SEA LIFE® London Aquarium

The basics

Admission to the aquarium not only includes access to the themed zones but also allows visitors to attend various feedings and educational talks held throughout the day. Guests can opt for skip-the-line tickets to save time or combo tickets to save money, the latter of which access to the aquarium as well as other big-ticket London attractions, such as the London Eye, Madame Tussauds London, and DreamWorks Tours: Shrek's Adventure.

Alternatively, combine a trip to the aquarium with a cruise on London’s Thames River to view major riverside landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben, the Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral from the water.

Things to know before you go

• Book SEA LIFE® London Aquarium tickets in advance for VIP experiences, such as a behind-the-scenes tour offering exclusive access or snorkeling with sharks.

• Lines often form during peak periods when 15-minute time slots are allocated for entry. Book a skip-the-line ticket for fast and flexible access.

• The SEA LIFE® London Aquarium is wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

The SEA LIFE® London Aquarium is located on the South Bank, right beside the London Eye. Take the Tube to Westminster (Circle, Jubilee, and District lines) or to Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City lines). Rail services also stop at Waterloo station.

When to get there

The aquarium is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 6pm and weekends from 9:30am to 7pm. The site is a kid-friendly and family-oriented attraction and is therefore busiest during school vacations and on weekends. Avoid waiting around by purchasing a skip-the-line ticket in advance.

The weird and wonderful marine species of the London Aquarium

More than 500 marine species of all shapes and sizes lie beneath the surface here, from finger-length seahorses to giant Japanese spider crabs. Dive into this fascinating underwater world where you can spot flesh-eating red-bellied piranhas, endangered Cuban crocodiles, pointy-toothed sand tiger sharks, and a 6.5-foot-tall (two-meter-tall) lion’s mane jellyfish—the largest known jellyfish species in the world.

Ways to explore

Admission to the aquarium includes access to all zones, plus feedings and educational talks throughout the day. Prebook admission tickets to save time on the day (recommended during peak times) or opt for combo packages that include other big-ticket London attractions, such as the London Eye and Madame Tussauds London. Alternatively, admire the aquarium from afar during a Thames River cruise past other major riverside landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Accessibility

The aquarium is accessible to travelers using wheelchairs, and carers or companions enter for free. British Sign Language interpreters are also available. Service animals are permitted in the aquarium.

Age limits

None; kids under 2 years enter for free, and strollers are permitted throughout the attraction.

What to pack

Water bottle

What to wear

The aquarium can get hot, so wear layers you can take off even if it’s cold outside.

Not allowed

Luggage, large backpacks, flash photography, eating or drinking anything except water in the exhibits, tripods

Amenities

Restrooms with baby-changing tables, café, Wi-Fi

Address

SEA LIFE London Aquarium occupies a prime position on London’s South Bank, a cultural hub on the banks of the Thames. Set aside a few hours to explore the area before or after your visit, as there’s plenty to see and do.

Driving

Driving isn’t recommended in this busy part of London, where the daily Congestion Charge applies. Save yourself stress and money by leaving the car at home and taking a rideshare or cab instead.

Public transportation

The closest tube stations to the aquarium are Westminster and Waterloo, less than 10 minutes away on foot. Westminster is on the Circle, Jubilee, and District lines, while Waterloo is on the Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City lines. Plenty of buses serve the area, including routes 12, 53, 59, 76, 77, 148, 159, 211, 341, and 381.

Best times to visit

For a less-crowded experience, early mornings and late afternoons are best. School groups often arrive from mid-morning and leave mid-afternoon, so avoid this period if possible.

Best days to visit

Weekdays outside public and school holidays tend to have the fewest crowds. The indoor attraction is also ideal for a rainy day.

Best months to visit

The aquarium is a great place to warm up during London’s chilly winter from November through January.

Special events

The aquarium offers early-access days for neurodiverse visitors. There are also spooky and festive-themed events to celebrate Halloween and Christmas.