SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Reviews

• NA

  Nyx Artt

  4 days ago
  1.0
  I want to say that I love aquariums and I understand they play an important role in conservation and research. I also understand that kids are kids, and it is to be expected that they are clumsy and a bit loud, that said, this experience was horrible. I thought getting a ticket at a certain hour meant they took group control seriously. It was packed, full, I could barely see the fish. Most people were families with kids, they brought buggies, and instead of placing them in the designated FREE zone they simply walked them around. Kids were screaming at the top of their lungs, and I mean that. I could barely hear the ambient music. Adults were also talking loudly, some even reading the information panels out loud. No one corrected the children's behaviour. Lots of people also stopped in the middle of the track to take photos of themselves, not allowing others to keep on walking. There was also barely any information on the species of fish and other animals. And it was hard to read anything with the electronic panels changing all the time. Too much virtual reality too. I don't recommend coming to this attraction unless they start managing the number of crowds, and people learn basic manners.
• JB

  Justine Burton

  6 days ago
  1.0
  The last time I visited here was in the 90's as a child, I can say it hasn't changed/improved at all in 30 years. In fact its probably got worse. The place was cramped, overcrowded and felt dirty. It was dark and dingey and like a rabbit Warren... I did not feel confident that if an emergency arose there would be an adequate quick safe exit. There was also a pungent smell of sewage at one point where they had placed a large fan to circulate air in an attempt to rid the smell. Most the the exhibits were very boring and empty and small! Animals looked particularly bored, notably the penguin enclosure which I wish I hadn't even seen as it was quite distressing and sad sight. Penguins in an enclosure underground with no natural light and hardly any room or stimulation. It was utterly depressing to watch. Particularly one single penguin which stood looking almost in a trance like state at the viewing window. I feel terrible that I wasted my money on this tourist trap and feel worse for the animals that have to endure it for the rest of their lives. Also on leaving the attraction I was totally shocked there was no permanent step free access. My son is disabled but uses a push chair and I had to just take hom in it down steps. This outdated circus should have stayed where I last viewed, it in the 90's.
• AV

  Alessandro Vullo

  Aug 27, 2026
  1.0
  Extremely disappointing experience — unacceptable behaviour from a member of staff I have visited SEA LIFE London with my family, expecting what should have been an enjoyable day out. Unfortunately, what happened during our visit completely overshadowed the experience. We had a disagreement with a member of staff following a situation where we had not heard an instruction/indication that had been. However, the way this particular member of staff handled the situation was, in my opinion, completely unacceptable. What I found particularly shocking was that, during the exchange, she referred to my wife as “stupid.” There is absolutely no justification for a member of staff speaking to a customer in that way, regardless of how frustrating a situation may have been. You can explain a rule, correct a misunderstanding or ask someone to comply with an instruction without personally insulting them. To make matters worse, while she was speaking to me, she repeatedly touched my hand while I was trying to talk. I found this extremely inappropriate and uncomfortable. There is simply no reason for a member of staff to put their hands on a customer during a verbal disagreement, particularly when the customer is already trying to explain their side of the situation. I am autistic, and unexpected physical contact, particularly during an already stressful or confrontational situation, can be extremely overwhelming for me. Being touched while I was trying to communicate made the situation significantly more distressing than it otherwise might have been. I would hope that staff understand that they cannot know what personal circumstances or disabilities a visitor may have, and therefore should always respect personal boundaries and avoid unnecessary physical contact. What makes this even more disappointing is that we were there as a family and simply wanted to enjoy our day. Instead, we were left feeling disrespected and extremely uncomfortable because of the behaviour of one member of staff. I sincerely hope management takes this complaint seriously, reviews what happened and speaks to the member of staff involved. I would also strongly encourage SEA LIFE to remind its staff that they can enforce rules firmly while still treating visitors with dignity and respect. Very disappointing. I would like to see this addressed properly by management.
• RA

  Roger Anto

  Aug 25, 2026
  5.0
  Outstanding venue. Firstly the facts that one should know in advance. This IS expensive and subject to overcrowding (it is literally in the centre of London so should come as zero surprise). Once you are aware of this you're free to make the most of it. I took my 4-year old son here for a visit in peak tourist season at the start of August for my first visit in 20-years. As mentioned it was expensive for the two of us even with the government subside on VAT and dang if it hasn't been improved in the years. Once you gain perspective you can begin to understand why it's spenny and what it takes to run a facility like this. There is an abundance of sea life to introduce and experience and as amazing as you can get outside of actually being in their natural habitat. The amount of interactive stations that teach and sample was brilliant and we loved every second of it. Each area was glorious and contains an array of beautiful creatures (course the hammerhead were our favourite). Only drawback was the fact there isn't a tiger shark anymore but, seriously this is a MUST for any family and has given me some cherished memories forevermore.
• AK

  A K

  Aug 24, 2026
  1.0
  Visited: 14th Friday 2026 at 14:00 How long spent: Up to 3 hours I don’t know who thought it’ll be the greatest idea to have 14 penguins in a basement of an Aquarium in London. I understand that Gentoo penguins are able to live in warmer condition however, it was way too stuffy with a lack of airflow. I have seen repeated videos of the penguins standing still and facing out towards the fake image on the wall, which has been going on for months since last year autumn. I am aware that when in warm temperatures the penguins tend to move less. Despite that, even when it was winter they were expressing that same behaviour which means there SHOULD be a concern for the welfare of animals maintained within this aquarium. They are living with artificial light,artificial ice and only have 6 feet of water to swim in. That is not deep enough to imitate how a penguin would behave in their own natural environment. I get that the lights change for the environment but being in a basement l Is unsuitable especially in London. You state that you put bands on the penguins to check on their general wellbeing and track behaviour however this has clearly been disregarded. As mentioned before, the way they have behaved such as being pressed up against the wall looking at the images, constantly sleeping/resting as a way to keep them busy. Although, gentoo do tend to rest they are still usually active. I have not witnessed one of them swim in the water to be active. Also felt like one penguin kept over grooming themselves in a specific spot. Maybe the staff took of care of it, I don’t know? Along with checking your previous responses to feedback with customers you have stated that you follow “pretty strict rules and regulations”. Clearly, this has not been strict enough. If I am seeing concerns by animal campaigns and news journalists expressing their disappointment with SEA Life then obviously you should be paying attention to this, which you have not done…just brushed it off. In addition, with the veterinarians and so called experts you say, I would suggest - since you do ask for suggestions in previous responses -that you find better ones. Following up, I have read your following responses to feedback that if the penguins are not in suitable conditions ‘they would not be here.’ This response sounds unprofessional which again completely disregarded…Despite you saying this, SEA Life have had allegations and investigations. I know that nothing has been found but this again shows other people have had previous concerns for the penguins and still to this day. Other visitors also showed concern for the penguins when I was there. Also annoying to see and hear children banging on the glass to get the penguins attention. Insanely disrespectful and poor parenting, lack of control of their children. Other than that…fishes were alright.

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