Car Hire Hull

Humberside International Airport is close to Hull, around half an hour’s drive via the A15 and A63 – where you’ll cross the iconic Humber Bridge. The city has fantastic motorway links too. Head west and the A63 joins the cross-country M62 motorway, which connects Hull to cities such as Leeds and Manchester.

In the UK, as in Ireland, driving is on the left – though speed limits are given in miles per hour (mph).

A speed-conscious place, Hull has introduced several 20mph (32km/h) zones on routes throughout the city. The compact centre also has a few one-way streets and pedestrianised areas to plan for when exploring its historical heart. Outside the centre, major dual carriageways and motorways typically have a maximum speed limit of 70mph (112km/h), but always check the signs for the route that you are on.

When driving in the city centre, you can use one of the numerous lots, multi-storey garages and street parking zones available to park up and explore. Various payment methods are available depending on the car park or zone, including cashless parking by phone in some cases. You can find more information on the Hull City Council website.

Hull’s location in East Yorkshire means several other major destinations can be reached in just over 90 minutes by car. The historic walled city of York is about 65km away via the A63 west, while Leeds is slightly further afield, taking around an hour and a half along the M62. Both make great day-trips, offering fantastic shopping experiences, a bustling nightlife and delicious culinary scenes.

Several natural landmarks are also close by. The Howardian Hills, part of the North York Moors National Park, are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For a quiet morning or afternoon visit, they take just over 90 minutes to reach heading north.

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.