Hull’s landmark attraction, The Deep, is celebrating after welcoming its 10 millionth visitor.
One of the most spectacular aquariums in the world, and home to 5,000 animals including sharks and rays, The Deep reached the visitor milestone this month (June).
And the award-winning attraction marked the achievement by awarding an exclusive VIP experience voucher to the first 10 visitors on 11 June – while every other visitor received a mini marine-themed cuddly toy as a souvenir.
The strikingly designed building, overlooking the Humber estuary, is regarded as one of the most commercially successful Millennium projects in the UK, and has become an internationally recognised landmark – even featuring on a Royal Mail stamp in 2006.
Built on a former shipyard site it played a pivotal role in helping to revitalise and regenerate the city.
Breathing new life into the run-down Humber docks area as part of Hull’s wider revival as Yorkshire’s only maritime city, over the last 23 years the attraction has proved a hit not only with regular visitors, but also a favourite with group trips and educational visits.
Along with the chance to see the aquarium’s marine life – including the UK’s only pair of green sawfish and a colony of Gentoo penguins – The Deep operates as an education and conservation charity and in recent years has become an international player in marine conservation.
Since opening in 2002, it has hosted around 50,000 sleepover guests; staff have notched up more than 700,000 minutes underwater caring for the animals; and it has pumped an estimated annual net worth of well over £14m into the local economy.
Showcasing the world’s ocean habitats, from the past to the future, The Deep aims to create a deeper understanding and enjoyment of the ocean through stunning marine life, interactive displays and presentations.
Among highlights is the chance to walk through the Underwater Tunnel and ride in the glass lift through the 10 metre deep Endless Ocean tank, which holds 2.5 million litres of water and 87 tonnes of salt.
Special experiences are also on offer, including discovering The Deep after dark during a family, or group, sleepover, bedding down for the night next to sharks, rays and turtles.
For more details, visit www.thedeep.co.uk
For all other tourism information about Hull, see www.visithull.org
