National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
Dive into the UK's only 360° ocean tunnel and discover playful penguins, rescued sea otters, and vibrant marine life at Birmingham’s premier aquarium.
The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham offers an immersive underwater experience featuring the UK's only 360° ocean tunnel, playful penguins, rescued sea otters, and a diverse collection of marine life. Located at The Water's Edge in Brindleyplace, this family-friendly aquarium combines education and conservation with interactive exhibits and captivating animal encounters.
A brief summary to National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
- The Water's Edge, Brindley Pl, Birmingham, B1 2HL, GB
- +441216342610
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-3 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-3 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-3 pm
- Thursday 10 am-3 pm
- Friday 10 am-3 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-3:30 pm
Local tips
- Book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and access discounted rates.
- Visit on weekday mornings for fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience.
- Allocate 1.5 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the exhibits, talks, and feeding demonstrations.
- Explore nearby eateries in Brindleyplace, as indoor dining options inside the centre are limited.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train
From Birmingham New Street Station, take a 10-15 minute walk to the National SEA LIFE Centre. The route is mostly flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. No additional cost beyond train fare.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Brindleyplace with stops within 5 minutes’ walk of the centre. Typical journey times from central Birmingham range from 10 to 20 minutes. Single fares cost approximately £2-£3.
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Car
No dedicated parking at the attraction. Use nearby city centre car parks such as the Brindleyplace or Mailbox car parks. Parking fees vary but expect around £3-£5 per hour. Walking from car parks takes 5-10 minutes.
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Walking
If staying nearby in central Birmingham, walking to the centre is convenient and pleasant, taking about 15-20 minutes on mostly flat terrain with accessible pavements.
National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham
An Immersive Underwater Adventure
Step into the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham and embark on a journey beneath the waves. The centre’s highlight is the UK's only 360° ocean tunnel, where visitors walk through a transparent tunnel surrounded by sharks, giant turtles, rays, and hundreds of tropical fish swimming overhead and alongside. This unique design offers an unparalleled close-up view of marine life in a safe and captivating environment.Meet Fascinating Marine Creatures
Beyond the ocean tunnel, the centre is home to a variety of species including the UK's first rescued Alaskan sea otters, Ozzy and Ola, who have settled into the Marine Mammal Rescue Facility. Visitors can also enjoy watching the playful antics of Gentoo penguins in the Penguin Ice Adventure exhibit, where these feathered friends dive and frolic in icy waters. Jellyfish displays and reef edge tanks showcase mesmerizing aquatic life that highlights the diversity of underwater ecosystems.Conservation and Education at the Core
The National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham is deeply committed to marine conservation and animal welfare. The centre’s expert staff provide educational talks and feeding demonstrations that engage visitors of all ages, promoting awareness about ocean health and species protection. The centre also participates in rescue and rehabilitation efforts, particularly for marine mammals, reinforcing its role as a guardian of aquatic life.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Situated in the vibrant Brindleyplace area, the aquarium offers a lively yet tranquil atmosphere ideal for families, school groups, and marine enthusiasts. The centre is designed to be accessible and engaging, with interactive exhibits and informative signage throughout. While there are many places to eat and drink nearby, the centre itself has limited indoor dining options, encouraging visitors to explore the surrounding area for refreshments.Planning Your Visit
Open year-round with varying hours, the centre typically welcomes visitors from 10am to 4pm on weekdays and extends hours on weekends and holidays. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended to secure entry and take advantage of discounts. Visitors are advised to allocate 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and attend talks or feeding sessions. The centre is cashless, accepting contactless payments for any on-site purchases.Location and Accessibility
Located at The Water's Edge, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HL, the centre is easily accessible by public transport with Birmingham New Street station nearby. There is no dedicated parking on site, but multiple city centre car parks and street parking options are available. The venue is family-friendly and suitable for visitors of all ages, with facilities designed to accommodate diverse needs.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Historic England
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Chamberlain Memorial
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The Best of Birmingham Trail
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The River
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Chamberlain Clock
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The Jewellery Quarter Birmingham
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Workers Memorial
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St Chad's Catholic Cathedral
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Perrott's Folly
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Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
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St. Martin's
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Edgbaston Waterworks Tower
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The Selfridges Building
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West Midlands Police Museum
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Unmissable attractions to see
Ikon Gallery
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Birmingham Walk of Stars
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Symphony Hall
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Experience world-class acoustics and vibrant live performances at Birmingham’s iconic Symphony Hall on Broad Street.
Eleven Brindley Place
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A prestigious Grade A office building in Birmingham’s vibrant canalside Brindleyplace, blending modern workspaces with cultural and transport connectivity.
Lock 1, Farmers Bridge Locks
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Historic flight of 13 canal locks showcasing Birmingham’s industrial heritage and vibrant urban waterways.
Regency Wharf
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Scenic canals, vibrant dining, and cultural events converge at Birmingham’s dynamic Regency Wharf.
The Roundhouse
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Explore Birmingham’s iconic 19th-century horseshoe-shaped Roundhouse, a vibrant hub of heritage, culture, and canal adventures by the waterside.
