Days Out Review The Deep in Hull
We recently visited the award winning aquarium in Hull, The Deep. Here is what we thought.
As part of a recent press trip to Hull (organised by Visit Hull and Blog On), our Family On The Go reviewer Gemma was were kindly invited to check out Hull’s aquarium The Deep for the purpose of an honest review. Read on for what you need to know about The Deep and what she thought.
Location of The Deep Hull
The Deep is an award winning aquarium based in Hull and is just a 10 minute drive and a 20 minute walk from the town centre. The Deep has a large pay and display carpark which costs just £3 for six hours. Although the pay and display machine is cash only you, can also purchase the ticket with a card from the The Deep’s reception.
How much are Tickets to The Deep Aquarium
Tickets to the The Deep cost £12.60 for adults, £9.90 for children and £11.70 for students and seniors when booked online in advance. Or £14 per adult and £11 per child and £13 for students and seniors on the day and under 3’s and carer’s are free. Therefore tickets for a family of four can cost as little as £48.60.
Plus all tickets are valid for 12 months meaning that a family of four can visit as many times they like in a year for as little as £48.60.
What Will You Find at The Deep Aquarium
The Deep boasts over 5000 sea creatures and animals divided into different areas including the Awakening Seas where you can follow the history of the ocean and discover giant fish fossils and look into the mouth of the huge Megalodon; The Slime exhibiting animals who depend on the sticky slippery slime to survive with the likes of clownfish, poison arrow frogs and eels all on display; and The Bugs with creepy crawlies galore from a tarantula, to beetles, centipedes and more giving you an insight into the tiny world of these marvelous creatures.
The Lagoon of Light is another great section which features a huge tank with lots of colourful tropical fish which you view both in the water and above and is surrounded by large mangroves . The Lagoon also offers lots of interactive features such as touch pool sessions, the chance to discover fossils and a magic pool projection for little ones to jump in.
However, the main attractions at The Deep have to be the Kingdon of Ice and the underwater viewing tunnel.
In the Kingdom of Ice you will get to experience what it is like to visit the polar oceans complete with real ice walls to touch and interactive leaning stations. Best of all you can watch the aquariums VIP’s, a waddle of Gentoo penguins as the play, dive and swim.
The Underwater Viewing Tunnel sits ten meters deep and gives you the chance to watch as large sting rays, sharks, turtles and hundreds of fish swim by. Then head back to the surface in the underwater lift which pauses half way up to give a chance to have a good look around.
Facilities and Food at The Deep Aquarium
The Deep serves both hot and cold food in their Castaway Cafe which has a very large seating areas and with upstairs had great views over Hull and can be accessed without a ticket. Although we didn’t get chance to sample what they had on offer the prices looked reasonable with hot meals just £3.50 for children and around £5 for adults.
During busy periods they also open their Half Way cafe in the Aquarium it’self serving sandwiches snacks and hot and cold drinks.
Picnics are welcome in the snack picnic area located near to the Half Way Cafe.
What I Thought About The Deep Aquarium in Hull
The Deep is like no other aquarium I have ever seen. Everywhere we went we were met with a new impressive sight, from huge fossils to the giant fish tanks I was in awe throughout. I also loved that the exhibitions all featured interactive elements where you could discover more about the underwater residents in a fun way.
The penguins in the Kingdom of Ice are a great highlight and I literally could have sat and watched them playing all day. The Underwater Viewing Tunnel was also a favourite. The large sharks where a sight to behold and I became quite attached to a very friendly stingray who kept swimming over the tunnel to say hello.
Although I didn’t have my own children with me it was clear that The Deep is extreamly child friendly especially with delights such as handling pools, magic projections and even a small soft play area.
Add in the fact that you can get a full day out for the family for less than £50 and return as many times as you like in the year for free, I highly reccomend a trip to The Deep and will certainly be returning with my children soon.
More Information and to book tickets to The Deep
Discover more information and to book tickets to The Deep see here for details.
Discover More About Hull
As mentioned the visit to The Deep was part of a press trip to Hull and you can read more about the city some of the great bloggers on the trip below.
Tired Mummy of Two – Hothams Gin School
TippyTupps – Hull Gin: Back to (gin) School
Mandy Charlton – The Best Places to go on a weekend in Hull
Mummy to Dex – A weekend in Hull – the UK’s City of Culture
Out and About Mummy – A Trip to The Deep
Hello Cuppies – A Weekend Visit To Hull, East Yorkshire
Thrifty Mum – ThriftyWeekend Review : What To Do During A Weekend in Hull
Kids Days Out Reviews – Enjoying Hull Without Kids
Champagne and Petals – Visiting Hull My Weekend Away
