I'm a 24 year old Paramedic, specialising in difficult rescues.
I'm a 24 year old Paramedic, specialising in difficult rescues.
Member since:19.08.2005
Reviews:13
Members who trust:1
A list of reasons to visit Hull is not often a very long one, but The Deep is slowly changing this outdated image.
The Deep is Europe's largest "Submarium". No, I don't know what a submarium is either, but essentially it is a big aquarium. The building was designed by Norman Foster and is position on the junction of the River Hull and the Humber Estuary, some 15 minutes from the Humber Bridge and in the centre of the city of Hull.
From the outside the building has a striking design, appearing somewhat like the pointed bow of a ship extending out into the river junction. Parking is ample and a special footbridge has been constructed to allow easy access to the shopping and eateries of the city centre. A shuttle bus runs from the
train station to the Deep every 15 minutes, it is easy to spot - it's purple and a had "The Deep" plastered all over it. The bus also makes stops in the city centre.
Entry is £6, I advise tickets to be bought in advance online or at the tourist information office if you plan to visit during school holidays as the queues can be long at times. You can visit the Café and gift shop without a ticket, though you would be missing out.
As you enter the Deep you travel up approximately 4 stories to the very top of the tank which runs through the heart of the aquarium. Throughout the attraction you make you way slowly down the ramps, viewing small tanks of fish, jellyfish and sea life, with interactive displays and games all the way. Your journey takes you around the main tank with large viewing display of the shark filled main tank. You can also marvel at the tropical fish in the shallow tank, with viewing points both above and below the water level.
The main tank is truly spectacular, featuring sword fish, sharks, rays and a massive eel. Your journey takes you to the bottom of the tank, allowing you to view its massive size from 3 large viewing windows, with members of staff on hand to answer all your questions.
From the bottom of the tank you can choose to enter an ice clad area which shows you the fish living in the cool seas of the Artic and Antarctic, as well as giving you information and interactive displays about climate change and rising sea levels. A new addition to the Deep for 2005 was the "Twilight Zone". This darkened area showcase fish seen only at the very bottom of the oceans, with their own lighting systems. This is a very interesting look at an area of the planet we know so little about.
A restaurant is available with views of some of the tanks and appeared reasonable priced.
You then make your way to the surface of the giant tank by means of either a glass lift or a staircase with viewing windows. I recommend the staircase if you want to stop and gaze at your favourite fish swimming around. If you are lucky enough to catch the divers feeding the fish, the staircase viewing windows provide an excellent vantage point for viewings and photography.
At the end of the attraction you exit by the Café, which features a glass lining observation area, offering spectacular views of the River Humber, the Humber Bridge and the city of Hull on a clear day. The refreshments are again well priced for a tourist attraction. Exiting the attraction you may wish to visit the gift shop, our ticket for the car park gave us a £1 voucher to spend there.
If you do visit the Deep it will probably take you between 2 and 3 hours, so I highly recommend taking a walk from the aquarium to the centre of Hull. The sign posted route takes you over the River Hull to the marina and shopping district. The large Princes Quay shopping centre, built over an old dock, offers all the usual household names you would expect. The 'old town' of Hull, which heads off to the right and towards the River once more, offers excellent Boutique shopping - Hepworth's Arcade and the covered market allow for a number of bargains to be found. You might also like to visit the beautiful Queens gardens, or take in some more of Hull's museums, including the fishing museum. Food outlets can be found throughout, from McDonalds and Subway to Chinese restaurants and swanky wine bars. McCoy's on the quay side is well worth a look for a variety of warm sandwiches and main meals.
Overall - The Deep is an excellent attraction on its own and have made repeated visits, while the city itself is easily accessible and invites you to make a day of the trip.
I recommend The Deep to everyone.
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Advantages: Price, more environmentally friendly option, price Disadvantages: tent pitches quite close together, VERY big site, so not much of a retreat
Aug 22nd, 2005
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