This week Isla and I visited the Sea Life Centre at Lomond Shores, Balloch, with a friend and her one year old boy.
The children really enjoyed their visit, particular favourites were the otters, the rock pools (Isla loved having the chance to touch the crabs and starfish), and the huge tank with sharks and the centre’s latest addition, a green turtle.
We managed to see the otters and the turtle being fed and the staff talks were really interesting – it helps that the staff are so enthusiastic and obviously love their job.
The only part of the centre we didn’t visit was the cinema as the children were a bit young for this. My son (almost 6) does enjoy the cinema though so its good for older children.
Even if you’re not going to eat in the centre its worth going up to the café level for the beautiful views of Loch Lomond.
Although if you walk in off the street the Sea Life Centre is quite pricey (£12 for an adult and £9 for children over 3) there are ways you can save a bit on admission fees. If you book open dated tickets online the prices are £7.75 for an adult and £4.75 for a child. You will often get money off vouchers (we used 50% off vouchers on our visit) and if you are likely to visit a lot you can buy an annual pass (around £30 for an adult and £25 for child). You can also hold your child’s birthday party at the centre from £12 per child.
When you visit you are helping marine conservation and when you hear that the shark tank alone contains creatures worth over £300,000 you begin to understand why it’s a bit pricey to visit! Tickets are valid all day so you can leave the centre and come back later.
There is ample parking at Lomond Shores, or you can get a train to Balloch station (from Queen Street) and the centre is a 5 minute walk from the station.
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