SEA LIFE Brighton
Step inside the historic Victorian building of the world’s oldest operating aquarium, SEA LIFE Brighton, and explore themed marine zones from colourful coral reefs to shark-filled ocean tunnels. Discover 5,000+ marine creatures, listen to daily talks, and witness feeding sessions in a space just minutes from Brighton Pier.
48M+ travellers love us
Delivering best in class experience
Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
-
Discover the ocean by day and night at the world’s oldest operating aquarium, home to the UK’s largest collection of sharks and rays under one roof.
-
Admire the striking Victorian Gothic architecture as you explore habitats housing 5,000+ marine creatures, including the immersive underwater tunnel.
-
Get up close to species such as Blacktip Reef Sharks, Zebra Sharks, Blotched Tail Stingrays, and a vibrant array of starfish from oceans around the world.
-
Step into tropical zones with glowing coral reefs, visit the seahorse nursery, and spot green sea turtles and sharks from the glass-bottom boat experience.
-
Join daily expert talks to learn about marine conservation and animal behaviour, then plan your visit around feeding sessions to watch marine species in action.
More details
-
Discover the ocean by day and night at the world’s oldest operating aquarium, home to the UK’s largest collection of sharks and rays under one roof.
-
Admire the striking Victorian Gothic architecture as you explore habitats housing 5,000+ marine creatures, including the immersive underwater tunnel.
-
Get up close to species such as Blacktip Reef Sharks, Zebra Sharks, Blotched Tail Stingrays, and a vibrant array of starfish from oceans around the world.
-
Step into tropical zones with glowing coral reefs, visit the seahorse nursery, and spot green sea turtles and sharks from the glass-bottom boat experience.
-
Join daily expert talks to learn about marine conservation and animal behaviour, then plan your visit around feeding sessions to watch marine species in action.
-
Enjoy anytime entry to SEA LIFE Brighton with no fixed time slots, giving you the flexibility to arrive when it suits you and explore at your own pace.
-
Step inside the world’s oldest operating aquarium and discover over 5,000 marine creatures within a striking Victorian setting.
-
Walk through the immersive Ocean Tunnel and watch sharks, rays, and tropical fish glide overhead for an impressive close-up encounter.
-
See the UK’s largest collection of sharks and rays under one roof, including blacktip reef sharks, zebra sharks, and impressive stingrays.
-
Enhance your visit with daily expert talks and feeding sessions, where aquarists share insights into marine conservation, animal behaviour, and feeding routines.
More details
-
Enjoy anytime entry to SEA LIFE Brighton with no fixed time slots, giving you the flexibility to arrive when it suits you and explore at your own pace.
-
Step inside the world’s oldest operating aquarium and discover over 5,000 marine creatures within a striking Victorian setting.
-
Walk through the immersive Ocean Tunnel and watch sharks, rays, and tropical fish glide overhead for an impressive close-up encounter.
-
See the UK’s largest collection of sharks and rays under one roof, including blacktip reef sharks, zebra sharks, and impressive stingrays.
-
Enhance your visit with daily expert talks and feeding sessions, where aquarists share insights into marine conservation, animal behaviour, and feeding routines.
-
Dive into SEA LIFE Brighton with flexible entry on your chosen date, giving you the freedom to explore exhibits at your own pace.
-
Walk through the Day & Night Ocean Experience and the underwater tunnel to see coral reefs, reef fish, sharks, rays, and tropical species up close.
-
Discover themed areas such as the Victorian Arcade, Rainforest Adventure, and Conservation Cove, each showcasing unique habitats and marine life.
-
Step away from the exhibits and immerse yourself in a 360° VR adventure that brings marine habitats vividly to life.
-
Join daily expert talks and feeding sessions to learn about animal behaviour and conservation and enhance your visit with a mission pack or guidebook for deeper insight into SEA LIFE Brighton’s marine world.
More details
-
Dive into SEA LIFE Brighton with flexible entry on your chosen date, giving you the freedom to explore exhibits at your own pace.
-
Walk through the Day & Night Ocean Experience and the underwater tunnel to see coral reefs, reef fish, sharks, rays, and tropical species up close.
