Getting friendly with the fish at Brighton Sea Life Centre
Situated on the city’s famed pebble-filled beachfront is Brighton’s Sea Life Centre; the oldest operating aquarium in the world. Designed and built by the creator of the West Pier in 1872, this Brighton institution is historically rich, architecturally astounding, and simply filled with things to see and do.
By booking your train tickets online with Southern Railway, you can save money with the great value 2FOR1 offers, getting you half-price entry tickets to the Sea Life Centre and many other Brighton attractions.
The aquarium has interactive rock pools and feeding displays throughout the day, and marine experts are always on hand to answer questions and help teach children about the ocean’s ecosystems. For a small cost, visitors can buy a small pot of food to feed some of the fish – the stingrays are particularly friendly when offered food!
The education continues in the video room, designed to simulate the experience of a submarine, where short films will inform visitors about underwater creatures and their habitats, while providing an insight into the importance of ocean and wildlife conservation.
Perhaps most astonishing of all is the Centre’s glass tunnel walkthrough, which allows you to get to the centre of the exhibition and view many varieties of bright, unusual fish (and possibly some hungry sharks!) up close and all around you. You can even get acquainted with the aquarium’s oldest resident, the gracefully ageing 71 year old turtle named Lulu.
Having operated for such a long time, Brighton Sea Life Centre has kept up to date with regular modernisations and renovations. With the addition of two exciting new features – including a ‘jellyfish disco’ – in 2012, it promises to be more fun and fascinating than ever before.
If you’re planning to visit Brighton for more than one day, then nearby hotels are an essential. For the convenience and beauty of the location, the Holiday Inn Brighton Seafront is ideal. This child-friendly hotel will place you within easy walking distance of all of Brighton’s key attractions, including the Royal Pavilion, the Brighton Centre, and the iconic Palace Pier. There’s no better way to place yourself at the heart of this city’s history and culture.
If fish, chips and the great British seaside don’t appeal to you, or you’re simply looking for more travel inspiration, our destinations pages are full of ideas and deals to help you plan your next great day out!
