Merlin Entertainments is at the forefront of family entertainment. Around the world they own numerous family-focused destinations, including 38 Sea Life Centres, 20 Madame Tussauds and 11 Legoland resorts!

Birmingham is particularly privileged, for not only does it own the chocolate lovers' dream destination – Cadbury World – but also based just a stone's throw from each other in the heart of the city's centre are two key destinations: Sea Life and the Legoland Discovery Centre. With the Easter holidays drawing to a close, my 5- and 9-year-olds were keen to explore the double, and so we headed into Birmingham to have an explore.

Arriving at Brindley Place, the biggest choice was where to start. Both attractions had unique draws that were proving tempting. Did they wish to start their day by exploring a miniature Birmingham or have the chance to see an otter up close? In the end, the otters won out...

One bridge crossing from the iconic Utilita Arena, and we were warmly welcomed into the Sea Life Centre. The penguins captivated us from the moment we arrived. With their endless charisma, they darted through the water, captivating us with their energy. Watching them glide so effortlessly, then waddle with such clumsy charm on land, set the tone for an experience that was as entertaining as it was immersive.

Things took a slightly more puzzling turn when we reached the seahorses. At first glance, we were convinced we were witnessing a tank full of expectant fathers, their rounded bellies suggesting imminent arrivals. However, after a closer look (and a bit of second-guessing), we realised they were simply… well-fed. It was a moment of amused confusion that added an unexpected layer of curiosity to the visit.

One of the more personal missions of the day, driven mostly by my five-year-old, was to spot a jellyfish resembling the one I had the misfortune of encountering in South Australia. While there were plenty of mesmerising drifting specimens on display, none quite matched my stinging memory—but the search itself made the exhibits all the more engaging.

The true highlight, however, lay in the underwater walkthroughs. These glass tunnels delivered a genuinely breathtaking experience, allowing us to stroll beneath the ocean’s surface as marine life moved all around us. The sight of a giant turtle gliding overhead was nothing short of magical, and the sharks—silent, powerful, and slightly unnerving—added a thrilling edge. These moments truly highlight the Sea Life Centre's ability to create a sense of immersion that is both calming and awe-inspiring.

That said, the day wasn’t without its small letdown. The otters, who we had been particularly excited to see, were nowhere to be found—apparently opting to stay hidden rather than entertain visitors. It was a shame, but perhaps also a reminder that these are living creatures, not performers on cue.

Overall, the Birmingham Sea Life Centre offers a memorable blend of fascination, humour, and spectacle. Between the playful penguins, the slightly misleading seahorses, and the unforgettable underwater tunnels, it’s an experience that lingers long after you’ve surfaced.

While I offered a snack break before heading to the nearby Legoland Discovery Centre, the excited duo opted to head straight there and informed me that there would be a coffee shop if I really needed a snack.

Our visit turned out to be an absolute hit—especially thanks to the current Build the Thrill event, which completely captured the imagination of my two enthusiastic LEGO builders.

The racing challenge at the heart of the event was a clear standout. Both children threw themselves into designing and building their own LEGO cars, eagerly testing them on the slopes before racing against other children they’d just met. There was something genuinely lovely about how quickly friendships formed over shared creativity and competition. Even when their carefully constructed cars spectacularly collapsed mid-race, they took it all in good humour—laughing, rebuilding, and heading straight back for another go.

While the event was undoubtedly the highlight for them, my own favourite discovery was the intricate miniature version of Birmingham. The level of detail was astonishing, with tiny moving parts and interactive features that brought the city to life in a way that felt both playful and impressively crafted. It’s the kind of exhibit you could easily spend a long time exploring—if only my excited children didn’t have other plans!

Another big win was the Ninjago-themed 4D cinema. The added effects had the children completely engrossed—giggling one moment and squealing the next as the action unfolded around them. It struck a perfect balance of fun and immersion.

Skye particularly loved the softer side of the experience too, making full use of the soft play area and enjoying the two rides available. It gave a nice change of pace between building sessions and added to the overall variety of the day.

For Calum, though, the appeal was simple: this was a huge LEGO playground filled with like-minded creative builders. The freedom to build, experiment, and share ideas seemed endless. Even after nearly four hours, neither child was ready to leave—and truthfully, they could have happily stayed much longer.

All in all, it’s a brilliantly designed attraction that manages to engage both children and adults in different ways. Whether it’s the high-energy building challenges, the immersive cinema, or the quietly impressive miniature city, there’s something here for everyone—and plenty to keep young imaginations busy for hours on end.

Bringing the day to a close, it’s clear that Birmingham offers a genuinely brilliant double attraction for families looking to make the most of a day out. From the calming, awe-inspiring world beneath the waves at the Sea Life Centre to the high-energy, creativity-fuelled excitement of the Legoland Discovery Centre, the contrast between the two only adds to the appeal. One invites you to slow down and marvel; the other encourages you to build, race, and play without limits.

Together, they create a perfectly balanced experience that keeps both younger visitors and grown-ups equally entertained. As we finally persuaded two very reluctant children it was time to leave, it was obvious we hadn’t just filled a day—we’d made memories that will be talked about long after the Easter holidays have passed.

Merlin Entertainments has launched a limited-time ticket to unlock a second theme park visit before 15 May 2026** at no extra cost (Alton Towers, LEGOLAND® Windsor, Chessington, Thorpe Park***).

A combination ticket for Sea Life Centre and Legoland Discovery Centre costs £35. More information can be found:

https://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.com/birmingham/

https://www.visitsealife.com/birmingham/