Accessible Britain

(book in advance). The museum has an induction loop, ear defenders for those with
sensitive hearing, large-print multi-sensory displays. Free Saturday and holiday clubs for
disabled children are attended by a “Helping Hand” coordinator. Outside, the Wonder
Walk incorporates a sensory trail (for all) and a wheelchair accessible trail.
FOOD & DRINK aa The accessible on-site café serves tasty hot and cold meals and snacks,
and has a children’s menu. All the food is freshly made on-site, including the sandwiches.
There’s a microwave for heating baby food and a picnic area outside, plus a
refurbished train carriage that acts as an extra lunch area.
126 The Deep, East Yorkshire
Address: Tower Street, Hull HU1 4DP Web: www.thedeep.co.uk Tel: 01482 381000 Hours: daily 10am–
6pm; last entrance 5pm Dates: closed 24–25 Dec Entry: [D]£11.50 [C]free [A]£11.50 [3–15s]£9.50
[Con]£10.50 [Fam of 4]£37.60
Designed by Terry Farrell, the gleaming glass and aluminium building that houses
The Deep is distinctly shark-like in appearance – aptly so, because this huge aquarium
houses more than thirty species of shark and 3500 other fish.
As well as being a visitor attraction, The Deep is an educational and conservation
charity, equipped with impressively high-tech, interactive displays. You are taken on a
journey to underground levels, where you’ll explore the world’s oceans, from the early
beginnings of sea life to the present day – through coral, slime and flooded forests, and
from the warm waters of the tropics to the icy Antarctic. At every level, the giant tanks
contain an array of species, from the teeming coral reef-dwellers of the tropics to the
strange creatures of the coldest depths. Children are kept busy the whole time: watch out
for the interactive Magic Pool on your way round, and don’t miss the Fog Screen, a walkthrough
screen of fine mist that surrounds you with images of sharks. The Deep also has
several Gentoo penguins, whose purpose-built enclosure, the Kingdom of Ice, boasts
its own balcony overlooking the Humber. The highlight, however, is a walk through
Europe’s deepest viewing tunnel followed by a breathtaking ride back up to the ground
floor in the world’s only underwater lift, which takes you through the main tank, home
of the sharks. Daily dive shows take place, in which the sharks are fed by hand.
Access around the whole site is excellent. The car park has twelve disabled spaces,
right next to a designated disabled entrance. Wheelchairs, walking frames and a
powered scooter are available free of charge (but can’t be booked in advance). There
are seating areas on each level – but be warned that descending each level involves
making your way down two ramps, which can be crowded at busy times. The lift is
wheelchair accessible. There’s a Braille printer for any other information you might like
to read while visiting. Finally, on several dates throughout the year, “quiet days” are
organised, when the audio system is turned down, the lighting turned up and a BSLtrained
member of staff delivers a signed presentation.
FOOD & DRINK aa The Observatory Café has moveable furniture and impressive views
over the Humber Bridge and estuary. On Friday and Saturday evenings, visitors can
dine alongside the sharks in the award-winning Two Rivers restaurant.
THE NORTHEAST AND YORKSHIRE
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