-
Discover themed areas such as the Victorian Arcade, Rainforest Adventure, and Conservation Cove, each showcasing unique habitats and marine life.
-
Step away from the exhibits and immerse yourself in a 360° VR adventure that brings marine habitats vividly to life.
-
Join daily expert talks and feeding sessions to learn about animal behaviour and conservation and enhance your visit with a mission pack or guidebook for deeper insight into SEA LIFE Brighton’s marine world.
-
Encounter sharks, rays, stingrays, and over 5,000 marine creatures up close in carefully curated habitats at SEA LIFE Brighton.
-
Explore immersive environments, including the Day & Night Ocean exhibit, the underwater tunnel and the Rainforest Adventure for a close-up look at marine life.
-
Step into a fully immersive VR experience, exploring marine worlds in 360° for a unique and interactive perspective on the ocean.
-
Enjoy a family-friendly visit with flexible entry, hands-on mission packs, and engaging exhibits designed to educate and entertain guests of all ages.
-
Watch expert talks and live feeding sessions, where aquarists share insights into animal behaviour, conservation efforts, and the care of marine creatures.
More details
-
Encounter sharks, rays, stingrays, and over 5,000 marine creatures up close in carefully curated habitats at SEA LIFE Brighton.
-
Explore immersive environments, including the Day & Night Ocean exhibit, the underwater tunnel and the Rainforest Adventure for a close-up look at marine life.
-
Step into a fully immersive VR experience, exploring marine worlds in 360° for a unique and interactive perspective on the ocean.
-
Enjoy a family-friendly visit with flexible entry, hands-on mission packs, and engaging exhibits designed to educate and entertain guests of all ages.
-
Watch expert talks and live feeding sessions, where aquarists share insights into animal behaviour, conservation efforts, and the care of marine creatures.
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Similar things to do in Brighton
About SEA LIFE Brighton
SEA LIFE Brighton is a highlight of any marine adventure, offering the chance to walk beneath sharks, meet rescued turtles, and experience the ocean’s wonders in a historic setting. Its blend of interactive exhibits and educational talks makes it a top pick for wildlife lovers exploring the UK’s best aquariums.
SEA LIFE Brighton opened in 1872, making it the world’s oldest continuously operating aquarium.
The aquarium’s grand Victorian arcade is a Grade II listed building, preserving its original 19th-century charm.
Its Ocean Tunnel allows visitors to walk beneath sharks and turtles in a 360° underwater experience.
The Day & Night Coral Reef exhibit showcases the same reef by day and by night, featuring bioluminescent and nocturnal species.
SEA LIFE Brighton offers a unique glass-bottom boat ride, letting guests view marine life from above the main shark tank.
Why visit SEA LIFE Brighton?
Plan your visit
Main Entrance (Victorian Arcade)
Located on Marine Parade, immediately adjacent to Brighton Palace Pier, the Main Entrance is set within a grand Victorian glass-roofed arcade. This entrance is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free access from the pavement and automatic doors. Ramps and lifts are available inside for easy movement between levels, making it suitable for visitors with strollers or mobility aids.
- Regular Hours: Open daily from 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm. Hours may extend during school holidays and peak summer months—always check the official website for up-to-date timings.
- Last Entry: Final admission is strictly at 3pm.
- Special Hours/Closures: Closed on Christmas Day (December 25) and occasionally for private events or maintenance. Some exhibits or experiences (like the glass-bottom boat ride) may have separate operating hours or be unavailable during refurbishment—check ahead for updates.
A souvenir shop is located near the exit, offering marine-themed gifts, toys, and memorabilia.
Dining outlets are available on-site, offering snacks and refreshments for visitors.
Toilets are available within the aquarium, including accessible facilities.
First aid assistance is available. Please approach a staff member if you require medical attention during your visit.
An information desk is located at the entrance for visitor queries and assistance.
SEA LIFE Brighton is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and lifts throughout the aquarium.
Service animals are welcome throughout the aquarium.
Elevator access is available for guests with mobility needs.
Nearby cities to explore
How Headout makes choosing experiences effortless
