London Aquarium

London Aquarium Overview

A relative newcomer onto the London tourist scene, opening in 1997, the London Aquarium has nevertheless quickly established itself as a firm favourite among visitors, particularly those with children in tow.

Indeed, more than a million people every year step in from the hustle and bustle of the South Bank to walk the corridors through its numerous tanks, which contain between them more than two million litres of water and are home to hundreds of examples of aquatic life from across the globe.

Early in 2008, the aquarium was purchased by Merlin Entertainments. In its capacity as the world's second-largest attractions operator, it looks certain that the future is bright for the venue, particularly as it is set to rebranded under the world-famous 'Sea Life' brand.

As well as welcoming nature-loving tourists, the London Aquarium also works with partners across the world in research, breeding and conservation projects, while its status as a conference venue gives businessmen the chance to network and make deals under the watchful gaze of deadly sharks.

London Aquarium Location

Somewhat incongruously, the aquarium is housed within the ground floor of County Hall, on the south side of the River Thames, with the Greater London Assembly running the capital above and a permanent exhibition of Salvador Dali's work next door.

Its South Bank location is ideal for tourists wanting to make the most of what the city has to offer. Just metres away is the now-iconic London Eye observational wheel, while a stroll along the river leads visitors to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe theatre in one direction and to the Houses of Parliament in the other.

Almost right next to Waterloo overland and underground train station, the aquarium is easily reached by foot over the Waterloo Bridge from London's West End, including Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square.

Why Visit the London Aquarium?

Nothing quite rivals the tranquillity of life underwater when it comes to getting away from the hectic pace and noise of London's centre. Situated right in the heart of the city, the aquarium offers tourists something that little bit different and guarantees to be a memorable day out.

Not merely an oversized goldfish bowl, the attraction is located across three floors and 14 different zones, including freshwater stream, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, coral reef and rainforest. As such, it provides a fascinating insight into the sheer variety of aquatic life, though for most visitors, the highlight will be the Pacific Ocean tank, home to Sand Tiger Sharks, Nurse Sharks and Brown Sharks.

In addition, visitors are encouraged to get hands-on at the Ray Touch Pool, safe in the knowledge that their entrance fee is helping to fund vital research into some of the world's most endangered and little-understood creatures.