You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • Sea Life Manchester is a family-friendly attraction with aquarium themed exhibits.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: aquarium, exhibitions, educational facilities, other payable experiences, shop and guided tours.
  • View information on opening times
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue shares a car park which has Blue Badge parking available.
  • There is a drop-off point.
  • The nearest parking is located at the main access point from the car park.
  • View information on Trafford Palazzo Car Park (opens new tab) .
  • The nearest train station is Urmston.
  • The nearest tram stop is Barton Dock Road.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the main exhibitions areas.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the standard toilets and limited observation areas.
  • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • There is seating available.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair and an electric wheelchair.
  • Additional equipment which can be borrowed or hired includes: Mobility Aids can be arranged in advance with the teams at Trafford Palazzo and Legoland.
  • There is a designated safe space which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • The designated safe space is located in the School Room.
  • British Sign Language can be provided virtually.
  • There are quiet visiting times for users and carers who require them. A 50% discounted essential companion ticket is available.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.
  • Staff receive the following training: Disability Awareness, General and Mental Health and Oxygen First Aid Training.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located to the side of the venue formerly known as Barton Square.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 15+ designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 240cm (width) x 480cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 120cm.
  • The nearest designated bay is 20m from the entrance to the Sea Life Centre.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access, bollards and automatic doors.
  • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • The disabled parking bays are situated around the Trafford Palazzo access point.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for visitors only.
  • Clearly presented parking signs are available.
  • Parking is free for 5 hours, however it can be extended if you visit the attraction.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is a designated drop-off point available.
  • The designated drop-off point is located There is a taxi drop off point near to the Trafford Palazzo access point.
  • There is no dropped kerb from the drop-off point.

You are on Access Point (Trafford Palazzo). Skip to the next section.

Access Point (Trafford Palazzo)

• This access point is located at the car park side of the Trafford Palazzo, formerly known as Barton Square.
• The approach to the access point has bollards.
• The access point is clearly signed.
• There is step-free level access.
• There are double automatic doors.
• The doors open towards you.
• The width of the opening is 170cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a medium visual contrast.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors .
• The second set of doors open towards you.
• The width of the opening is 170cm.
• The second set of doors have a medium visual contrast.
• The minimum width between the bollards is 140cm.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Entrance (Sea Life Centre). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Sea Life Centre)

• This entrance is located on the right side after entering Trafford Palazzo from the car park.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is step-free level access at the entrance.
• There are double manual doors at this entrance.
• The door has a locked extension leaf.
• The locked extension leaf can be opened on request.
• The door is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 90cm.
• The doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.
• There is another door here that is only used for people to exit the reception area without attending the venue. It has a double, manual door with a single door opening width of 90cm. Staff are available at all times to assist.

You are on Ticketing. Skip to the next section.

Ticketing

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• Ticket Office View
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds and a television.
• Ticket Counter View
  • The ticket counter surveyed is located ahead after entering, immediately following the queuing system.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The queue width is at least 150cm and the width at each turn is at least 150cm.
  • There is not a separate wheelchair accessible queue lane.
  • The height of the counter is 90cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
  • The counter has a television.
  • There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.

You are on Room (School Room). Skip to the next section.

Room (School Room)

• The room is located before all of the exhibition spaces, after the ticket desk.
• The distance from the entrance is 12m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
• There is written text and numbered signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• The door opens away from you.
• The door is easy to open.
• The width of the opening is 90cm.
• There is step-free level access throughout the room.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
• Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests and stools.
• Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Additional facilities/services include: a television with subtitles.
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
• Announcements are in person.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• The tables and chairs in the School Room are designed for young children, and there are alternatives for accompanying staff, carers or parents. This room is only used by pre-arrangement for educational and youth groups.

You are on Access To (All Exhibits). Skip to the next section.

Access To (All Exhibits)

• This is the start of the self guided tour of the Sea Life Centre and a member of staff is present to assist all visitors.
• The distance from the entrance is 10m.
• The most accessible route has slight ramps or slopes and doors permanently held open.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
• There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the entrance.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• There is a single manual door which is permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 111cm.
• The door has a high visual contrast.

You are on Exhibition Space (Turtle Beach). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Turtle Beach)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have small steps.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: water effects, lighting effects and 3D visual effects on screen.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: pictorial, televisions/screens, subtitles, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: stools.
• There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users.
• Guided tours are available.
• There is step-free level access throughout the tour.
• The following areas of the tour have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have small steps.
• Access throughout the tour may include narrow walkways.
• Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.
• There is always a member of staff present in this area. There are some crawl spaces for younger visitors that are less accessible for visitors with mobility needs.

You are on Exhibition Space (Rocky Hideout). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Rocky Hideout)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have small steps.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: water effects, lighting effects and 3D visual effects on screen.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: subtitles, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, audio description, information boards, pictorial and televisions/screens.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: stools.
• Guided tours are available.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
• The following areas of the tour have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have small steps.
• Access throughout the tour may include narrow walkways.
• Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.

You are on Exhibition Space (Jellyfish Seas). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Jellyfish Seas)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have small steps.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: water effects, lighting effects and 3D visual effects on screen.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: pictorial, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, information boards, subtitles and televisions/screens.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: stools.
• Guided tours are available.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
• The following areas of the tour have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have small steps.
• Access throughout the tour may include narrow walkways.
• Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.

