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Days Out: National SEA LIFE Centre, Birmingham

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In November, we were invited by Visit Birmingham to spend the weekend in Birmingham and we packed in so many fun attractions including the National SEA LIFE Centre which is located next to Brindleyplace in the centre of Birmingham.

Daddy pushing toddler in the stroller next to the canal on Brindleyplace, Birmingham

How do I get to National SEA LIFE Centre?

National SEA LIFE Centre is centrally located in Birmingham and is about a twenty minute walk from New Street Station. It’s much cheaper to book in advance online and also saves you queuing when you get in too which doesn’t just save time, but also saves toddler tantrums if you are visiting with little ones.

Dexter in Brindleyplace walking towards the sea life centre birmingham wearing a yellow coat

What’s on at the National SEA LIFE Centre?

There is so much to see and do inside the National SEA LIFE Centre in Birmingham and the first stop was their newest attraction: Penguin Ice Adventure where you can meet cheeky penguin Pablo and his friends. The Penguin Ice Adventure is housed in a 70,000 litre icy tank and the penguins waddle along, approaching the windows with their curiosity; dive into the icy waters and swim past you at a flying speed. The different levels of windows ensure you get to see them doing it all!

Dexter at the sea life centre birmingham looking through the glass at a penguin which is looking back at him

Every sea life creature imaginable is housed in the National SEA LIFE Centre and we saw seahorses, sharks, clownfish, jellyfish, stingrays, eels, octopi and turtles. The creatures are housed in tanks which are easily viewed by tiny toddlers and gigantic adults alike and there’s plenty of facts and information available alongside so everybody can learn something new.

As well as being able to wander around the aquarium, taking your time to see all of the sea life, there are also special events on throughout the day including a 4D film, feeding time and animal talks. You could easily spend a full day here, although we managed to squeeze most of it in within an afternoon.

What’s next? SEALIFE Brighton

What facilities are available?

There are toilets and baby changing facilities available along with a cloakroom where you can store buggies. However there are no eating and drinking facilities on site, meaning if you need a snack, drink or meal, you need to leave the premises to visit one of the local establishments located nearby. Luckily there’s a whole host of eateries on Brindleyplace and a Costa Coffee and Caffè Nero right outside the National SEA LIFE Centre. A gift shop is situated on the way out which is packed full of fun sea life related toys, books and merchandise.

How much will it set me back?

The price of tickets online depends on what time of day you wish to visit but prices start at £13 and go up to £20 per person if you simply walk in. Toddlers under three go free. You can also purchase a combo ticket which includes entry into Legoland which offers good value for money.

Dexter pressing his hands against the glass in the sea life centre birmingham looking at fish passing by

What other attractions are nearby?

There’s so much going on in Birmingham for kids and some of the other local attractions include:

Bullring shopping centre

Thinktank Museum

Cadbury World

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

What hotels are available locally?

We stayed in the stylish Malmaison but there’s so much choice of hotels in Birmingham including:

Hampton by Hilton

Hilton Garden Inn

Jury’s Inn

Holiday Inn

Crowne Plaza

Novotel

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