Why SEA LIFE Brighton Is More Than Just The Oldest Aquarium In The World

Did you know that the world’s oldest aquarium is still operational and houses over 5,000 marine species? No, right? Let us tell you, SEA LIFE in Brighton, UK, is the oldest operating aquarium in the world. It opened in 1872 and has stayed a favourite spot for marine life lovers ever since. With a rich and complex history, this aquarium also has themed zones, which let you experience marine life in a very unique way!

SEA LIFE In Brighton- The Oldest Aquarium In The World 

We have all seen aquariums, the sea creatures, the glass tanks, and the mystery inside the water. But SEA LIFE in Brighton does more than that. It does not just show you marine life. It stuns you with its Victorian architecture, too. From colourful clownfish to magical seahorses, this place has it all. But do you know that the oldest aquarium in the world has a rich history, too? Let’s rewind a bit and look at its rich past: 

• English architect Eugenius Birch designed this aquarium, who is the civil engineer behind the West Pier. Its construction started in 1869, and the doors for the aquarium opened in 1872. The total estimated cost? £133000(₹1.5 crore approx.)! Unbelievable, right?
  
• The inside of the aquarium was inspired by Gothic and Pompeian styles. They used Bath stone and red Edinburgh granite for the arches and statues. Birch even added a roof terrace with roller-skating, a music conservatory, a smoking room, and a café. Yes, a cafe in an aquarium,  in the 1800s!
  
• In 1927, the place ran into financial trouble. Brighton Corporation stepped in. They rebuilt it and reopened it in 1929 with a new design.
• During the war, the RAF (Royal Air Force) used the building. Brighton was under German threat, so the military took charge.
• In the 1950s and 60s, the building hosted jazz shows in a space called the ‘Florida Room’. Many locals used to attend these events. The place started slowly getting its life back again. 
• In 1961 and 1969, the aquarium added the Montagu Motor Museum, showcasing the largest vintage car collection. 
• From 1970 to 1991, it ran a Dolphinarium with dolphin and seal shows. But in 1991, SEA LIFE took over, released the dolphins into the wild, and spent £1.5 million (₹17 crore approx.) to restore the site.
• In 2012, they shut it again for full restoration. They brought back its Victorian glory, the way we see it now.

Fascinating, right? This place is not just the oldest. It’s one of the most iconic aquariums in the world.

Also Read: Hyderabad To Get India’s Largest Aquarium Inside Nehru Zoological Park

What You Will Find Inside SEA LIFE Brighton

This place has more than just pretty fish. You’ll find: sharks, turtles, octopuses, rainforest species, coral reefs, over 500 types of rays, dragon horses and many other tropical creatures. Besides that, SEA LIFE in Brighton is not your average aquarium; it houses several themed zones like: 

• A Day and Night Ocean Zone with an underwater tunnel and a 250-seat auditorium. Here, you can also take an underwater journey and see those marine animals glow in the dark. There would also be marine specialists who would educate you about these mysterious phenomena. You can also take a stroll here in their special underwater tunnel.
• A Rainforest Adventure Zone with terrapins, frogs, poison dart frogs, snails and more, all surrounded by lush-looking trees to give visitors an authentic forest feel. You can also look at the homes of those scary flat-rock scorpions in this zone. 
• Not only that, this aquarium also offers a Glass Bottom Boat Ride that lets you float above the tanks and see those sharks and magnificent green sea turtles up close. 
• A visitor can also undertake a private VIP guided tour, which lets them get exclusive access to the whole aquarium. This is such an innovative idea to keep the people interested in the mysteries of the sea and the ocean, right? 

Also Read: Giant Aquarium In Berlin Bursts, Spilling 1500 Fishes And Gallons Of Water

Moreover, SEA LIFE  in Brighton is not only popular for showing spectacular marine life, but it also works for conservation. They run programmes that protect, rescue, and breed marine animals. Plus, their team is also quite active in charities and beach-cleaning programmes. If you are in the UK, we recommend visiting SEA LIFE in Brighton, the world’s oldest aquarium. 

Where: SEA LIFE, Brighton, UK
When: 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Ticket Cost: £19 (₹2,231, approx.) for adults and £16 (₹1,879, approx.) for children.
Free entry for children under 2.

Cover Image Courtesy: Visit Brighton/ Website