You are on Exhibition Space (Shark Shipwreck). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Shark Shipwreck)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have small steps.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: water effects, lighting effects and 3D visual effects on screen.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: subtitles, pictorial, televisions/screens, information boards and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: stools.
• Guided tours are available.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
• The following areas of the tour have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have small steps.
• Access throughout the tour may include narrow walkways.
• Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.

You are on Exhibition Space (Coral Reefs). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Coral Reefs)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have small steps.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: water effects, lighting effects and 3D visual effects on screen.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: televisions/screens, pictorial, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, subtitles and information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: stools.
• Guided tours are available.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
• The following areas of the tour have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have small steps.
• Access throughout the tour may include narrow walkways.

You are on Exhibition Space (Ocean Tunnel). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Ocean Tunnel)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: water effects, lighting effects, 3D visual effects on screen and interactive video effects.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, information boards, pictorial and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: stools.
• Guided tours are available.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
• Access throughout the tour may include narrow walkways.
• Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.

You are on Area (VR Experience). Skip to the next section.

Area (VR Experience)

• The VR Experience is located between Ocean Tunnel and Ocean Window.
• There is step-free level access into this area.
• Facilities available in this area include: a seated VR Experience.
• There is step-free level access throughout the area.
• Access throughout the area may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests.
• The seating is fixed.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is background noise in this area.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• This attraction is payable and visitors are invited to use the VR chairs for the full, immersive experience.

You are on Exhibition Space (Ocean Window). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Ocean Window)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have small steps.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: water effects, lighting effects and 3D visual effects on screen.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: televisions/screens, pictorial, audio description, subtitles, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and information boards.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: stools.
• Guided tours are available.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
• The following areas of the tour have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have small steps.
• Access throughout the tour may include narrow walkways.
• Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Sub Aqua Play Area - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Sub Aqua Play Area - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located next to the Sub Aqua Play Area.
  • The distance from the entrance is 120m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has narrow walkways and slight ramps or slopes.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • The door has a twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 240cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 86cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush on the non-transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 82cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 88cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 75cm.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Area (Sub Aqua Play). Skip to the next section.

Area (Sub Aqua Play)

• The Sub Aqua Play Area is situated near the toilets, past mid-point of the tour.
• There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into this area.
• There are various entrances into the play area, some are adapted for children only.
• Facilities available in this area include: play equipment, vending machines.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: some of the play facilities.
• The following areas have stepped access: some of the play facilities.
• Access throughout the area may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• Seating available in this area includes: stools.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Exhibition Space (Stingray Bay). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Stingray Bay)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: to one of the viewing platforms.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: water effects, lighting effects and 3D visual effects on screen.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: information boards, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, audio description, televisions/screens, subtitles and pictorial.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches and stools.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
• The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• Guided tours are available.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
• The following areas of the tour have stepped access: to one of the viewing platforms.
• Access throughout the tour may include narrow walkways.
• Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.

You are on Exhibition Space (Sea Ranger). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Sea Ranger)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have a small step.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: water effects, lighting effects and 3D visual effects on screen.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, information boards, pictorial, televisions/screens and tactile.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• Guided tours are available.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
• The following areas of the tour have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have a small step.
• Access throughout the tour may include narrow walkways.
• Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.

You are on Exhibition Space (Rockpool). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Rockpool)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have a small step.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: water effects, lighting effects and 3D visual effects on screen.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: subtitles, tactile, information boards, pictorial, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and televisions/screens.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Guided tours are available.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
• The following areas of the tour have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have a small step.
• Access throughout the tour may include narrow walkways.
• Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.
• There is the opportunity to see and handle animals in this area. There are a selection of hand basins for visitors in this area that range in height of 70cm and 80cm high. There is also a step if required.

You are on Exhibition Space (Native Shores). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Native Shores)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have a small step.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: water effects, lighting effects and 3D visual effects on screen.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: information boards, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, pictorial and televisions/screens.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Guided tours are available.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the tour.
• The following areas of the tour have stepped access: some of the crawl spaces have a small step.
• Access throughout the tour may include narrow walkways.
• Wayfinding signage is provided throughout the tour.

You are on Shop. Skip to the next section.

Shop

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• Getting Around View
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Access throughout may include narrow aisles (less than 120cm).
  • The majority of main aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
  • The flooring is patterned.
  • There is a high visual contrast between the shelving and floor throughout this area.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Signage is provided.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• Payment View
  • The checkout area is located ahead as you emerge from the exhibition areas.
  • There is step-free level access to the checkout area.
  • There is an exit barrier with an opening width of 117cm to access the shop from the exhibition areas.
  • The venue has a payment counter.
  • The designated accessible till point has a lowered counter and a portable payment machine.
  • The queue width for the main checkouts is at least 150cm and there is no need to turn.
  • The height of the payment counter is 90cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Exit. Skip to the next section.

Exit

• The exit area is clearly signed.
• There is step-free level access at the exit.
• There are double automatic doors at this exit.
• The doors opens by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 160cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a medium visual contrast.
• There is step-free level access as you exit.