The Deep

Wedge-shaped aquarium at the confluence of the River Hull and the Humber, with one of Europe's deepest viewing tanks

The Deep is Hull's most recognisable modern landmark and its biggest single tourist draw. The exhibits are organised around a journey through the world's oceans — from coral reefs and tropical lagoons to the cold deep, with sharks, rays, and the only colony of Gentoo penguins in the north of England. The 10-metre viewing tank has a glass lift that runs straight through it, so you ascend surrounded by water on all sides.

It is unashamedly aimed at families, with hands-on tanks and feeding talks scattered through the day, but the architecture and the views over the estuary from the top floor are reason enough for adults to visit too. Tickets are valid for a full year, which says something about how Hull residents use the place. Allow at least two hours; on school holidays expect crowds and book online to skip the queue.

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The Deep was funded by the Millennium Commission and opened in 2002 on the exact point where the River Hull empties into the Humber. Architect Sir Terry Farrell shaped it like a colossal ship's bow about to slide into the water — from across the estuary it looks more like a piece of public sculpture than a building. Inside, the central tank is ten metres deep and holds a quarter of a million litres of saltwater, sharks and rays included.