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Zoos #1 in Kingston upon Hull

The Deep

4.6 · 18,015 reviews
Immersive, educational, and focused.
The Deep, Tower St, Hull HU1 4DP, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The building's iconic shape is designed to resemble the bow of a ship emerging from the water.

2

The aquarium holds the largest shark collection in the United Kingdom.

3

The main tank, 'Endless Ocean,' is 10 meters deep and utilizes acrylic panels weighing several tons.

4

The Deep operates as a registered educational and scientific charity rather than a commercial zoo.

5

It was constructed as part of the UK's Millennium Commission projects to regenerate Hull's waterfront.

6

The facility utilizes a sophisticated life support system that processes the entire water volume multiple times daily.

7

It is home to the UK's only colony of Gentoo penguins.

8

The site uses a geothermal heat pump system to help regulate water temperatures sustainably.

Overview

The Deep is an award-winning aquarium located at the confluence of the River Hull and the Humber Estuary, housed in a distinctive building designed by Sir Terry Farrell. It is an independent educational charity that focuses on marine conservation and research. The facility contains approximately 2.5 million liters of water and maintains a collection of over 3,000 sea creatures. Key features include an underwater viewing tunnel and a glass elevator that travels through the main tank. The exhibits trace the history of the world's oceans through themes such as the 'Endless Ocean' and 'Kingdom of Ice'. It serves as a base for marine biologists conducting research on shark and ray conservation. The aquarium is built on the site of a former shipyard, integrating historical industrial heritage with modern architectural design.

Photo spot

The glass lift as it descends through the central 'Endless Ocean' tank provides a panoramic view of the sharks and rays.

Insider tips

Book your entry slot online in advance to guarantee access, as the venue frequently reaches capacity during weekends.

Check the daily schedule upon arrival for specific feeding times and diver presentations.

Utilize the re-entry pass if you wish to leave for lunch and return to the aquarium later the same day.

What to avoid

Don't rush through the first few galleries, as the detailed information panels provide vital context for the larger tanks later in the walk.

Good to know

Closed annually on December 24th and 25th.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet volume near the tanks to avoid startling the marine life; photography is allowed without flash.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2.5-3.5 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings or during term-time to avoid peak school group crowds and family rushes.
Address
The Deep, Tower St, Hull HU1 4DP, United Kingdom
53.739, -0.331
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsEndless Ocean tank, Kingdom of Ice, Gentoo Penguin enclosure, Lagoon of Light
Conservation focusMarine research, shark and ray breeding programs

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2.5-3.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings or during term-time to avoid peak school group crowds and family rushes..

The glass lift as it descends through the central 'Endless Ocean' tank provides a panoramic view of the sharks and rays.

Close by you'll find Streetlife Museum, Hull New Theatre, Hull Minster.