Hullis for many Dutch holidaymakers no more than a port city, where they arrive by ferry from Rotterdam. Hull is a good base from which to explore the North of England, with cities such asManchesterinLiverpoolat a mere distance. But you can stop for a few days in this charming town, which is officially classified asKingston upon Hullknown. You can also put Hull on your list for a city trip, because it is by no means boring.Hull is never dull: there is plenty to see and do!
Hull, located on the North Sea in the Yorkshire region, is over 700 years old. The city was founded in 1292 and has always been dominated by the sea ever since. It was a gritty harbor town, strong in fishing and whaling, where daring sailors exchanged their adventures in eccentric pubs. The sea air also proved to provide inspiration, because Hull was home to countless poets. It has been called 'the most poetic city in England'.
Travel in comfort to Hull by ferry
►Book your ticket for the ferry from Rotterdam to Hull here
The industrial edge has now disappeared and Hull is a thriving coastal city with an abundance of art and culture. It was even the 2017 Capital of Culture of Great Britain, a title that is only awarded once every four years. Arriving here by ferry now offers world-class attractions, a thriving music scene and fascinating history. Want to spend a few days in this quirky harbor town? Here you will find 10 tips what to do and see in Hull!
Stroll through Hull's Old Town
Start your trip to Hull with a walk through the beautifulOld Town districtof Hull, which is surprisingly well preserved. The center is one of the few parts of the city that was not hit by heavy bombing during World War II. Hull's medieval town center is a treasure trove of Stuart and Georgian architecture, picturesque quays, trendy boutiques, art galleries and pubs full of character, linked by winding cobbled streets.
Be sure to keep walkingPrince Street, the prettiest street in Hull. With its cobblestones and gorgeous Georgian-era pastel buildings, you're sure to get some Instagrammable shots here. Also funThe Land of Green Ginger, a street with a Dutch touch. The street name would refer to the surnameLindegreenfrom a Dutch family. In the George Hotel on this street you will find 'the smallest window in England'. It's really just a small crack. In the 17th century, hotel staff watched through the window for stagecoaches to welcome their new guests.
Take the kids to The Deep aquarium
If you want to do something in Hull with kids, this is itThe Deepan absolute top attraction. This is one of the most beautiful aquariums in the world, with 5000 fish and marine animals from more than 300 species. You can see sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, gentoo penguins and colorful tropical fish. The aquarium tells the compelling story of the world's oceans through interactive displays and audiovisual presentations.
The Deep is housed in a futuristic and angular building on the River Humber. The main basin is 10 meters underground, making it the deepest aquarium in Europe. When it opened in 2002, it was heralded as the only "submarium" in the world. Address:Tower St, Hull HU1 4DP, United Kingdom. Website:www.thedeep.co.uk
Walk or cycle across the Humber Bridge
Do you like architectural delights? Then you canHumber Bridgenot missing! Built between 1973 and 1981, the 2,220-foot manual bridge spanning the Humber River has won acclaim for its harmonious blend of technology and aesthetics. When it opened it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, a record it held for 16 years. It is still the world's longest suspension bridge that can be crossed by bicycle or on foot. The concrete towers are 155 meters high. A walk or bike ride offers beautiful views over the Humber Estuary. If you take the car, you have to pay toll. The bridge is located a few miles west of Hull. Website:www.humberbridge.co.uk
Streetlife Museum of Transport
In theStreetlife Museum of Transportsee what Hull looked like before the advent of cars and modern public transport. The museum presents 200 years of transport history in the city, with a fine collection of old bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, trams, trains and antique vehicles. A street from the 1940s has also been recreated, with houses and shops. You can also take a ride in a vintage tram or a rocking carriage that once transported mail from Hull to the city of York. Entrance is free. Address:High St, Hull HU1 1PS, United Kingdom. Website:www.hcandl.co.uk
Fish Trail
Various walks have been set out in Hull to see and discover the city in a different way. One of the nicest is theFish Trail, almost literally following in the footsteps of Hull's rich fishing history. The 3.8-kilometer route passes through 41 fish sculptures that were incorporated into the sidewalks and streets in 1992 by artist Gordon Young. The fish are shown at their actual size, from a school of 36 tiny anchovies to a 10-foot-long ray. In creating the art project, Young also allowed himself a few jokes. For example, you see an image of a shark at a bank and an electric eel at an electricity house. You can do the Fish Traildownload here.
