In a nutshell
It calls itself “the world’s first submarium”, but that’s a made-up word. It is, in fact, a huge and very impressive charitable public aquarium, in a landmark building on the point where the Hull and Humber rivers meet. Sections such as Endless Ocean and Amazon Flooded Forest are home to 3,500 sea creatures, including seven kinds of shark. Touchpool sessions throughout the day are led by engaging keepers happy to talk about crab poo and similar savoury topics. The Lagoon of Light exhibit is closed for refurbishment until February (as part of the general sprucing up for City of Culture year) but there’s plenty more to see – with maybe less of a crowd.
Fun fact(s)
The Deep’s tanks contain 2.5m litres of water and 87 tonnes of salt.
Best thing about it
Fish can be beautiful (tropical species), ugly (deep-sea horrors) or scary (sharks), but it’s hard to relate to them. Children are all fascinated, however, by the Kingdom of Ice and its colony of Gentoo penguins (with names like Brian and Nessie), which can be viewed from the landward side, or at their graceful best under water. We worried about a couple of miserable-looking ones, but a keeper explained that they were moulting (itchy, and bored because they can’t swim in that state). Chicks born this summer are now half-grown but playful.
What about lunch?
At the top of The Deep, with great estuary views, Castaways Cafe does crowd-pleasers, such as fish and chips, chilli, or pasta bake from about £5. Or come early for breakfast (five items £5, until 11.30am), or beans on toast for £2.
Exit through the gift shop?
Not exactly but it is hard to avoid as you leave.
Value for money?
Adult £10.80 online (£12 at the door), 3-15 years £9 (£10) but the ticket gives free entry for a year. Small children may start to flag, but interested over-10s could probably stay longer than the recommended two-to-three hours.
Opening hours
Open daily 10am-6pm, closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Getting there
The Deep is a 20-minute walk from Hull’s Paragon Station, or take Simplibus 16 from the bus station next door.
Verdict
8/10
