The National Sea Life Centre Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDLANDS
Our View
The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham has over 60 displays, including a million-litre underwater tropical tank, and a turtle breeding facility. There are over 1,000 creatures to see, from crabs and jelly fish, to sharks and penguins. Among the favourites are Mango and Apricot, the Asian Short-Clawed Otters, and a colony of the third largest breed of penguin, the Gentoo. Among its other talents the Gentoo can emit a noise that may reach up to 80 decibels, and swim at up to 36 kph. There is an interactive rock pool where visitors can handle crabs, starfish and other small sea creatures. A recent addition is the 4D experience, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, based on the adventure story by Jules Verne. Visitors follow the adventures of Ned, as he dives with Captain Nemo in the submarine Nautilus. The Centre is also involved in conservation projects such as the Seahorse Trust, and animal rescue and rehabilitation programmes.
Facilities – at a glance
Fully accessible
Features
- Fully accessible
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year (ex 25 Dec), Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat-Sun & school hols 10-6
Also in the area
About the area
Discover West Midlands
After Greater London, the West Midlands is the UK’s biggest county by population, and after London, Birmingham is the UK’s largest city. There’s a lot to seek out here – it has a vibrant culture, with exceptionally good nightlife. Coventry used to be more important than Birmingham, until the 18th century when the Industrial Revolution started and Brum forged ahead.
Apart from Lady Godiva, Coventry is best known for its cathedrals. The medieval parish church became a cathedral in 1918, but the Blitz on Coventry in 1940 left only the spire and part of the walls. After the war, it was decided to build a new cathedral alongside linked to the ruins.
Dudley was one of the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution, and this history is reflected in its architecture and the Black Country Living Museum, a recreation of an industrial village, with shops and a pub, cottages and a chapel. Stourbridge is also worth a visit, mainly due to its involvement in glassmaking, which has been going on since the 17th century, and is still a part of the town’s culture; there’s a glass museum and a bi-annual glass festival.
Nearby stays
Places to Stay
Dining nearby
Restaurants and Pubs
Why choose Rated Trips?
Your trusted guide to rated places across the UK
The best coverage
Discover more than 15,000 professionally rated places to stay, eat and visit from across the UK and Ireland.
Quality assured
Choose a place to stay safe in the knowledge that it has been expertly assessed by trained assessors.
Plan your next trip
Search by location or the type of place you're visiting to find your next ideal holiday experience.
Travel inspiration
Read our articles, city guides and recommended things to do for inspiration. We're here to help you explore the UK.