Anyone been to The Deep in Hull?

[OFSTEDoutstanding]

Am thinking of taking my ds (aged2) he loves fish and going to the sealife centre near us. We are going near to Hull at the end of the month and I was thinking of cashing in some of my clubcard vouchers to take him. Who else has taken a 2 year old? Is there anything much for them to do other than look at the fish?

Hi there, I went with my older ds and dd and my young dd was 10 months to be honest the first bit is really heavy going and very educational (lotsd reading that was not very interactive). The fish in the tanks and the lower ground was fantastic though and well worth the visit. There is a lift which goes up the centre of the large tanks and steps which go around the side which means you get to see all levels in relative peace as everyone is queing for the lift (we were greedy and did both). As you say cashing in vouchers means free ish visit def worth it in my opinion

Hope you enjoy

I went before I had children. I agree with kmcomie about the first bit, but the fish are really good. We went up the steps rather than the lift. The only thing I was very disappointed in was the cafe, but that's the case in many places - utter shite, but maybe it was a bad day.

I thought it was superficial and dumbed down - lots of silly displays and not enough fish, but I thought the cafe with its view over the estuary was lovely.

A friend of mine, who's also been but on a different day, thought that the whole day out was fantastic.

My dcs are teenagers. Perhaps it suits younger ones better.

My five year old and his friend loved it. I agree with others that there weren't enough fish, but that the tanks at the bottom and the touch and feel stuff was really good.

We went up the staris and then in the lift as well...stairs definately better as much less busy.

The building itself is really nice (if that sort of thing floats your boat) and I thought the food in the cafe was fine...better than some places I;ve been too.

I think it might get a bit boring for a 2 year old though.

A better day out for little kids would be Cannon Hall Farm nr Barnsley if that's not too far a treck for you.

The cafe has a great view. But the staff were sullen. unhelpful and uninterested in their job. There were chips and spilt drink on the floor and the tables hadn't been cleaned.

All of which reinforced the (unfair) stereotype of Hull. Such a shame at such a flagship building.

I have been to The Deep three times now, last time was Sun 15th with my ds's aged 2.5, 4.5 & 6.5. They had a great day and I would say the 2.5yo was more excited than the others (and they really enjoyed it too). They are showing a 4D film 3xdaily which is good fun - you put the special glasses on and it looks like fish are swimming in front of you, it was hilarious watching all the little ones reaching out for the fish! It's a two hour drive for us to get there but I think it is well worth it. Also car park is £3 but you get £2 back to spend in the shop and there is lots of stuff between 40p and a few quid so it needn't be expensive to get souveneirs. A bonus is they have an indoor picnic area so you can take your own food and drink and sit at decent tables and chairs.
Can you tell we love the place?!