Birimingham Sea Life Centre review and giveaway.

I was very pleased to be invited to go Birimhgham Sea Life centre, i have been to many aquarium around the world so I was interested to go to a local world. First impressions was that it was a very busy attraction which is a good sign!.

A busy Sea Life Centre

The star attraction were  the Hammerhead Sharks and turtles ( though one turtle was away and the other was asleep, famous people can be fickle.) we found all the attractions fascinating to watch,. . Another highlight was the rock pool where you can hold crabs and starfish if you are brave enough. 

J getting interactive with the rockpool.

An informative Sea Life staff member giving an interactive talk on rockpools.

I’d also recommend the walk-through underwater tank. It’s like being in a submarine. Huge turtles, manta rays and leopard sharks swim just above your head – quite unforgettable.

A Moray eel wouldn't want to get on his bad side!.

Nemo ie the Clown Fish.

Negatives.I would like the Jellyfish to have a better looking tank, my son J commented on it and it was his fear that it might get bored.


Overall, I’d recommend it. But as it’s not cheap, it’ll be a while before we go again. However, the wide variety of species, seen at close quarters makes it a memorable experience for all age groups.


However you can buy a Merlin pass as well that lets you enter all the Sea Life Centre and attractions such as Alton Towers as well all year.

Yes it can be quite expensive to go round , I would recommend it as part of your day out as it is not a day out in itself you will probably be there 2 and half hours maximum. There are always plenty of 2 for 1 vouchers around.

There is also a 4d cinema show there showcasing scenes from Happy Feet , probably a bit scary for really young centre but gentle enough fun .

Throughout the Birmingham Sealife Centre there is a emphasis on sustainable fishing. You can take a takwaway card with tips on how you can reduce your impact on fish in general ( including tips on eating sustainable fish). Its good that they do this and if you can catch the young ( No pun intended it's a good thing!.)

Sustainable fishing

Visit http://www.visitsealife.com/  and then come back here and tell me your favourite sea creature. The prize is a family pass to a Sea Life Centre. just in time for half term that's one day sorted.

Ends 19th October



( I was given a family pass for the purpose of this review and opinions are entirely my own)

I've caught crabs a simple pleasure.....

‘Crabbing’ in Padstow has been the pastime of youngsters in the town for a million generations, one of life's simplease pleasures.I did this when I was 7 and I recreated this scene with my 12 year old. Next to Padstow Harbour when the tide is in  is a designated harbour fishing area where 99% of those ‘fishing’ are trying to catch crabs on simple hand-held lines. this simple activity comprises of a single fishing line, small weight to sink the bait, a juicy piece of bait (bacon rind, tinned mackerel in oil or, highly recommended – a fish head), no hook needed There are also large net bags available and these are humane as well. Our preferred bait was 'Every Little helps value bacon' mm I wonder which shop that was from?. Mums and dads a more than your average amount of patience  will be needed (and a camping stool is a god send for this)……….. but the children will love it !  

 1 : The kids will want to check their crabbing line every 60 seconds ….. leave the line for 5 minutes, which should give time for the crabs to come out, sniff around and then decide on whether to dine on your offerings or scuttle back under the seaweed……. 

A huge crab

 2 : Despite what others say, don’t be in a hurry to bring up your fishing line …..slowly and gently is the key …. Harbour crabs are very quick to sense excessive or unusual  movement and will go into defensive mode and let go of the bait if alarmed.

Care of the harbour crabs :

Harbour crabs are only small and are not edible. ‘Fishing’ for them provides endless enjoyment for youngsters who are keen to ‘catch..’ Treat these crabs carefully and gently. If you wish to keep any ‘captives’ in a bucket for an hour or more, please put some seaweed in as well because our little friends live at the darkened bottom of the harbour and are not comfortable with sunlight. When your ‘fishing’ is over, please return the harbour crabs to their home, gently and carefully.