Beneath the Waves
Saturday 11 July - Sunday 30 August 2026 | Available during opening hours
Show all dates and times
11 July 10.00am – 30 August 4.00pm 2026
Our popular Early Years exhibition returns for 2026 - with an under the sea theme!
Image: Garry Jones
Drop in | Included with admission
For ages 0-4
The Herbert’s beloved Early Years Exhibition for families is back this summer with Beneath the Waves!
Inspired by the mysteries and wonders of ocean life, this immersive exhibition invites young visitors into a specially designed sensory world beneath the sea.
Perfectly crafted for children under 5, the exhibition features captivating ceiling installations and vibrant displays that spark curiosity and imagination. Children can swim alongside colorful fish, explore coral reefs, watch gentle waves roll across sandy shores, and discover hidden sea creatures in interactive sensory pods. Illustrator and mural artist Jessica Hartshorn brings the underwater world to life with rich, narrative illustrations of swirling currents, glowing jellyfish, and other mesmerizing marine scenes.
Tactile resources, water-themed textures, and interactive play areas encourage little ones to explore, touch, and imagine freely. Older children are welcome too, making this an inclusive family adventure.
Open Tuesday - Sunday throughout the summer holidays, Beneath the Waves is the perfect retreat for family fun, sensory play, and ocean-inspired creativity. Don’t miss this magical journey into the wonders of life beneath the sea!