Nadia Jefferson-Brown and family enjoy a close encounter with sharks.

Why? The Deep on the Humber Estuary has real pulling power, attracting people of all ages. And there are many reasons why this award-winning family attraction is worth a visit.

The real highlight is being able to enjoy a close-up view of marine life from around a huge central aquarium, with shoals of brightly coloured fish at the top and the more menacing sharks, rays and sawfish below.

There is also a glass elevator and stairs at the side of the tank to give different perspectives of the underwater world and some of the larger sea specimens.

Other tanks showcase many other creatures inhabiting our waters, from the fish of the North Sea through to the inhabitants of the darkest parts of the ocean, which use bioluminescence to communicate.

Other stars of The Deep include jellyfish, blow fish, sea horses and octopus.

A highlight for us was feeding time, when two divers went into the large tank to serve up lunch, and a 3D journey through the ocean, viewed on a big screen.

Visitors can also enter the virtual undersea world of the Deep’s futuristic research station, Deep Blue One, with hands-on interactive computer games.

You can also feel the ice-cold walls of the Polar Gallery and learn about the world’s oceans from the beginning of time to the present day.

Living Rivers is a new exhibit showcasing some of the greatest river systems of the world, including the Rio Grande, the Amazon and the Mekong. The display also includes the first ‘Fog Screen’ to be installed in the UK – a walk-through experience which my boys loved.

Family-friendly? Incredibly. The aquarium is completely accessible by pushchair or wheelchair, with hands-on activities for children, a play area, picnic spot and cafés, and baby-changing facilities.

Getting there: The Deep is a one-hour drive from York to Hull. Follow the brown tourist signs for The Deep where there is parking (£3). It is also within walking distance of the city centre.

How much? Adults £9.95; children (3-15 years inclusive) £7.95; under 3 Free; OAP/Student £8.75. Family of 4 (2 adults) £32.

Further information: phone 01482 381000, email info@thedeep.co.uk or visit thedeep.co.uk

When? The Deep is open every day from 10am - 6pm (last entry 5pm) except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day when it is closed.