Consumer champion’s survey rated renowned wildlife attractions
Hull’s iconic visitor attraction The Deep (Image: Hull City Council)
The Deep has been awarded Which? Recommended Provider (WRP) status in the prestigious “UK’s best wildlife attractions” category. The attraction was praised across several areas in a survey by the independent consumer champion.
Over 2,000 people were asked by Which? to rate renowned wildlife attractions in their recent survey, as well as almost 50 other places around the UK. Just ten of these wildlife attractions have been made WRP, awarded for their excellent visitor score, great value for money, commitment to conservation, and transparent pricing, among other criteria.
From this survey, The Deep achieved an outstanding score, marking it as the UK’s best aquarium. Which? members praised The Deep across several key areas, including receiving the highest score for wildlife experience and customer service.
“The wildlife has lots of space and is stunningly well displayed,” was one comment. “The sights of the different fish swimming together at different depths are mesmerising, even on our third visit.”
Hull’s iconic aquarium also received a full five stars for attractiveness, with its “fabulous architecture rising like a glass fin from the Humber estuary”. Which? chose the highest rated attractions as WRPs, considering their star ratings – particularly the value for money score.
They also factored in whether attractions were able to demonstrate commitment to conservation and animal welfare (through membership of BIAZA or a similar association), or by having their own conservation charity. Katy Duke, chief executive officer at The Deep, said: “As a charity, we are exceptionally proud to have achieved Which? Recommended Provider status, and this is testament to all our crew in consistently delivering an outstanding day out for visitors.”
This latest accolade, following on from being named the UK’s top aquarium in Tripadvisor’s recent Travellers’ Choice Awards, reinforces The Deep’s growing reputation as one of the UK’s best aquariums, offering an engaging, educational and memorable day out for all. Receiving no on-going Government funding, The Deep is totally dependent on ticket sales and other revenue streams to cover operational costs and to carry out its education, conservation and research work.
Which? is a not-for-profit organisation that works to protect consumers and make life simpler, fairer and safer for everyone. Its research gets to the heart of consumer issues that matter, with expert advice that is completely impartial, and with product reviews that help consumers to make confident choices.