seabirds, the centre includes underwater cameras and aquariums showing marine life from the Firth of Forth.
41. SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth Turtle Rescue Centre – Norfolk
Visitors can learn about the care and rehabilitation of injured turtles. It’s an inspiring destination for animal lovers.
42. Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay – Cornwall
A tropical paradise by the sea, this aquarium features reef sharks, turtles, and exotic corals. It’s one of Cornwall’s top family attractions.
43. Falmouth Aquarium – Cornwall
Falmouth Aquarium offers a close look at local marine habitats with educational talks about the Cornish coast’s biodiversity.
44. SEA LIFE London Shark Walk – London
One of the most thrilling experiences in the UK: walking over a glass floor with sharks swimming just below. Great for adrenaline seekers.
45. SEA LIFE Birmingham Penguin Ice Adventure – Birmingham
Step into a frozen world to meet adorable Gentoo penguins in this special exhibit, part of Birmingham’s main aquarium.
46. SEA LIFE Manchester Coral Nursery – Manchester
This exhibit focuses on coral restoration and conservation. Guests can see real coral fragments being grown and replanted.
47. SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Otter Habitat – Scotland
This dedicated exhibit for otters educates visitors on freshwater ecosystems while offering adorable encounters.
48. Bristol Aquarium Urban Jungle – Bristol
The UK’s only aquarium with a living botanical house, merging lush plants with underwater life. Perfect for eco-conscious visitors.
49. Anglesey Sea Zoo Lobster Hatchery – Wales
Learn how lobsters are bred and released back into the wild in this conservation-focused aquarium feature.
50. The Deep’s Ocean Tunnel – Hull
The highlight of The Deep, this glass tunnel allows visitors to walk through an aquatic world of sharks, rays, and shoaling fish—a breathtaking finale to our list.
- Book Online: Most aquariums offer discounted tickets when booked in advance.
- Arrive Early: Beat the crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Check Feeding Schedules: Live feedings are often the highlight of the day.
- Support Conservation: Many aquariums rely on donations to fund rescue efforts.
- Bring a Camera: Photography is allowed in most areas — perfect for family memories.
- Travel Smart: City aquariums may have limited parking; use public transport where possible.
- Educational Extras: Many venues offer talks, workshops, or behind-the-scenes tours.
Best Family Aquariums in the UK
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium – Best overall experience.
- The Deep, Hull – Best architecture and conservation value.
- Blue Planet Aquarium – Best shark displays.
- National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth – Largest and most educational.
- SEA LIFE Brighton – Oldest and most historic.
Why Aquariums Matter
Aquariums aren’t just tourist attractions — they’re windows into the underwater world. They educate millions of visitors every year about sustainability, overfishing, and ocean pollution. Many UK aquariums, such as Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, lead efforts in rescue, rehabilitation, and marine research.
Conclusion
From the historic SEA LIFE Brighton to the futuristic Deep in Hull, the UK offers an incredible variety of aquariums that cater to every age and interest. Whether you’re looking for an educational family trip, a romantic seaside date, or simply a fun weekend adventure, these aquariums guarantee a splash of inspiration.
So pack your curiosity — and dive into one of these best 50 aquariums in the UK. The ocean’s wonders are waiting just beneath the surface.