Sea Life Centre, Birmingham

10:52am Tuesday 29th May 2007

Venue: National Sea Life Centre

Where: The Waters Edge, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HL What's on offer:The National Sea Life Centre takes visitors on a spectacular undersea voyage. It boasts more than 55 displays of freshwater and marine life, plus the world's first fully transparent tubular walkthrough tunnel where you can walk suspended in mid-ocean surrounded by sharks, skate and other amazing creatures. The Centre has just launched a brand new feature 'AmaZonia', housing piranhas, poison dart frogs and many more exotic creatures.

All of this is in addition to the dramatic centrepiece: the tropical ocean tank, the stars of which are undoubtedly green sea turtles Gulliver and Molokai. Plus of course, dozens of other spectacular displays featuring octopus, crabs and lobsters, sharks, stingray and lots, lots more.

A favourite feature with many visitors is the Seahorse Breeding & Conservation Centre, home to a variety of these exotic and colourful creatures; from native spiny seahorses to Australian big-bellies.New for 2007 is the Atlantis Mirror Maze - a magical maze of ancient ruins that winds its way around the lairs of secretive and mysterious sea creatures. Asian short clawed otters are also making their first appearance. There are many feeding demonstrations, including the graceful Rays. Opening times:Open daily from 10am (except Christmas Day). Last admission is 4pm during the week and 5pm at weekends. How to get there:From Worcester get on the M5 from junctions six or seven and head north. Leave at junction three and get on the A456 Hagley Road, following signs for city centre and the NIA. Nearest parking available is Brindleyplace Car Park. Prices:Adult: £14.25, Child (3 to 14) £10.95, Senior citizen/student: £11.95 Under 15s must be accompanied by an adult Review: From the minute you enter the front door of the Sea Life Centre you are transported into an amazing underwater world. There are things to look at whichever way you turn. The range of sea life at the centre is fascinating - from the clown fish in Nemo's World right up to the fabulous giant turtles that swim over your head in the amazing underwater tunnel. Visitors of all ages will be delighted by the graceful Rays which bob up and down near the surface, and will be thrilled to catch a glimpse of the short clawed otters - especially at feeding time.Throughout the centre there are interactive and educational displays and children won't fail to enjoy themselves. The Atlantis Mirror Maze is a bizarre and optical illusion that is guaranteed to confuse adults - but youngsters will love their final encounter with the Giant Pacific Octopus that guards the Lost City of Atlantis' riches. There is a well-stocked gift shop and cafe at the end of the journey. Birmingham Sea Life Centre is a wonderland for visitors of all ages.

Editor's choice