Best aquarium UK
Lovely place to bring the kids for a fun day out. Has to be the best aquarium in the UK. Will definitely be back soon!
About The Deep
Data updated- Website
- thedeep.co.uk
- Category
- Animals & Pets
- Location
- United States
- Status
- Unclaimed
- Last 12 months
- 7 reviews
- Replies to negative
- 0% (0/9)
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Is The Deep legit?
The Deep (thedeep.co.uk) has a 3.2 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 22 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Animals & Pets and its reputation is mixed. 23% of reviews are 1 star, a relatively high share; The business has not yet replied to negative reviews; 7 of them were added in the last 12 months. Last updated 2026-08-10.
What people say
Not autism friendly and way too many…
Not autism friendly and way too many people are let in at once all about the money it seems not the animals they shout through microphones so it gets really loud
Avoid if you are disabled
Pre-booked 3 tickets online for 2.30 slot on 31st January 2026. When we arrived it was obvious that they do not have adequate parking and it took us quite some time to find any parking at all - this cost £4.50 in addition to the cost of tickets. When we arrived at the entrance there was a huge queue but we saw that there was a clearly labelled accessible entrance so we entered the building there. When we explained at the reception desk that I was disabled/chronically ill, and would not be able to stand in such a long queue, I was asked to prove that I am disabled by producing evidence - for example, the right to claim benefits or blue badge. The fact that the staff equate chronic illness and disability with being a welfare recipient, is at best, extremely narrow minded. I am a 2 times Cancer survivor, have long term disability due to the effects of Cancer treatment and I have a disabling auto-immune condition, but I do not receive welfare. Disability and welfare are two separate issues. Not being in receipt of welfare does not make me any less disabled or change the fact that I may require 'reasonable adjustments'. The Equality Act does not state that people need to be in receipt of welfare to count as disabled but it does say that disability and chronic illness are protected characteristics within the law. I was forced to explain more than I should have had to and was left feeling humiliated. I explained that I have Cancer and suffer fatigue and pain, that I would not be able to stand in a queue that long, and that is why I was trying to use the accessible entrance. There are of course visual cues to back up what I was explaining. For example: I do not have breasts. I also wear medical compression garments, which are obvious to anyone, as they cover my arms and hands. The fact that I am not on welfare is neither here nor there. It is wrong to stereotype disabled and chronically-ill people as welfare dependent, when we can just as likely be taxpayers. We do not have a "Show-us-your-papers" culture. We live in a culture where people can self-identify their gender, but to get into The Deep, I have to carry papers to prove the obvious - that I am chronically and seriously ill. The only paperwork I do have that could prove this would be letters from the hospital, and it is, quite frankly, disgusting, that I should have to share private medical records to prove that I am a Cancer survivor, have other serious illness, and suffer extreme pain levels and fatigue. I was not happy with the callous disregard with which I was treated. The receptionist refused to make any 'reasonable adjustment' even though I explained I would not be able to continue with our visit to The Deep without it. We had travelled for over an hour to get there, but she would not help us, explaining that all the people in the long queue had probably pre-booked too, and we had to go back to the queue or receive a refund and leave. I'm not sure what the point to it was, as I had already explained that I could not manage the queue and then continue with my visit. We did not receive an immediate refund, she said she would pass it onto the finance department, so we couldn't even get our money back to spend elsewhere. I will not allow people like this to know how much they have hurt me, so I waited until I got back to the car before I cried. The accessible entrance just gives lip-service to disability issues; the staff have clearly received no disability awareness training, or training has been very poor. The Deep is not a safe place for disabled people to visit. Avoid!
The receptionist
Josh the receptionist was very helpful and lovely
Fabulous, friendly Staff/crew especially Verity
What lovely staff /crew especially Verity she was amazing answering all the questions from our inquisitive little boy and explaining everything, everything really well organised , wheelchair friendly, picnic areas inside and out , we had a great day Thank you 😊
Avoid the cafeteria
We were served with our food in the cafeteria by the most miserable and rude woman I have ever come across. Food was overpriced and inedible. The rest of the staff are lovely. Aquarium displays are great and well worth the visit but avoid the cafe at all costs.
We recently attended a corporate event…
We recently attended a corporate event here & the staff were fantastic. They were knowledgeable, warm & attentive. The food was delicious & the waiting staff were efficient. Highly recommend
The aquariums were great can’t fault…
The aquariums were great can’t fault them, but it’s the type of families and children that go, you have children running all round other people and when someone does speak about you it you have the manager taking sides if the family that was letting the child run havoc, just because I didn’t have a child with me they decided I must of been the one to start it. Maybe the deep should offer ONLY ADULT DAYS.
