SEA LIFE London Aquarium will be opening a NEW zone ahead of the second May Bank Holiday 2015 themed around the iconic River Thames. Curated with Thames Tideway Tunnel, visitors will discover a secret portal into the hidden world of hundreds of creatures and freshwater plants, all living just feet away from them in the UK's most iconic river, the Thames.

Guests entering the new zone will be taken through the history of the river from the 'Great Stink' of Victorian Times to the impressive cityscape of modern times - spotting an array of British creatures along the way. From the beautiful copper-coloured Rudd to the striking striped Perch, and the Grayling – recognisable by its eye-catching mohican-like dorsal fin - all of them will be swimming alongside interactive features and fun facts.

Families can learn all about the current pollution levels of The Thames and how the human population is affecting the ecosystem through a Thames Tideway interactive complete with a film projection tracing the river's history. Plus, families can enter a virtual reality and walk the river-bed of the clean Thames of the future, interacting with its inquisitive (digital) residents – and as an extra treat they can take home a film of their experience*.

The completely overhauled Thames Walk area, in partnership with Thames Tideway Tunnel, will educate families on the delicate ecosystem on our own doorstep and what we can do to protect it.

The Thames Walk area will launch on May 23. Plus of course there's a whole ocean of creatures to discover, from rays to rare Green sea turtles, sharks, poison dart frogs, tropical fish and a dynamic colony of Gentoo penguins in the chilly Ice Adventure area.

GETTING THERE

• Discounts and priority entry available with online booking - visit www.visitsealife.com/london. 0871 663 1678.
• Open seven days a week from 10am with last entry at 6pm, with extended opening hours during May Half Term – from 10am with last entry at 8pm
• Prices start from £18.36 per adult and £13.52 per child

ends

*Additional charge applies 

For further information please contact Tansy Ratcliffe – James/ Amy Williams at freerange communications on 020 7402 9966 or tansy@freerange.eu

Notes to Editors:

Top booking tip: Choose a SEA LIFE London Aquarium VIP Family Ticket (two adults, two children) and make a saving of over £30! This great value ticket is only £87.50 online and includes:

• Admission to SEA LIFE London Aquarium
• Beat the queues with Priority Entry
• Flexible entry so you can visit at any time during your selected day
• Official SEA LIFE Guidebook
• Souvenir photobook worth £25.00

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS plc is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment. Europe's Number 1 and the world's second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates 106 attractions, 11 hotels/3 holiday villages in 23 countries and across 4 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its almost 63 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and c26,000 employees (peak season). 

Among Merlin's attractions are - SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The Coca Cola London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK Resort, Blackpool Tower, Heide Park Resort, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye and SKYWALK.  All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative – and which have great potential for growth in the future. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.