Bringing Art Gallery
A cultural crown jewel of Hull is theBringing Art Gallery, one of the most important art museums in the north of England. The museum has paintings and sculptures by old European masters as well as modern British artists. Highlights include masterpieces by Frans Hals, Lorenzetti, David Hockney, Helen Chadwick and Antonio Canaletto. In 2016, the museum received a multimillion-pound facelift to be ready for the 2017 Cultural Year. Admission is free. Address:Queen Victoria Square, Carr Ln, Hull HU1 3RA, United Kingdom. Website:www.hcandl.co.uk
Wilberforce House
Another captivating museum in Hull isWilberforce House, dedicated to one of the city's most famous heroes. William Wilberforce (1759-1833) was an English parliamentarian representing the district of Hull, but he mainly made his name as an advocate against the slave trade. He was the initiator of the Slave Trade Act in 1807, which officially banned the transatlantic slave trade. The beautiful brick home where he was born is now a museum about the abolition of slavery and Wilberforce's role in it. In addition, there are exhibitions about West African culture and contemporary slavery. Like many other museums in Hull, entry is free here too. Address:23-25 High St, Hull HU1 1NQ, United Kingdom. Website:www.hcandl.co.uk
Relax in East Park
Want to do something relaxing in Hull? Relax and stretch your legsEast Park, Hull's largest city park to the east of the city centre. The Grade II listed park is one of the most famous in the north of England and was opened in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. There is something for everyone in this vibrant green space. You can walk along flowers and ponds with fountains, cycle, fish, row and take a ride on a boat that splashes in the water. In the Pavilion Café you can enjoy aafternoon teaand for children there is an animal enclosure with deer, wallabies, ostriches and emus. Address:Holderness Rd, Hull HU8 8JU, United Kingdom. Website:www.hcandl.co.uk
Naval history in the Maritime Museum
One of the finest buildings in Hull city center hosts itMaritime Museum, where you can discover everything about the 800-year maritime history of the port city. Exhibitions focus on whaling, fishing in the North Sea, expeditions to the North Pole and maritime trade, among other things. You see a whale skeleton of 12 meters long, but you can also dress up in fishermen's robes. For now, you have to postpone a visit to the Maritime Museum. The museum closed its doors in January 2020 for a major three-year renovation. Address:Queen Victoria Square, Hull HU1 3DX, United Kingdom. Website:www.hcandl.co.uk
Check out cream-colored phone booths
Everywhere in England you see the well-known iconic redphone booths— except in Hull! In the port city, telephone booths are white or cream, as you notice as you stroll through the streets. Hull is the only city in England where the telephone boxes are not red. It's a separate story, because Hull had its own local telephone company for a long time.
From 1921, the General Post Office (then responsible for telephony) installed cast iron red telephone boxes throughout England, just as the post boxes were red. Hull's telephone company did not want to go along with this trend and installed white and cream telephone boxes. This is maintained to this day and the people of Hull are proud of their cream telephone boxes, even though they are hardly used anymore. As an important landmark and heritage, many of these are still visible in the streetscapephone boxesto find. ThePhone Box Trail, that youcan download here, guides you past 12 of these unique phone booths.
