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Aquariums & Sea Life in York

There's no big sea life centre right in York, so this list ranges a bit further out. Askham Bryan Wildlife & Conservation Park is the closest, just outside the city, from £5.50 for ages 3+, with meerkats, lemurs and a chance to get behind the scenes with the otters. Ferrybridge Aquatics out at Knottingley is more of a quiet browse round 500 species than a big day out. For the full aquarium experience it's a longer trip to The Deep in Hull, where sharks and a walk-through tunnel make an indoor day of it from £18. If you want free and easy, Wentworth Garden Centre in Rotherham costs nothing to wander round and adds a family farm and playground alongside its pets and aquatics section, though it's a fair way out. Pet Station, also in Rotherham, is another free browse past fish tanks and iguanas rather than a ticketed attraction. Toddlers will get more from Askham Bryan's animals up close, while older kids who fancy sharks should save that trip to Hull for a proper indoor outing.

✓ 6 places★ 6 upcoming events✦ 1 free to visit