Sunday 7 August 2016

Great Yarmouth - SeaLife - A Family Day Out

Up until the 1970's when cheap holidays to Spain took over, the British seaside was the place to go for most families for their annual holidays.  The hotels, restaurants and tea rooms were packed during the summer school holiday time and the shops with bucket & spades and brightly coloured candy rock did a roaring trade.

Alas nowadays the signs have faded and the lights are less bright but the Great British seaside resorts are still alive.

Helping Great Yarmouth to survive is the Sea Life Great Yarmouth which I was asked to review with my two grandsons recently.

It was pre-arranged that we would visit on the day however when we arrived they had no idea we were coming.  They did allow us entry when I produced the email but I do hate those awkward moments.

Once inside however the boys were enthralled.  There was a trail for them to follow and get their 'passport' stamped.  Small insisted on doing it himself as he usually does - very independent.
A huge walk through tunnel with sharks, sea turtles and other creatures swimming overhead.
We were there for feeding time of Noah the Greenback Turtle who although he was huge was only 11 years old with a life expectancy of over 100 years!! A mere youngster.
I have swam with the giant turtles in Barbados and believe me that is an amazing experience.  I don't like seeing creatures in captivity but Sea Life are doing a remarkable job of breeding and learning about a whole special range of sea life.

The boys loved the hands on section where they got to stroke a baby ray and a shrimp!
We were able to see tanks full of rays
(they are so friendly and come up to you wanting you to stroke their backs but we were not allowed to).

We were able to view some really colourful fish


And other interesting live exhibits.....

and some cheeky ones too!!
The boys had an awesome time and deserved a treat in the gift shop.

Some lunch,
 a quick bit of fresh air, an ice cream by the sea
and we had two very tired boys in the back of the car.
If you are in the Norfolk-Suffolk area and can get to Great Yarmouth it is worth a visit to the seafront and especially to Sea Life.

Sea Life is located at Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 3AH.  It is open daily from 10:00 am. Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Check website for opening times and ticket prices.

I was a guest of Sea Life Great Yarmouth and was not required to produce a positive review.  All opinions and photos belong to Heidi's Kitchen Talk.

18 comments:

  1. That looks like an amazing place specially for kids.

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    1. The boys really loved their visit and the sea life!

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  2. Oh bless those little fellas - they look totally exhausted!
    Janie x

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    1. I was totally exhausted when we got home too!

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  3. What a fab place to treat your grandsons. They look like they enjoyed themselves tremendously! How wonderful that through your blog you can treat your family to special days out.

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    1. I like to share my blog life with the family when ever I can!

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  4. This looks like a great day trip out! My kids have only ever been to the aquarium once and they loved it.

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  5. I haven't been to Great Yarmouth in about 20 years, but I would love to go when my little one is born and a bit older.

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    1. Sea Life was one of those places you can visit loads of times as the little ones grow up

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  6. Never been to Great Yarmouth, but I've heard so many good things about it. And you've just confirmed them for me! Thanks Heidi

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    1. Have a visit some time - I love the British sea side!

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  7. It looks like a fab day out and I love all the lovely photos of the colourful fish.

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    1. It's always good to get out of London for the day and the boys love me visiting!

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  8. Oh what a fun place to visit with family, great pics!

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    1. I love treating the little people to a Nanny Day Out!

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  9. Graham and I went there about 20 years ago. We were in a caravan, it was freezing and I remember the buses stopping at 5pm and us being stuck in the middle of nowhere, but I also remember the sealife centre was fun.

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    1. It certainly didn't have the buzz of years ago about the town but the Sea Life was a good day out.

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