What to do in Hull: practical tips
Travel to Hull
Hull is easily accessible by water, because shipping company P&O Ferries provides ferry services from Rotterdam and Zeebrugge in Belgium. The crossing from Rotterdam takes 12 hours, where you spend the night on the ferry. Cabins can be booked with two to five berths. The night crossings from Zeebrugge to Hull also take 12 hours. ►Book your ticket for the ferry from Rotterdam to Hull here
The nearest airport isHumberside Airport (HUY), a small international airport about 36 kilometers south of Hull. KLM flies direct from Amsterdam Schiphol to Humberside every day, a flight of 1 hour. Flight tickets are on sale from €148. ►Book a flight ticket with KLM to Humberside here
From the airport you can take the bus (1 hour) or taxi (30 minutes) to Hull. From Monday to Saturday you can take the bus service known asHumber Flyer. Airport website:www.humbersideairport.com
Another international airport is Leeds Bradford International Airport, 119 kilometers west of Hull. You can also fly to Leeds with KLM. Railway company trainsHull Trains(www.hulltrains.co.uk) drive from London to Hull in 2½ hours.
Overnight in Hull
Partly thanks to the ferry terminal, there are countless possibilities to spend the night in Hull. The city has hotels and apartments in different price ranges. Located in a convenient downtown locationHoliday Inn Hull Marina, within walking distance of the main sights and the Museum Quarter. It is a 3-star mid-range hotel with harbor views, modern decor and friendly staff.
For backpackers and budget travelers it isHull Trinity Backpackers Hostelin the old town a good option. It is housed in an early 19th century building that was home to a theater for many years. You can stay in dormitories and single or double rooms. There is a kitchen on the top floor (overlooking the rooftops of Hull) and you can hire bicycles. Suitable for solo travellers. You can get a bed in a dormitory from €35.
Are you looking for cheap accommodation for your trip to Hull?
►Book a hotel in Hull online at the lowest prices
Eating and drinking in Hull
You come to Hull for the pubs! Hull was once England's third largest port city, so you stumble across the pubs. A special place to knock back a pint isYe Olde White Harton Silver Street. In 1642, the decision was made in this building to deny King Charles I access to Hull, which started the first English civil war. It's a pub where history seeps out of the crooked walls, with dark oak panelling, hanging beams, open fires and stained glass windows (look out for the human skull behind the bar). Also worth mentioningYe Olde Black BoyMarket Place, Hull's oldest pub, opened in 1729.
For a typical local delicacy from Hull, order onepatty butty. It is a crispy patty with fried mashed potatoes, flavored with sage and onion. It is usually served in a sandwich with chips. Originally, Hull residents ate this as a cheaper substitute for fish, but today it is popular as a snack. The patty butty is available in fish and chip shops all over the city, with many snack bars having their own 'secret' recipe. A well-known address to try isEast Park Chippy(www.eastparkchippy.co.uk).
For more information on what to do in Hull, check out the official tourist office website:www.visithull.org
More useful tips for a trip to Hull
Last updated on 19 August 2020. If you have any additions, tips or comments about what to do in Hull, England, please let us know via theContact Form. Foto’s © depositphotos.com/eyematrix; Pixabay; P&O Ferries; Hull Tourism/Chris Pepper.
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What to do and see in Hull, England: 10 tips!? ›
Hull has an abundance of museums in what is now known as its museum quarter. Explore the city's history in the Hull and East Riding Museum for archaeology and local history. Lovers of art should stop by the Ferns Art Gallery. Hulls rich fishing heritage is celebrated in the city's Maritime Museum.
Is Hull UK worth visiting? ›Hull has an abundance of museums in what is now known as its museum quarter. Explore the city's history in the Hull and East Riding Museum for archaeology and local history. Lovers of art should stop by the Ferns Art Gallery. Hulls rich fishing heritage is celebrated in the city's Maritime Museum.
What is Hull UK famous for? ›Not only did Hull spark the English Civil War, but it's also the birthplace of slavery abolitionist William Wilberforce, aviatrix Amy Johnson and rock legend Mick Ronson. It also has unique cream-coloured phone boxes and hosts Europe's oldest and largest travelling fair. 'Rich in history' is an understatement.
