Fans of Animal Crossing: New Horizons are in for a real-world adventure as the beloved Nintendo life simulation game partners once again with SEA LIFE centres across the UK for an immersive 2026 tour.
Following a hugely successful run in 2025, Animal Crossing: New Horizons returns in collaboration with SEA LIFE UK, bringing its charming island universe into some of Britain’s most iconic aquariums.
With over 49 million copies sold worldwide since its March 2020 launch, the game — developed by Nintendo — continues to captivate players of all ages. Now available on the Nintendo Switch 2 as Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, the franchise’s reach is expanding both digitally and physically.
A UK First: Animal Crossing at SEA LIFE
Kicking off at SEA LIFE London on 23 February 2026, the interactive experience will travel nationwide, stopping at:
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SEA LIFE London Aquarium
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SEA LIFE Birmingham
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SEA LIFE Manchester
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SEA LIFE Brighton
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SEA LIFE Blackpool
This unique collaboration allows visitors to explore extraordinary marine habitats while interacting with characters from the globally adored game.
SEA LIFE centres are owned by Merlin Entertainments, one of the world’s leading leisure groups and operator of the largest aquarium network globally — making them the perfect setting for this immersive crossover.
What to Expect: A Fully Immersive Island Adventure
Guests will embark on a guided journey through the specially themed “Sea Life Islands,” blending the tranquil charm of Animal Crossing with SEA LIFE’s vibrant underwater environments.
Visitors can:
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Meet fan-favourite characters like Tom Nook
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Encounter residents including Aurora and Octavian
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Hunt for the shipwrecked adventurer Gulliver
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Take part in a fossil dig to uncover marine ancestors
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Collect exclusive character stamps
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Learn fascinating facts about real-life sea creatures
Throughout the journey, visitors will be surrounded by thousands of marine species — from Green Sea Turtles to Zebra Sharks — across SEA LIFE’s themed zones including the Atlantic, Arctic, Rainforest and Tropics.
Families and fans will also have opportunities to meet Tom Nook and Isabelle in person, before picking up exclusive Animal Crossing merchandise at the aquarium gift shop.
2026 Event Dates
Here’s when the Animal Crossing: New Horizons SEA LIFE tour will visit each location:
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London: 23 February – 25 March 2026
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Birmingham: 1 April – 5 May 2026
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Manchester: 11 May – 14 June 2026
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Brighton: 13 July – 16 August 2026
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Blackpool: 1 September – 11 October 2026
For tickets and further information, visit the official SEA LIFE London event page: https://www.visitsealife.com/london/explore/events/animal-crossing-new-horizons/
Why This Is One of 2026’s Must-Visit Family Events
The fusion of gaming culture with hands-on marine discovery makes this one of the standout UK family attractions of 2026. Whether you’re a long-time Animal Crossing player or simply looking for a unique day out, the experience blends education, conservation awareness and interactive entertainment in one unforgettable setting.
