Welcome to The Deep, Hull’s award winning aquarium, offering a great family day out for visitors with access or additional needs.
We aim to deliver excellent service to all visitors and continually strive to improve and provide a quality experience for all. So much so that The Deep was named 'Runner Up' in the Visit England Inclusive Tourism Award 2017.
Access Guide
We are committed to accessibility for all visitors, we are continually updating and adding to our wide range of tools and information to ensure an accessible family day out. To help you plan for your visit, please see our Access Guide which offers lots of handy hints and tips to help you get the most out of your day.
Should you need any further information or assistance please email us or call 01482 381000 (Monday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm).
Social Story
Our Social Story is a helpful tool for families with additional needs to more effectively plan their day. This provides information on what you will encounter on arrival to The Deep, throughout your visit and on departure. As well as details on some of the people you are likely to meet.
We also offer a School Social Story resource which is great for those students who might need a little extra help.
Sensory Packs
A sensory support pack is available to borrow free of charge from reception. The pack contains a copy of The Deep social story, a visitor guide, ear defenders, colouring sheet, crayons and a sensory toy (available to purchase in The Deepartment Store).
Changing Places Facility
Our Changing Places facility offers those with additional needs and their carers additional space and equipment in a comfortable environment. It is available to anyone who needs it, not just those visiting the aquarium and is accessible without having to pay entry. Located on the ground floor near the lifts, it can be accessed using a radar key. Please ask a member of staff if you need assistance.
The room includes:
- Adjustable bench
- Hoist
- Adjustable basin and mirror
- Centrally placed toilet
- Portable privacy screen
Further information on our Changing Places facility can be found in our Access Guide.
Not Every Disability is Visible
We understand that people with a variety of conditions need to use accessible toilets whilst out and about, so we are proud to support of the Not Every Disability is Visible campaign by Crohn's & Colitis UK. You can find out more here.
Safe Place Scheme
We are pleased to be a supporter of the Safe Place scheme which supports vulnerable people - including those with dementia, learning difficulties, or other needs - to feel safe out and about in the city. A Safe Place has stickers staff there can support a person and help them make contact with carers or loved ones, then stay with them until that person arrives. Find out more about the scheme here.
Mobility Aids
We are pleased to be able to offer complimentary use of the following mobility aids during your visit:
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Electric scooters (2) - please note, these cannot be pre-booked and are available on a first come, first served basis
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Wheelchairs (7)
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Walking aids (4) - 2 rollators with seats and 2 tri-walkers
To pre-book selected wheelchairs or walking aids please email us or call 01482 381000 (Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm).
Quiet Space
Should you need a quiet space for prayer, breast feeding etc. please ask a member of staff who can take you to an appropriate quiet area/room.
Queuing
There is an accessibility and groups entrance nearest to the Humber, there is generally a shorter queue at this entrance. Anyone who needs to can use the accessible entrance.
Please note that, although we make every attempt to keep queues to a minimum, there will be a queuing system on busy days (including weekends and school holidays). The Deep tends to be busier when it is raining. We strongly recommend visitors arrive at The Deep at 10am when we open or after 2pm to avoid the crowds. On average our visitors spend between 2 and 3 hours at The Deep. As we do not close until 6pm, there is plenty of time to enjoy the attraction in the afternoon.