What is the nicest part of Hull? ›- Victoria Dock.
- Anlaby Park.
- Western Avenues (Chanterlands Avenue area)
- Kingswood.
- Sutton Village.
- Willerby Road.
- Garden Village.
- Fruit Market.
Princes Street in the city centre is iconic with its colourful Georgian homes and is one of the most photographed streets in Hull. Built in the 1770s, it is hard to believe that the picturesque thoroughfare was pretty much derelict as recently as the 1970s.
What is the famous street in Hull? ›The calm, sheltered waters of the Haven or Old Harbour, the lower portion of the River Hull, provided such a place and by the fourteenth century merchants were building their houses along the west bank of the River Hull to form the High street.
What day is market day in Hull? ›Market Days: Wednesday & Sunday
General retail outdoor market with around 260 stalls.
Hull Live has managed to find ten things you can spend money on at Hull Fair without physical cash. This includes rides, games, and food stalls that do accept card payments.
Are Hull museums free? ›Entry into all of our museums is free!
What is unique about Hull? ›Hull is home to The Deep, which calls itself the “world's only submarium”. Visitors may see its 3,500 fish, including sharks and manta rays, while walking under the water through a viewing tunnel.
What are some cool facts about Hull? ›
Hull is the only place in the country not to have BT provide its telephone services. The Hull Telephone Department was launched in 1904, later becoming Kingston Communications. For 115 years, they have set Hull apart – and been a symbol of the city's determination to do things differently.
What language is spoken in Hull? ›Hull is a port city in East Yorkshire, England, with a population of approx 261,149. One of the main attractions in Hull is The Deep Aquarium. The main community languages spoken by residents are Polish, Arabic, Kurdish, Russian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Slovak and Portuguese and Chinese.
How rough is Hull? ›Hull violent crime rate rank
Violent crime rate is 44.1 crimes reported per 1,000 working people per annum. It's the 24. highest crime rate out of 99 England and Wales' postcode areas.
The keel is the bottom-most structural member around which the hull of a ship is built. The keel runs along the centerline of the ship, from the bow to the stern.
Is Hull an expensive city? ›The average cost of living in Kingston upon Hull is $1172, which is close to the world's average cost of living, ranked 4246th out of 9294 in our global list, 268th out of 277 in the United Kingdom, and 228th out of 231 in England.
What is the most photographed street in Hull? ›Prince Street
Arguably Hull's most photographed houses —a cobbled street lined with colourful, picturesque buildings. It's basically Hull's version of Portobello Road.
In a post they confirmed: "Confirmed ride - the only travelling Top Scan will be returning to Hull Fair for 2021, presented by S&D Leisure, Xtreme is an iconic ride on any fairground." A second returning ride is the Xtreme Tagada which is best-known for its PAC-MAN character theme.
Is there anyone famous from Hull? ›2. Reece Shearsmith. Reece Shearsmith originates from Hull and is a talented writer and performer. Having graduated from Bretton Hall Drama College with a BA(hons) in Theatre Arts, he is a quarter of the award-winning comedy team The League of Gentlemen and has appeared in a variety of television shows and films.
What village was abandoned near Hull? ›Wharram Percy is a deserted medieval village and former civil parish near Malton, North Yorkshire, on the western edge of the chalk Wolds of North Yorkshire, England.
Why is it called Ghost Estate Hull? ›Jean told me that the Mizzen Road estate was known as the Ghost Estate because no-one wanted to move in there. They were afraid of flooding being so close to the river.
What is the market town in Hull? ›
The beautiful market town of Beverley, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, is steeped in history. Beverley's famous market dates back centuries and is a vital part of community life. It is held in the town centre, on Saturdays and attracts thousands of shoppers every week.