Boulton, Watt and Murdoch
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Iconic gilded bronze statue celebrating Birmingham’s industrial pioneers Boulton, Watt, and Murdoch on Broad Street.
Centenary Winter Carousels
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Experience festive joy and colorful carousels in Birmingham’s vibrant Centenary Square during the magical winter season.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre & LEGO Store Birmingham
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An indoor LEGO playground in Birmingham with rides, Miniland, 4D cinema, and endless building fun for children aged 3–10 and their families.
Gas Street Basin
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Historic canal basin at Birmingham’s heart blending industrial heritage with vibrant waterside leisure and scenic urban charm.
Library of Birmingham
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Discover the Library of Birmingham: a modern architectural gem with vast collections, rooftop gardens, and vibrant cultural spaces in the city’s heart.
The Secret Garden
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Lock 3, Farmers Bridge Locks
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Hall of Memory
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Essential places to dine
Bank Restaurant Bar & Grill
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Sophisticated grill classics and fresh seafood in a stylish Brindleyplace setting with scenic canal terraces and vibrant atmosphere.
Aria Restaurant
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Glass-roofed fine dining sanctuary serving seasonal British cuisine in Birmingham's city centre.
The Coconut Tree Birmingham
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Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and unique island Cocotails in a lively, colorful setting at The Coconut Tree Birmingham.
Bistrot Pierre - Birmingham
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Authentic French bistro on Birmingham's canalside, serving traditional cuisine at accessible prices in a Grade II listed building.
Opheem
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Experience Michelin-starred Indian cuisine reimagined with British seasonal flair in Birmingham’s elegant Opheem.
Noel’s Bar and Restaurant
0.5 km
Mediterranean charm meets Birmingham's waterfront—where fresh pasta, charcoal grills, and craft cocktails create unforgettable canalside dining.
Dishoom Birmingham
0.6 km
A vibrant 1960s Bombay café in central Birmingham, serving bold Indian street food and classics in a theatrical, nostalgic setting with a large outdoor terrace.
Pasta Di Piazza
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Authentic Italian dining with generous portions and warm service in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter.
The Birmingham Stable
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A lively Birmingham pizza and cider bar with thin-crust sourdough, craft ciders, and a buzzing industrial-chic vibe – perfect for casual dinners and bottomless brunches.
The Button Factory
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A stylish blend of industrial heritage and modern dining, The Button Factory offers vibrant food, drinks, and rooftop vibes in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
Lasan Indian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
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Experience Birmingham’s premier fine dining Indian restaurant blending authentic flavors with modern culinary artistry in the stylish Jewellery Quarter.
Adam's Restaurant
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Michelin-starred modern British fine dining in Birmingham with creative cuisine, elegant Art Deco style, and impeccable service.
La Galleria
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Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Birmingham at La Galleria, where tradition meets generous portions and cozy charm.
Turtle Bay Birmingham
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Experience vibrant Caribbean flavours, lively reggae vibes, and 2-for-1 cocktails in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre.
Orelle
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Sophisticated French fine dining on the 24th floor with panoramic views across Birmingham’s skyline.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Harvey Nichols
0.6 km
Discover luxury fashion, beauty, and gourmet delights at Harvey Nichols Birmingham, a premier designer department store in The Mailbox.
Fine Jewellery Collections & Bespoke Design Service
0.7 km
Discover bespoke brilliance in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, where custom gems and fine collections craft heirlooms with personal stories etched in gold.
SACET
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Ethical elegance awaits at SACET, Birmingham's sustainable jewellery gem in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter—where timeless craft meets modern conscience.
Miniso
1.0 km
Bright, affordable design and collectable character goods — a family-friendly stop for pocket-money treats in Grand Central.
Artfull Expression
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Discover independent jewelry artistry in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter at Artfull Expression, where unique handcrafted designs blend historic craft with modern flair.
Top Jewellery UK
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Discover bespoke brilliance in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter at Top Jewellery, where family expertise crafts diamonds, gold, and silver into timeless treasures.
Buff Jewellery
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Timeless minimalist jewellery handcrafted in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter—personalised birthstone designs blending sentiment, subtlety, and modern British elegance for everyday sparkle.
Quarter Jewellery
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Adamas Antique Jewellery
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Ivy and Rose Gift Shop
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Urban Outfitters
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Arnett Creations - Unique Quality Jewellery
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A&N Jewellery
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Design Centre
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Alchemist Brindleyplace
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Malt House
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Slug & Lettuce - Birmingham
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Pitcher & Piano Birmingham
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The Distillery
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The Botanist Gas Street Basin
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Boom Battle Bar Birmingham Broad Street
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Aluna
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Gas Street Social
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The Pig & Tail
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Lucky7
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1000 Trades
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Reflex - Birmingham
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Rosies - Birmingham
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Snobs
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King of clubs
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PAVO Birmingham
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Tunnel Club Birmingham
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Mango Night Club
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Bambu Nightclub
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101 Night Club
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Sobar
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Dreams Night club and Shisha
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Nightingale Club
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DIAMOND SPARKLEZ
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Ignite your night in Birmingham's diamond district at this glittering nightclub, where top DJs, stunning lights, and electric crowds create pure nightlife magic.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Family Friendly
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Educational
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly