The Deep

Our award-winning Education Team offer National Curriculum based workshops and hands-on activities, tailored for all Key Stages from EYFS to Post-16 and SEND.

What We Offer Visiting Schools:

Educational Visits: Take the hassle out of planning a trip; our experienced Education Team have got you covered! Experience an unforgettable trip supported every step of the way by our team, from initial teacher-enquiry through to the development and delivery of bespoke curriculum-led learning sessions. Choose from a variety of 40-minute immersive and hands-on workshops, before heading on a self-guided tour of our awe-inspiring aquarium and come face-to-face with amazing animals.

Sleepovers: A unique experience like no other, bring your school to discover The Deep after dark with a sleepover next to incredible marine life!  Enjoy a guided tour of The Deep followed by craft activities, before bedding down for the night beside sharks, rays and turtles.

Science with Bite Sessions: Searching for a group visit with an educational twist? Book one of our Science with Bite sessions and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of learning, suitable for young people aged 11-18!  Learners can select a specific session of their choice, each providing more focused work at the habitats and the opportunity to explore different areas of the aquarium.

Loan Boxes: Take home one of our free loan boxes to support further learning for your group! With 5 different boxes packed with resources to choose from, learners can create displays, inspire discussions, and get hands on with artefacts to spark curiosity about the world’s oceans and the animals that live within them.

Why Choose Us for an Educational Visit:

An iconic symbol of Hull, The Deep is an award-winning aquarium and science centre as well as a conservation and education charity. Our mission is to create a deeper understanding and enjoyment of the world’s oceans and inspire positive change for their survival, which is reflected in our National Curriculum-linked workshops. Located on the Humber estuary, The Deep provides a truly unique learning environment where learners can make unforgettable memories and be inspired to make a difference, surrounded by incredible marine life. By visiting us, you are helping to support us as a charity.

Subjects and Topics Covered:

Our experienced Education Team offer National Curriculum based workshops and hands-on activities, tailored for all Key Stages from EYFS to Post-16 and SEND.

Accreditation and Awards:

The Deep’s Education Team won the 2025 ‘Team of The Year’ accolade for the Hull & East Yorkshire Business Awards.

Group Sizes Catered For:

Each Sea Lab can hold a maximum of 36 learners (not including teachers/carers) and you will need to book the appropriate number of Sea Labs based on the number of learners attending. You can book up to 6 Sea Labs in one day, subject to availability.

Itineraries, Resources, and Workshops:

Your visit will include a self-guided tour of The Deep, a lunch break and an educational workshop. Please be aware that we are unable to provide an itinerary in advance of your visit as these are so often subject to change. Groups will be issued a copy of your timetable and a map of The Deep when you arrive.

A copy of the Teacher Guidebook can be downloaded here: https://www.thedeep.co.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Teacher%20Guidebook%202025-%2026.pdf

View the full range of workshops here: https://www.thedeep.co.uk/education/explore-our-available-workshops

Risk Assessment:

A copy of our Risk Assessment can be downloaded here: https://www.thedeep.co.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Risk%20Assessment%20Notes.pdf.

Please note, this has been written to assist leaders planning to bring their group to The Deep. They are for guidance only and are not a replacement for leaders conducting their own risk assessment prior to their visit.

Education Department Information:

Our friendly award-winning Education Team are happy to help with any queries you have prior to booking. Please contact the team Monday to Friday (term-time) via email at education@thedeep.co.uk.

Pricing Information:

Educational visits are priced at £11.50 per learner, with free adult places at ratios 1:4 for EYFS, 1:6 for KS1/2 and 1:10 for KS3/4+.

Additional adult places are £20.50 per person. Please note, there is a minimum charge of £138 for groups of 12 learners or fewer. For SEND groups, the minimum charge is £92 for groups of 8 SEND learners or fewer. Education bookings do not qualify for the Annual Pass.

Facilities:

The Deep provides secure bag storage and a dedicated lunch space (indoors or outdoors dependent on the weather) for educational visits, as well as free coach parking onsite. Our Sea Labs are located on the ground floor, in which our educational workshops take place. Free water fountains are available around the building suitable for refillable bottles, helping to reduce plastic waste.

Accessibility and Disabled Facilities:

The Deep takes pride in being a fully accessible aquarium and will work with your group to ensure any SEND requirements are met within our bespoke workshops. Sensory packs (which include ear defenders and fidget toys) are available to borrow from The Deep’s Reception.

We have accessible parking bays located nearest the Humber estuary for minibuses to park, or a coach drop-off layby in front of The Deep’s entrance, a short distance from our dedicated accessible entrance.

Accessible toilets are located on every floor of the aquarium, and a Changing Places Facility (accessed via RADAR key) is on the ground floor of the aquarium. We are happy to provide a RADAR key if you do not have one to bring with you.

There is ramp access throughout the building, including the Sea Labs.

For full Accessibility information, please visit: https://www.thedeep.co.uk/visit/accessibility.

Opening Hours:

The Deep is open 10am-6pm (last entry 5pm) every day, except from the 24th and 25th December. Our educational visits are available to book throughout the academic year on weekdays (term-time), with most schools arriving at 10am and departing around 2pm.