Experience The Sea Life Centre at Hunstanton in Norfolk

Hunstanton is a beautiful part of Norfolk, fringed with cliffs and beaches. Its sea life centre sits right on the coast next to the bustling pier, amusements and family holiday resorts.

The centres signature attraction is its seal rescue hospital. More than 750 seals have been treated here since it opened in 1989. A hub for poorly grey and common seals which provides a safe space to recover before being set free back into the wild. The Wash, their home being one of the busiest areas in the country for seals to base themselves, feed and reproduce. Local business and tour operators offering trips out to see the thriving populations in the near by locations of Blakeney.

The Sealife Trust is supported by this aquarium and is proud of the part it plays in protecting our oceans…

‘We have helped the Sea Life Trust to provide practical care for marine animals through our sanctuaries and protect and deliver campaigns that make a positive difference to marine habitats and wildlife across the World.’

Visitors move around the centres and explore different zones including the rainforest, otter river and underwater viewing ports. The main goal being for guests to get up close to some of the oceans most incredible and beautiful creatures.

Conservation has to be at the heart of any sea life centre, the plan not to be to keep vast amounts of marine life in these spaces for fun and entertainment but to teach people what incredible species we have and how they will indeed diminish if we don’t protect them. Reducing sea litter, protecting coastline, providing sanctuaries, habitats and education is central to this centres cherished ethos.

Education and learning is core at this wonderful centre. The staff are truly invested in the daily talks and presentations that are offered intermittently throughout the day. Multimedia experiences to meet all types of learning needs are available as well as quiet sessions to meet SEN needs. You can book behind the scenes tours to learn about the running of the aquarium and the care that individual species require including feeding habits and environment, habitat care.

We were really pleased to meet the team here in Norfolk and will absolutely be back.