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Aquariums & Sea Life in London

If you fancy sharks and penguins without leaving the centre of town, SEA LIFE London Aquarium on the South Bank is the one. Tucked by the London Eye, it has an ocean tunnel, turtles and a penguin enclosure, all indoors, so it works whatever the forecast says. Tickets start from £28, which is worth building into the day out along with the Eye or a South Bank walk. It suits most ages, with baby changing facilities and toilets on site, plus a gift shop for the walk out. Booking ahead is required rather than optional, so sort tickets before you set off rather than turning up on the day. There's step-free access throughout and it's an easy trip on public transport, so no need to worry about parking in central London.

7 places 3 free to visit

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Colourful water slide tubes in bright yellow, orange and red against a clear blue sky at a water park.

Coral Reef Waterworld

Bracknell

Five water slides, an erupting volcano and a pirate ship in the pool, plus a spa for the grown-ups if you can prise yourself away.

Accessible toiletBirthday partiesBlue badge parkingBooking required+5 more

Woman and young girl planting flowers together in a sunny garden surrounded by potted plants and a red watering can.

Free

Henry Street Garden Centre

Reading

A free-to-wander garden centre in Reading with a Christmas trail for kids and a proper restaurant for the grown-ups.

CaféRestaurant

Red and yellow pirate ship ride swinging high with passengers, surrounded by themed playground structures and tropical plants.

from £32

Jolly Rocker

Windsor · ages 1+

A LEGO-built theme park with over 55 rides, from a swinging pirate galleon to a 30mph coaster and a splash park in summer.

Birthday partiesCaféGift shopGroup bookings+6 more

Garden shop display viewed through wooden trellis, with flowering plants in foreground and stone ornaments and statuary visible inside.

Moss End Garden Village

Bracknell

A garden village with reef aquariums, reptiles, birds of prey and a pottery studio all under one roof, plus free parking all day.

Accessible toiletBaby changeBlue badge parkingCafé+5 more

Free

Raphael Park

Romford

A free 44-acre park with a big fenced play area, twelve tennis courts and a lake to walk round until dusk.

CaféFood on siteParkingRestaurant+1 more

Child watching illuminated jellyfish swimming behind glass at an aquarium tank.

from £28

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

London

South Bank aquarium by the London Eye - sharks, penguins, turtles and an ocean tunnel indoors.

ToiletsAccessible toiletBaby changeGift shop+6 more

Staff member in green Squires uniform holding a slice of cake in a garden centre café.

Free

Squire's Garden Centre

Stanmore

A free-to-enter garden centre with an aquatics room of tanks and reptiles, plus pottery painting and a café that stops hot food at 3.30pm.

CaféDog friendlyFree parkingIndoor seating+4 more

Good to know: aquariums & sea life in London

Are any of them free?

Yes, Henry Street Garden Centre, Raphael Park and Squire's Garden Centre are free to visit.

What does a paid visit cost?

Paid entry starts from £28 at SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.

Whereabouts are they?

You'll find aquariums & sea life in Bracknell, Reading, Windsor, Romford, London and 1 more. Every place we list is in or around London, and each listing has the full address and directions.