We're very familiar with SEA LIFE Manchester, we've visited many times, but SEA LIFE Blackpool is different. Whereas Manchester have Turtles and Octopus and more Tropical creatures, Blackpool have more Sharks, Jellyfish and Rainforest creatures. (Click on any image to make it bigger).
They do have the familiar Sea Life paper divers goggles, which my partner decided he was wearing. They also have stamps for you to collect as you go around the exhibits. If you collect them all, you can collect a reward from the shop staff at the end.
One of the first things you find is a huge 'shipwreck' tank full of fish. Staff in this room give talks and advice about sustainable fish, including recipes for whichever fish are in season.
In my household we tend to go with the opinion that no fish is sustainable, but the ones mentioned are less at risk of extinction and more safely farmed without wiping out everything else in their path.
The shipwreck isn't the only novel way to look at the fish and other creatures, the tanks at SEA LIFE Blackpool are full of viewing bubbles with 'fish eye' glass. There is a large walk-through tunnel and a smaller one for children, and even an entire room that's decked out as a cabin with a glass roof.
One of the things I found most impressive is a huge glass wall. SEA LIFE Blackpool really have a special focus on sharks and this is a great way to watch them.
There's lots of information around the walls at SEA LIFE, and as my boys have got older they have started to pay more attention to it, reading facts aloud as they go. I totally agree that shark fin soup is definitely tasteless...
There is plenty for your more hands-on child, including a 'touch pool' which was stocked with all kinds of sea life. The member of staff was lovely with the children and happy to explain everything in the tank.
SEA LIFE Blackpool does have turtles and there were some very cute babies who followed their mother everywhere. If you visit soon then don't miss them.
There are a couple of familiar movie characters for younger children to spot...
And the stars of many cheesy horror films - piranhas!
Right at the end SEA LIFE Blackpool also has a small soft play area and a really nice little cafe area, and you can peep into the 'Behind The Scenes Discovery Tour' room. It fascinated my boys.... maybe next time.
Entry to SEA LIFE costs £17.50/14.50 on the day or £13.00/10.50 booked in advance online. You can pre-book tickets and find out more on the SEA LIFE Blackpool website.
For better value you can get the Blackpool Resort Pass - this is what we used.
The Original Blackpool Resort Pass costs £55.00 per person, includes 6 attractions and lasts for 7 days:
Blackpool Pleasure Beach (wristbands for the rides)
Nickelodeon Land
The Blackpool Tower Eye and 4D Experience
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon
SEA LIFE Blackpool
Madame Tussauds Blackpool
Blackpool Resort Pass Plus has the 6 attractions listed above, plus Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool Zoo and the Blackpool Model Village & Gardens
You can add extras to your pass for reduced prices, including:
Tickets and Attractions: e.g. Sandcastle Waterpark £11 or Ripleys Believe It Or Not £5.50/2.50
Shows and Events: e.g. Hot Ice matinee £6.00, High Jinx Family Ticket £32.00
Transport and Parking: e.g. Blackpool Transport 7 Day Adult Ticket £11, 3 Day Parking Pass £12.00
Food and Drink: e.g. £30 Coral Island Food Voucher £25.00
Find out more about the Blackpool Resort Pass on the Visit Blackpool website.
Coming up in Blackpool:
Blackpool Air Show (12th – 13th August)
Ride The Lights (29th August)
Blackpool Illuminations Switch-On (1st September)
World Fireworks Championship Blackpool (8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th September)
SLIMEFEST (21st - 23rd October)
We were treated to the attractions and tram rides during our day in Blackpool in order to review.
Blackpool is awesome. We have been to this sealife and it's fantastic. The pirate golf is cool too x
ReplyDeleteI've not done the Pirate Golf! We'll have to try that one next time we visit :D
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