Sea Life London Aquarium

Sea Life London Aquarium stands on the South Bank of the River Thames in County Hall, a short walk from the London Eye. Opened in 1997, it became part of the Sea Life chain in 2009 after Merlin Entertainments took over. More than a million people visit each year, making it one of the capital’s busiest attractions. The building sits among other popular sites like the London Dungeon and Shrek’s Adventure. Its location offers easy access by river boat or underground. The aquarium has pioneered exhibits such as robot fish built by Essex University in 2005. These autonomous models swam freely, copying real fish behaviour. A £5 million refurbishment in 2009 added an underwater tunnel and Shark Walk. Architect Kay Elliott led the redesign, introducing a new Pacific Ocean tank and rerouted visitor routes. In 2011 a penguin exhibit opened with ten gentoo penguins from Edinburgh Zoo. Visitors find classrooms used for conservation talks and school programmes. Breeding programmes focus on species like Cuban crocodiles and seahorses. The aquarium works with groups such as Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society and the Shark Trust. Glass tunnels let guests walk beneath tanks holding rays and sharks. Gentoo penguins waddle on rocky platforms beside their pool. The displays aim to teach while entertaining families and school groups.