UK's huge new £1million aquarium opens with shipwreck, sharks and eels

Brits looking for fun with the kids on those gloomy rainy days may want to head down to a huge new aquarium in the UK complete with a shipwreck model and sharks.

That's because SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth recently opened the doors to a brand new £1million aquarium display, and it's pretty impressive. For a start, it's home to over 30 marine species including blacktip reef sharks, moray eels, tangs, and angelfish. One major highlight is the 250,000-litre Ocean Tank and Tunnel where you can walk right under the fish and sea creatures, or get up close thanks to the specially created immersive viewing windows.

Oh, and keep an eye out for the impressive shipwreck habitat where all sorts of marine life is hiding in the nooks and crannies. The whole shipwreck was inspired by HMS Gloucester, a royal warship which sank off the Norfolk coast in 1682. The shipwreck itself was discovered by two divers in 2007, but it wasn't until 2021 that the full public reveal was announced.

Other highlights also include an immersive interactive experience where you can see and hear crashing waves, with the aim of leaving you feeling like you're completely submerged in the ocean's depths.

There's plenty more to explore across the attraction too, with SEA LIFE playing host to animals such as penguins, crocodiles, rays and green sea turtles. Ticket prices for SEA LIFE start from £16 per adult when booked online up to two days in advance - you can find out more at .

Of course on a sunnier day, you may also want to leave time on the itinerary for a trip to Great Yarmouth beach. With miles of golden sands, a bustling promenade lined with restaurants and shops, and swim-friendly waters, it's a firm favourite with sunseekers in the summer, but also makes for a lovely scenic stroll on those days where it's a little too chilly to get into the sea!

It's worth noting that it can get quite busy during the peak holiday seasons, so if you're not tied to school holiday dates, it might be worth planning a trip when it's slightly quieter. One happy holidaymaker did just that and shared their experience on Tripadvisor, writing: "What a wonderful walk on the beach in the sunshine. Such a clean beach. Out of season was ideal for us. We parked at the end of the road near the Premier Inn and walked down the beach to the shops. Such a lovely day and beach."

This summer, there will be heaps of fun for families too including a Wheels Festival across June 21-22, the annual free fireworks on the Golden Mile on Wednesdays from July 23 to August 27, and fireworks displays every Tuesday near Hemsby Beach from July 23. You can find out more at .

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