CATEGORY · RAINY DAY APPROVED
Aquariums & Sea Life in Reading
Reading itself doesn't have an aquarium, so the closest option is a longer trip out to London. SEA LIFE London Aquarium sits on the South Bank right by the London Eye, and it's all indoors, with sharks, penguins, turtles and a walk-through ocean tunnel to work your way past. Tickets start from £28, which stings a bit if there are several of you, so it's one to book ahead rather than turn up on the day. There's a gift shop, baby change and accessible toilets, and it's all reachable by public transport once you're in the city, which helps if you're not driving all that way yourselves. Toddlers will get plenty from the tunnel and the penguins, while older kids can take their time with the sharks. Just budget the whole day for it, since it's not a quick stop from Reading.
7 places 3 free to visit
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
FreeHenry 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
from £32Jolly 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
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
from £28SEA 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
FreeSquire'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
FreeThe Nature Discovery Centre
Thatcham
Free lakeside reserve for feeding ducks, exploring an adventure playground and walking signposted trails around the water.
Accessible toiletBaby changeBlue badge parkingCafé+7 more
Good to know: aquariums & sea life in Reading
Are any of them free?
Yes, Henry Street Garden Centre, Squire's Garden Centre and The Nature Discovery 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, London, Stanmore and 1 more. Every place we list is in or around Reading, and each listing has the full address and directions.
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