Why is Hull Fair not open on a Sunday? ›“It has traditionally not operated on the middle Sunday, to give those nearby residents a break. The last time the council asked them, residents were keen to keep it this way, and we feel we need to balance the needs of those wanting to operate and attend Hull Fair with the needs of those who live next to it.”
Is Hull Fair shut on Sunday? ›The Fair will be open daily. The opening hours are as follows and all stalls and rides must comply with this requirement.
What can I do for market day? ›- Handmade Jewelry. Handmade jewelry can be an excellent idea for a school market day. ...
- Origami Animals. ...
- Hand-Sewn Stuffed Animals. ...
- Decorated Tote Bags. ...
- DIY Wind Chimes. ...
- Homemade Bath Bombs. ...
- Embroidered Patches. ...
- Personalized Christmas Ornaments.
While entry to the fair is completely free, all rides are individually priced with children's rides costing around £2.50. For the latest Hull Fair news, click here. Larger rides tend to be priced between £2.50 and £5, with a typical ride costing around the £3 mark.
How much is Hull Fair park and ride? ›Adult Single £2.00, Child Single £1.30, Adult Return £3.50, Child Return £2.30, Adult DayRider £3.70, Child DayRider £2.40.
What happened at Hull Fair? ›The bar on her carriage failed and she was ejected from the ride, landing on a teenager boy and hitting another ride. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries to her face, abdomen, and leg, while the teenager suffered minor injuries to his foot. The two rides were taped off at the time of the incident and closed.
What is the cheapest street in Hull? ›Essex Street is the cheapest street in Hull (Image: Northcliffe Media Ltd.)
How much is entry to the Foundling museum? › Is the Hull house free? ›Exhibitions and public programs highlight histories of activism, progressive education, and democratic principles of participation and exchange. Admission: Suggested donation is $5 per person.
Why is it called Hull? ›
It lies on the north bank of the River Humber estuary at its junction with the River Hull, 22 miles (35 km) from the North Sea. Hull was a medieval wool port that passed from the monks of Meaux Abbey to Edward I, king of England, in 1293. Edward renamed the town Kingston upon Hull.
What is the nickname for people from Hull? ›Codheads: Fisherman, or for people from outside the city, slang for the people of Hull.
What invention came from Hull? ›Charles Hull is the inventor of stereolithography, the first commercial rapid prototyping technology commonly known as 3D printing.
Who is the oldest person in Hull? ›Hull Live - Hull's oldest known living resident Irene Cox... | Facebook.
What is the oldest building in Hull? ›Wilberforce House. Wilberforce House is one of the oldest buildings in Hull. Remembered as the birthplace of Hull's abolitionist pioneer William Wilberforce, the house as it stands now was built in the 1660s and was originally owned and designed by Hugh Lister, the son of a wealthy merchant.
Was Hull a Viking settlement? ›Although little remains of Hull's Viking heritage, it was once a Viking settlement known as Vyke – the Norwegian word for an inlet or fjord.
What is a Yorkshire accent called? ›The Yorkshire dialect (also known as Broad Yorkshire, Tyke, Yorkie or Yorkshire English) is a dialect of English, or continuum of dialects, spoken in the Yorkshire region of Northern England. The dialect has roots in Old English and is influenced by Old Norse.
How many foreigners live in Hull? ›INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION
On Census Day, 21 March 2021, 34,962 residents of Hull (13.1%) were born outside the UK. This is lower than the proportion nationally (17.4%) but a 13,141 (60.2%) increase from 2011.
England: The first recorded spelling of the surname of Hull was found in the country of England in the year 1199.
Is Hull a white area? ›According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Kingston upon Hull, City of is predominantly white (91.8%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 8.2% of the population.
Why does Hull have a bad reputation? ›
The problem for Hull is geography, it is stuck out on the end of the line for trains and driving, there are no major towns or cities to the East or North of Hull¹, travel to the South has, until the Humber bridge was built, been hampered by the Humber estuary, so the only way in and out of Hull with any significance ...
