Over the last couple of years, we have visited a few different SeaLife centres, so we were not sure how Hull's The Deep would alter our take on aquariums. We arrived with an open mind, especially given that my children thought that we were visiting some secret spy headquarters when they saw the impressive building. With those expectations quashed upon seeing a turtle as we entered the building, the excitement for sea life once again grew as we joined the impressive Sunday morning queue.

After gaining entry, we were directed to the third floor to start our quest from top to bottom. Immediately my 9-year-old, Calum, was completely impressed and enthralled by the interactive fact displays. He loved discovering fascinating information about the marine life and ecosystems, and the hands-on elements kept him engaged throughout the visit. It was wonderful to see him so excited to learn.

Calum

Meanwhile, my 5-year-old, Skye, was absolutely blown away by the sheer size of the enormous tanks. Watching the incredible sea creatures glide past was magical for her. Even more special was seeing her overcome her fear of sharks. What started as nervousness quickly turned into genuine fascination as she stood mesmerised, captivated by these magnificent animals swimming gracefully overhead.

One of my own highlights was trying to spot the giant hooded katydids. I was blown away by their incredible camouflage skills, although Calum was highly amused that he managed to find them far quicker than I did! It became a fun little family challenge and really demonstrated just how remarkable these insects are.

The jellyfish exhibits also sparked plenty of conversation. The children both know the story of how I was stung by a jellyfish in South Australia in my early twenties, so they were fascinated to find out which of the species on display had been responsible. Thankfully, the actual perpetrator was nowhere to be seen, much to my relief (and my children's disappointment!)

The exhibits are beautifully presented, the staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, and there's a real sense of wonder around every corner. Whether you're visiting with young children, older kids, or adults, The Deep offers an unforgettable experience that is both educational and inspiring. We left with fantastic memories, lots of stories to tell, and can't wait to return.

The Deep in Hull was a truly immersive experience for every age bracket in our family. From the moment we arrived, there was something to amaze each of us, making it a fantastic day out from start to finish.

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