SEA LIFE Manchester

Manchester

3.5

1 review

Review this place

roram24

03 Feb 2023

Short but sweet trip

3.5

Date of visit: February 2023

I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, moving around and understanding.

Overall Rating

Good

Didn't take too long to complete, but was very good if you took your time. Spoilt a little by very young children - a large portion of the space is a soft play zone for the kids for some reason. Lovely "glass tube" type exhibit where you can watch sea turtles, sharks, rays and fish float by. Plenty of workers around who were friendly. Flat all through, but could be a bit tight at times. I use a rollator to walk and had to fold it up a few times due to prams coming through. Could be a bit tricky if you're a wheelchair user. If you wish to borrow a wheelchair, you have to go into thr Trafford Centre for it. I would take advantage of the Autism friendly sessions if you have sensory issues as there was loud music, and low lighting that was difficult to see in. There's a 5 mins presentation on sea turtles right at the beginning that was also quite loud and cramped. Just 1 accessible loo half way through. Unortunately it was occupied, but j managed the maybe 4 steps up to the normal loos. Nice big loos, stalls quite spacious and a baby changing_large stall loo available.

Disabled Access In and Around

Good

Accessibility info isn't great on their website. The staff seemed accommodating - no-one questioned our carer ticket, which was free. The floor is flat (it does undulate slightly), and there are plenty of different viewing positions available. It was a bit cramped at times due to the corridors being a little tight - the glass tube type exhibit was very tight when prams wanted to go past. There was lots of digital info points and printed. A nice guidebook is available.

Parking & Transport

Excellent

Well sign posted from the motorway. Disabled parking available right outside the doors to the Trafford Centre - follow the signs through the car park and you're right by the Sea Life Centre entrance.