What happens when a tortoise crashes into a terrapin? It's a turtle disaster.
FANCY seeing sharks, crocodiles and piranhas in the heart of the city? Camilla and family sure did. And they weren't disappointed, thanks to a visit to a new rainforest exhibit by Sea Life London Aquarium.
The aquarium is a stone's throw from the London Eye, and just across the Thames from Big Ben.
We came face to face with sharks and much more. Seeing marine life is a rare treat in the city, so it's hardly surprising that the aquarium is a tourist hot-spot as well as a local delight.
We were here to visit the new rainforest section where a pair of West African dwarf crocodiles were the newest inhabitants. Occupying a large tank, the crocodiles seemed to be having a snooze when we appeared but that certainly didn't dampen the enthusiasm of our snacks children. Continuing the theme of West African, South American and Far Eastern rainforests were flesh-eating Piranhas and poison arrow frogs - they piqued the interest of our children in a way that only potentially lethal animals can.
The atmosphere was further enhanced with the damp floor bark, rope barriers and rainforest style mist. We really enjoyed seeing the terrapin tanks (pictured, above). There's thrice weekly talks and feeds for these critters too.
Younger children will be absolutely delighted by the tanks of fish and If you've just watched Finding Nemo for the umpteenth time, be prepared to be parked in front of the tank with Nemo and Dory-style fish for a while!
Of course, the sharks are a huge draw and you'll see a massive 46 varieties of the smaller shark species sharing their tanks with turtles and rays. Do try and make feeding time which is at 2.30pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
We missed that but we did make sure to take in the shark walk. Whilst Gabriel, two, needed no coaxing to stride across the (very thick) glass walkway, under which sharks swam. Sacha, five, wasn't so thrilled but was pretty pleased with herself when she got across uneaten. Older kids, including Max, 11, are certainly keen to show off their bravery as they nonchalantly stride across.
You can go under the tanks too with the Ocean Tunnel (number 6 on the map that is issued with tickets) which has several portholes for children to see a bit more – seeing Gabe wriggle himself in to one such viewing spot with just his feet waggling outside was very funny. Going under, over and round the tanks certainly kept our very active children's interest.
The ray pool, near the entrance, is always on our list of must visit exhibits here. With glass on four sides, everyone can get a close look at the graceful rays. Most are inquisitive enough to come right up to the glass. A talk and feed is held every day at 11.30 for you to discover more about this creature and to have a chance to feed them. For kids who like to get hand on, look out for the rock pool exhibit where starfish and sea urchins can be carefully stroked.
There's lots of information on the walls, as well as interactive exhibits, so do try and give yourself enough time to read a little more about the marine life. Needless to say, it really does enhance the experience to know a few facts about what you are seeing. Also on display is more information about the conservation and issues affecting the different exhibition areas, such as the continued impact of whaling.
The venue is easily accessible for pushchairs with no-step access to the building and lifts between floors. You won't find a cafe here but there are plenty of eateries outside including many of the usual fast food haunts and other places for sit down meals close by plus it's ideally located to combine your trip with the London Eye, river cruise or a stroll up to Big Ben, parliament and Downing Street.
Factbox:
How much? Adults 15+ £17.50, Children 3-14 £12.50, Family 2+2 £54 Under 3s free.
Opening times: Mon-Thurs 10-6pm (5pm last entry), Fri-Sun 10-7pm (last entry 6pm)
Pushchair accessibility: Good, lifts between floors
Facilities: Toilets and baby changing on every floor
Cafe: None. Plenty outside.
SatNav postcode: SE1 7PB (but don't drive, there's no where to park!)
Tubes: Waterloo, Westminster or Embankment (latter two across bridge) – 5 minutes walk from each.
Web: SeaLife – London Aquarium
Camilla and family were offered free tickets for the press day courtesy of the Sea Life London Aquarium.
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