Sea Life Manchester

The Trafford Centre is more than just a collection of shops and, adding to its status as a bona fide visitor attraction, this mid-size aquarium could easily fit into your shopping trip to make sure the little ones are kept entertained for a few hours.

A series of tanks display everything from sea horses and sharks to sea turtles and the crowd-pleasing clown fish - blame Nemo. Sea Life also contains Europe's first Sea Bed Walk, whereby anyone from the age of eight upwards can don a helmet and walk through one of the larger tanks, surrounded by rays, turtles and - EEK! - a shark! Throughout, there's a very strong eco message ensuring that the experience is fun whilst teaching the little ones about the need for conservation.

Sea Life isn't a full day out, but as part of your day, it should offer a fun-filled family afternoon.