The aquarium was originally opened in 1997 in the basement of the former Greater London Council headquarters.
The facility contains over 2 million liters of water across its various tanks.
It features a 'Shark Walk,' a glass platform suspended directly over a pool containing tropical sharks.
The aquarium maintains a specialized breeding program for various jellyfish species.
Some of the displays utilize 'theming' that incorporates the architectural history of the County Hall building.
It houses a colony of Gentoo penguins as part of an international breeding and conservation effort.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium is located within the historic County Hall building on the South Bank of the River Thames. The facility houses over 500 species of aquatic creatures across three floors of themed zones. A signature feature is the glass tunnel walk-through located under the Atlantic and Pacific display tanks. The aquarium includes a dedicated rainforest adventure zone and a coral reef habitat. It serves as a conservation hub for shark and sea turtle protection programs. The exhibits span diverse biomes, ranging from British coastal rock pools to tropical ocean environments. It is a major attraction within the London County Hall complex, directly across the river from the Houses of Parliament.
Inside the glass Ocean Tunnel, looking up as sharks and rays pass overhead.
Book your entry time slot online in advance to guarantee access during peak school holiday periods.
Visit during the 'quiet hours' early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds in the narrow tunnel sections.
Check the daily feeding schedule upon arrival to see expert talks near the main tanks.
Avoid arriving without a pre-booked slot, as walk-up entry is often unavailable during busy seasons.
Refrain from using camera flash, as it startles the animals and damages the visual environment in dark zones.
