By Mac 
Key Takeaways for SEA LIFE Blackpool Guide
- SEA LIFE Blackpool houses over 2,500 marine creatures across themed zones, including the Ocean Tunnel and Rainforest Adventure.
- Located directly on Blackpool Promenade, it’s one of the resort’s most popular family attractions.
- Features immersive walk-through tunnels, hands-on rockpools, and feeding demonstrations.
- Combine your visit with multi-attraction passes for savings with Madame Tussauds or Blackpool Tower.
- Open year-round with seasonal events, educational programs, and experience upgrades.
Introduction to SEA LIFE Blackpool Guide
If you’re looking for a family attraction that combines learning, discovery and fun, SEA LIFE Blackpool delivers an unforgettable underwater adventure. Situated on the Promenade, this coastal aquarium lets you explore the world beneath the waves without leaving the seaside.
From sharks and turtles to clownfish and jellyfish, more than 2,500 creatures call SEA LIFE Blackpool home. The attraction’s mix of themed zones, conservation storytelling and hands-on experiences makes it perfect for all ages. Whether it’s your first visit or part of a family holiday, this guide covers everything you need to plan your trip - including ticket options, must-see highlights, food facilities, history, and insider tips.
History
SEA LIFE Blackpool first opened in 1990, transforming a former seaside arcade space into an educational marine exhibit. It was developed as part of the growing SEA LIFE network - a group of aquariums across the UK designed to bring visitors closer to ocean life through conservation and interactive displays.
Over the decades, SEA LIFE Blackpool has expanded to include the Ocean Tunnel, Rockpool Experience, Rainforest Adventure, and Four Corners of the World zones. Continuous investment has introduced new lighting, filtration, and animal-care technology, ensuring a safe, sustainable environment for every species. Today, it stands as one of Merlin Entertainments’ flagship family attractions and a major part of Blackpool’s year-round tourism offering.
What’s Included
A standard SEA LIFE Blackpool ticket gives access to:
- All main exhibition zones and tanks throughout the aquarium.
- The Ocean Tunnel, home to sharks, rays, and the famous sea turtle Phoenix.
- Rainforest Adventure – meet frogs, snakes, and freshwater fish.
- Rockpool Zone – hands-on discovery pool where visitors can touch starfish and anemones.
- Themed areas include Four Corners of the World and Stingray Adventure.
- Daily talks and feeding demonstrations by aquarists.
- Optional upgrades such as snorkelling with sharks, turtle feeds, or VR Undersea Explorer.
Must-See Highlights
Ocean Tunnel
Walk beneath the waves through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and sea turtles. The panoramic view gives a 360-degree perspective of marine life in motion.
Rainforest Adventure
Step into a humid tropical habitat filled with piranhas, snakes, and brightly coloured frogs - a vibrant contrast to the coastal displays.
Rockpool Experience
A hands-on zone perfect for children where they can gently interact with sea stars, crabs, and shells under staff supervision.
Stingray Adventure
Watch elegant rays glide effortlessly through the water in a purpose-built tank designed for close-up viewing.
Jellyfish Displays
Mesmerising, illuminated tanks reveal the beauty of jellyfish in colour-changing light sequences.
Practical Info & Tips
- Duration: Allow around 1.5–2 hours for a relaxed visit.
- Opening Hours: Open daily, with last entry usually one hour before closing; seasonal hours apply.
- Tickets: Advance online tickets are cheaper than walk-up admission.
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible; lifts and step-free routes throughout.
- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons for smaller crowds.
- Photos: Non-flash photography permitted; underwater shots through glass allowed.
Money-Saving Tips
- Book online in advance for early-bird prices.
- Bundle SEA LIFE Blackpool with Madame Tussauds or Blackpool Tower via a multi-attraction pass.
- Off-peak weekdays often mean quieter tanks and shorter queues.
Michael Wan's Wok Inn - Blackpool
Food & Rest Facilities
- On-Site Café: Light snacks, sandwiches, hot drinks, and children’s lunch boxes are available inside the aquarium.
- Nearby Options: Numerous eateries and cafes line the Promenade - perfect for a meal before or after your visit.
- Rest Areas: Benches and seating near the exit and midway zones for breaks.
- Facilities: Baby-changing areas, accessible toilets, and stroller-friendly routes are provided.
Good to Know
- Flash photography is discouraged near sensitive tanks.
- Some exhibits use darker lighting or sound effects to mimic underwater conditions.
- Animal feeding experiences must be pre-booked.
- The gift shop located near the exit offers eco-friendly souvenirs and marine-themed gifts.
Getting There
Address: Promenade, Blackpool FY1 5AA, Lancashire, England
- By Car: Follow signs for Blackpool Promenade; parking available nearby in Central Car Park.
- By Tram: Stops directly opposite SEA LIFE Blackpool.
- By Train: Around a 10-minute walk from Blackpool North Station.
- By Bus: Local services stop on the Promenade close to the aquarium entrance.
Seasonal Events & Extras
SEA LIFE Blackpool hosts themed events throughout the year:
- Shark Week educational programs (summer).
- Rainforest Discovery Month with additional talks.
- Ocean Protectors Week featuring conservation activities.
- Halloween “Ascarium” event for families.
- Festive Fishmas during the winter holidays.
Book SEA LIFE Blackpool Tickets
Book your SEA LIFE Blackpool tickets today and explore an incredible underwater world of sharks, turtles, and rays. Choose standard admission or save with multi-attraction passes.
See SEA LIFE Blackpool Tickets →
FAQs about SEA LIFE Blackpool
How many creatures live at SEA LIFE Blackpool?
Over 2,500 aquatic animals across multiple zones
Are there age restrictions?
Suitable for all ages. Under-2s enter free; children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I combine this visit with other attractions?
Yes - multi-attraction passes combine SEA LIFE with the Tower, Madame Tussauds, or the Dungeon.
How long does the visit take?
Most guests spend 90 minutes to two hours exploring the exhibits.
Is food allowed inside?
Outside food isn’t permitted, but there’s an on-site cafe and rest areas.
What extra experiences are available?
Optional snorkelling with sharks, turtle feeds, and virtual reality undersea adventures are offered (advance booking required).
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Nearby Attractions
- Blackpool Tower – observation deck, Ballroom, and Circus nearby.
- Madame Tussauds Blackpool – life-size celebrity wax figures and themed zones.
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach – classic seaside theme park for thrill-seekers.
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Important Information
The information in this article is provided as a guide only. Attraction details such as timings, durations, and inclusions may change or vary. Always check the official booking page before confirming your tickets to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information.