The Deep

The Deep is one of, if not the best attraction in East Yorkshire and comparable on a national scale; the value is exceptional providing you visit more than once in a year and whilst that for some is the main selling point, for me it is the way it works on so many levels for different ages. D is now Two years old and has already visited several times, most recently with the whole family as a birthday treat; this time she lasted about 2 hours and that seems pretty standard for her at this time.  As they grow up the experience changes and obviously becomes more educational and interactive, D's cousins of 4 an 6 still love it here and get plenty out of it; I think I can see us coming here regularly until she turns maybe 9 or 10 and her younger brother A too.

The great thing about the deep is that you don't get that painful feeling in your pocket that you are being milked for all your worth, so we usually start our trip with brunch or coffee and cake at the very least; there is a smaller cafe about half way in near the picnic area and this tends to only open in summer or during significant holidays. Eating on the top deck can be quite enjoyable for the kids as there is a balcony overlooking the Humber and Hull, which is open whenever the weather allows.

We have the annual pass and there is no entry price to under 3's, but that doesn't mean there isn't anything of value for younger children as it might suggest; the sheer number of parents to be found near the fish tanks with young babies is testament to this. When D was younger she was fascinated by the wide array of colourful fish in the main display tank and the way they moved around, now she loves the Penguins the most and often rushes to the first viewing point. Crowds gather here on the busier days and it is recommended to get to the Deep before lunch, one tip for seeing the penguins is to move past the first viewing windows and catch them from the second vantage point, which allows you to see above and below the water; round the corner from this is a smaller window that often proves a great place to watch the penguins underwater and especially around feeding time.

The soft play area is also pretty good for kids of 4 / 5 and under, which is surrounded by some pretty interactive exhibits like the video wall for older kids; this pretty much marks the end of the main displays as you go through the underwater tunnel towards the glass elevator back to the top level, which is also a bit of a bottle neck, definitey do this once, but we usually go up by the stairs as this allows for more vantage points at each level.

In true museum tradition exit via the gift shop, but you might find yourself pleasantly surprised with prices as the cherubs ask you to dig deep one last time on the way out. There are items to suit all budgets, so it needn't be traumatic.

Parking is now only two pounds for four hours, so returning needn't be expensive; pack a coat as the deep is located in a bit of a wind-trap though and walking from the car can be a bit chilly. In terms of access on foot, you can walk through the old town from the train station and this would probably take twenty minutes with little ones in tow, but you might want to spend a full day by visiting either the East Riding museum or even Streetlife museum, which are both on the way (and free entry).

The star rating is very much a five out of five, but bear in mind it costs a bit to get in the first time after which the value just gets better and better.