1 Deep Sea World, North Queensferry, Fife
An aquarium that offers visitors the chance to swim with sharks, Deep Sea World has won several awards since it opened two years ago. Its underwater acrylic tunnel, which is the longest in the world, allows a diver to see a vast array of indigenous aquatic wildlife. Professional divers feed the fish by hand and a touchpool means that visitors can enjoy a hands-on approach too. Open 10am - 6.30pm every day. Adults £6.25, children £3.95. Tel: 01383 411880.
2 Blue Planet, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
Blue Planet tries to live up to its global name by basing its many exhibitions on marine habitats around the world. Free films and face painting help with the acclimatisation process as visitors travel between rainy Scotland and the shark- infested waters of the Caribbean. Animals are part of the repertoire here, with lizards and poisonous frogs on show. Like its sister aquarium, Deep Sea, Blue Planet offers diving with sharks and hosts the Shark Trust conference in April every year. Adults £6.95, children £4.95. Tel: 0151 3578800. 10am - 6pm daily.
3. National Marine Aquarium, Coxside, Plymouth
An aquarium with a mission, the National Marine Aquarium uses education to encourage people to care for the marine environment. Alongside the programme of talks and presentations, many of which are designed to support the National Curriculum, there are displays of sea life from several world habitats such as a deep reef tank and a Caribbean reef complete with sharks. Europe's largest display of seahorses is held here with a wealth of background information. 10am - 6pm. Adults £6.50, children £4. Phone 01752 600
4.London Aquarium, County Hall, London SE1
On London's South Bank, beneath the gaze of the London Eye and next door to the FA Hall of Fame, lies Britain's best-known aquarium. Again, the emphasis is on participation and the touchpools offer rays, starfish and crabs for the very brave. More bravery is on display from the divers who hand-feed sharks in their giant tanks, while more gentle displays focusing on aquatic habitats from around the world include creatures that lurk in the wet undergrowths of the rainforests. The coral reef display offers unusual fish in jewel colours, while the rivers and ponds section explains the life that teems in local fresh waters. Open 10am-6pm. Adults £8.50, under-14s free. Call 020 7967 8000.