Great day out
Great day out at the Deep with the children. Love the fact you get an annual ticket. My kids really enjoy all the interactive exhibits especially the sand/ rockpool Parking is reasonable at less than 4 pound all day.
Only locals and people who can return…
Only locals and people who can return benefit. Expensive for non local people. Adult £23.00 Child (aged 3 to 15) - Must be accompanied by an Adult £17.00 Children under 3 - Must be accompanied by an Adult FREE (No booking required) Full-time Student (valid NUS, University card or proof of age required) £19.50 Senior (60+) £19.50
Great day visiting today
Great day visiting today found it very informative and interesting. Not too busy either. Luda one of the guides was so interesting and helpful took time to chat and answer our questions - she clearly loves her subject matter and was so knowledgeable. She even came to find us to tell us that feeding time was coming up so we wouldn’t miss it too as we had been talking about it with her earlier. Great ambassador for the company. Good value as it is an annual pass as well.
Disappointing experience
I’m sorry to be writing a review that rates the Deep as poor. I went yesterday with my 3 year old granddaughter. From the moment we stepped out of the lift into the gloom she sobbed gently, wanting her mum. We were looking forward to seeing the marine life of which there was some but my recollections of aquaria was more of it, more accessible and brighter. There was a lot of information to read - so probably not aimed at a 3 year old. I think the entry fee is steep for that age. We were in and out in under 1/2 hour. The staff were pleasant & kept our rucksacks but access to lockers would be better. Pity there isn’t public transport from the station/town centre - it’s quite a long walk away.
I visited the deep today with my 2year…
I visited the deep today with my 2year old grandson Kit around 1.45pm we got waved across to the counter by a male member of staff I picked my grandson up as he wanted to see the person serving us Kit picked up a sign off the counter and then put it down and the male staff snatched it of the counter and said to Kit in a rude voice leave that alone i didnt say anything but when i got home and thort about it relised i should have said something .There was no acknowledgement to my grandson and the male member of staff was very rude to him there are ways of talking to a 2 year old and being kind lead by example next time .
Really enjoyed it the first time but not this time
Really enjoyed it the first time we went about 5 years ago. Not great this time the place was packed out far to many people in there for the size of the place,booked online for dedicated time slot,still couldn’t get parked in the car park,lots of people turning up and paying to go in after not booking online which it suggests you to do. Took and hour to walk round not many displays apart from the shark tank which we enjoyed. The place was full of screaming kids one little boy especially who screamed the whole way round which was making our ears bleed it was that piercing,his parents should have taken him out as it was ruining everyone experience. Loads of prams with children that were far too young to be in there..why take a new born baby ! They will never remember it wait until they are older. Scarborough was far better and only lets in a small number at a time so plenty of space to see all the attractions.
Great place to visit very friendly…
Great place to visit very friendly staff and lots to see
1 star is being generous
1 star is being generous! The carpark was so full people were parking everywhere and anywhere. The wheelchair bus that took us got blocked in, we told a member of staff who said they will sort it and never did. Not alot of actual marine life! Loads of info post and models of fish etc. Disabled access was good and the toilet facilities had a hoist, movable bed and space. They didn't filter people in so we kept getting too many people looking at something at one time and this made it hard for the wheelchair user and younger children to see. Overall not too sure if we would go again, don't think it was worth the money!
Definitely meant for kids
Definitely meant for kids rather than adults, there weren't that many live animal exhibits, most of the experience was information on things that, at least I, already knew. All in all, it's a good place for kids but I wouldn't recommend it for a date place.
I love this place it’s a 6 hour round…
I love this place it’s a 6 hour round trip but worth it ticket prices or additional cost in the car parking given nothing else around the area not so much but the shear size of the place and attractions I and children really enjoy. The educational machines need to be replaced or updated as far too many are broken but on the whole it’s a enjoyable experience. Review canteen prices also
Thank you!
staff were great onsite, considering my disability I was able to get around un-hindered all day much to the delight of my grandsons
I love the deep and it's a lifesaver…
I love the deep and it's a lifesaver with 2 young children. I wouldn't pay the entrance for a one off visit, but as you can keep returning for free for 12 months it totally makes sense