Cool place of the day: The Deep, Hull
Most big public aquariums seek some kind of distinction and Hull`s is no different, billing itself as "the world`s only submarium". What this means in practice is an up-close-and-personal acquaintance with creatures you really shouldn`t be up close and personal with, such as sharks, rays and green sawfish, which swim right above you in Europe`s deepest (9-metre) viewing tunnel.
Various underwater habitats lift the lid on the story of the world`s oceans and river systems, from Amazon to ice shelf – `for conservation, not profit` is another of The Deep`s taglines, and there`s a strong educational and marine research side to its displays and activities. Which is basically something you forget entirely the minute you clap eyes on the divers in with the rays and clown fish (every day at 2pm) or rise through the 10-metre-high Endless Oceans tank in the glass lift. A very cool place.