As a port city, Hull boasts a diverse range of city centre sights, having been shaped by years of maritime trade.
Even after the old industries moved on, their influences are still visible in a city proud of its heritage. Here’s our bitesize guide to the must-see attractions on offer.
Blending the old and new
Hull was famously awarded the UK’s City of Culture title for 2017, and it’s easy to see why, as there’s an intriguing mix of art, entertainment, new business and development, as well as the thriving Old Town.
Though the buildings in this historic part of the city are sometimes centuries old, it’s become one of the most fashionable places in the region. Small arcades house a cavalcade of independent stores, coffee shops and bars to enjoy.
Even more culture can be found in the area’s museums. The Streetlife Museum of Transport is worth checking out in the Museums Quarter, adjacent to the Old Town. It’s like stepping into a time machine when you enter, for free, with an authentic high street from the 1940s faithfully recreated. Kids and adults can take carriage and tram rides within the grounds, making it a perfect day out for everyone.
Hull Minster, meanwhile, is a beautiful sight to behold – dating back to Medieval times and boasting stunning Gothic architecture. Be sure to admire the centuries-old church structure during your visit.
A forward-thinking culture
Hull played a crucial part in shaping modern Britain, and the city boasts several museums that chronicle this role in the UK’s past – and what part it could play in the future.
The Wilberforce House Museum is a poignant experience, located in the birthplace of slavery abolitionist William Wilberforce. Formerly a Hull MP, his influence on the eventual abolition of the slave trade in the UK is documented inside, along with his journals and other items that tell his story.
There’s also the Hull Maritime Museum, which delves deep into the port city’s heritage. You’ll find it in Queen Victoria Square and be bowled over by the full-sized whale skeleton that waits inside, as well as amazing artefacts charting the town’s history.
And then there’s The Deep – a huge and highly popular aquarium, looking out over the Humber Estuary and home to spellbinding fish, rays and sharks, as well as plucky penguins. Housed in a highly modern building, it’s a contemporary attraction that speaks to the city’s maritime heritage.
Natural and man-made landscapes
As with the rest of Yorkshire, the natural scenery surrounding Hull is arguably unmatched anywhere else in the UK. Outdoor enthusiasts will be right at home exploring the Howardian Hills, located less than 90 minutes’ drive away from the city.
Covering more than 204 square kilometres of beautiful landscapes (about half the size of the Isle of Wight), the hills provide several walking and cycling routes for visitors.
If you’re looking for something a little closer, East Park is the city’s largest green space and offers an astounding 500,000 square metres of parkland to enjoy. There’s a boating lake, an animal education centre, a library and a cafe, which serves afternoon tea for those working up a thirst after adventuring around the park. It’s a short drive north-east of the centre, around 3.5km away.
Experience a slice of portside culture when you hire a car in Hull, and explore all that East Yorkshire has to offer.