How many people in Hull are homeless? ›A total of 362 people were classed as homeless, living with no fixed address, from April to June 2022 in Hull, while a further 418 faced becoming homeless. In the East Riding, the figures were 207 and 58 respectively.
Is hull in England or Scotland? ›| Kingston upon Hull Hull; Wyke | |
|---|---|
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | England |
| Region | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| Ceremonial county | East Riding of Yorkshire |
| Kingston upon Hull City Council | |
|---|---|
| Leader of the Council | Michael Ross, Liberal Democrat |
| Deputy Leader | Jackie Dad, Liberal Democrat |
| Leader of the Opposition | Daren Hale, Labour |
| Chief Executive | Matt Jukes |
| Party | % |
|---|---|
| Labour | 39.2 |
| Conservative | 35.4 |
| Brexit Party | 17.8 |
| Liberal Democrats | 5.3 |
Because it's only cheap if you have a job. Hull is one of the most economically‑deprived cities in the UK, with persistently high unemployment. This keeps its house prices down and increases house prices elsewhere, as former residents (like me) flee to more prosperous parts of the country in search of work.
How far is it from London to Hull city? ›It takes an average of 3h 10m to travel from London to Hull by train, over a distance of around 155 miles (249 km).
How much does it cost to live in Hull UK? ›Summary of cost of living in Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom: A family of four estimated monthly costs are 2,602.2$ (2,096.6£) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 763.2$ (614.9£) without rent.
What is interesting about Hull? ›- Hull is named after the River Hull.
- Boiled sweets have their origin in Hull.
- Hull is proud of its many uniquely designed public toilets.
- On St George's Day in 1642 King Charles I was refused entry to Hull.
Claim. Located in East Riding of Yorkshire, United Kingdom, Kingston upon Hull is home to an impressive selection of attractions and experiences, making it well worth a visit.
How long is London to Hull? ›
It usually takes around 3h 25m to travel the 155 miles (249 km) from London to Hull by train, with around 16 trains running on this route daily.
Did the Queen ever visit Hull? ›The Queen's first visit to Hull was made on Saturday May 18, 1957, and, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, she was cheered every step of the way.
What are people from Hull called? ›People from Hull are called “Hullensians”.
What is Kingston upon Hull famous for? ›Museums, an art gallery, a theatre, and an arts centre are in close proximity to the old town, and a college of higher education overlooks the Queen's Gardens (site of the first dock, which was built in 1778). The University of Hull (1927) occupies a more open site in the north.
Why is Kingston famous? ›Kingston, city, capital, and chief port of Jamaica, sprawling along the southeastern coast of the island, backed by the Blue Mountains. It is famous for its fine natural harbour, which is protected by the Palisadoes, a narrow peninsula that has been developed as a recreational and tourist resort.
How far is Kingston upon Hull from London? ›You should expect to travel around 154 miles (249 km) between Kingston upon Hull and London.
How far is it from Hull to oxford? ›It takes an average of 6h 40m to travel from Hull to Oxford by train, over a distance of around 143 miles (230 km).
How long is the train journey from Hull to Edinburgh? ›The average journey time by train between Hull and Edinburgh (Waverley) is 6 hours and 7 minutes, with around 90 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
Was the crown filmed in Hull? ›The East Yorkshire port city of Hull, England, was recreated into central London, with The Guildhall in the city centre completely transformed to film the jubilant celebrations.
What was the Queen's last visit to Hull? ›During her last ever day in Hull, Her Majesty then made her way down to the docks to visit the Siemens wind turbine blade factory. Here, she was given a tour and shown the steps Hull was taking in the pursuit of green energy.
Did Hull start the Civil War? ›
The siege of Hull is variously described as commencing from either 10 July or 15 July and a sally made by Meldrum is often attributed as the "first blood" of the First English Civil War.