Sea Life Centre -- Blackpool

11:18am Friday 16th May 2008

Sea Life Centres are much more than buildings full of fish tanks.

And the walk inside transparent pools full of sharks aren't necessarily the best part.There's lots more in these well-designed aquariums to keep you interested for hours.

The Sea Life on Blackpool's seafront is the best of several I've visited over the years. On a recent visit I still found much to surprise and fascinate despite my many trips to aquariums.

There are 50 different displays including several imaginative themed galleries. There are of course exotic fishes from around the world but also creatures from our own waters.

Most are in large tanks, some open-topped, set out to recreate their natural habitats. In these settings even the ugly, dull-coloured fish from the harbours and sands around Blackpool are interesting.

First up is a rock pool when you can touch and handle creatures like crabs and shrimps. Our kids spent ages chatting with the enthusiastic and informative young keeper of these creatures.

Then the British fish, including rays and small sharks, in large walk-round tanks including one portraying a Victorian pier. Here we listened to one of the frequent talks that gave us new insights into the most normal or fish.

The exotic galleries came next, like the seahorses, Amazonia, and the coral seas with their delightful "Nemos".

Particularly effective is Legend of Blackbeard where fish swim around and old wreck while you listen to an old pirate's tales. Then it's on to the Lost City of Atlantis, the showcase walk through a transparent tunnel while eight-foot-long sharks swim around you.

The only disappointment of our visit was surprisingly the newest gallery, Suckers, where we could find only one octopus and a shoal of Nautilus.

But this was just one blip in a very interesting and informative morning.

In short: better than the average aquarium.

Duration: two to three hours.

Age suitability: all ages.

Access: all on ground floor, wheelchair accessible.

Extras: well-stocked gift shop, cafe, talks.

Open: from 10am daily Prices: free for under threes; £11.50 adults, 15-plus; £8.50 children aged 3-14 years; £9.95 seniors and students; £35.00 family (2+2).

Getting there: in the centre of Blackpool on the seafront, train station 10 minutes away; bus/coach stations nearby.

Parking: car parks in the town.

Website: www.sealife.co.uk Phone: 01253 622445

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