Where to Explore in Hull

August 2023

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With free museums, art galleries, a whole heap of history and a thriving foodie scene, Hull is a great place for the whole family to explore

Hull's centuries-old heritage as Yorkshire's Maritime City simply adds to its many charms. A great place to learn more is Hull's History Centre on Worship Street - home to the combined collections of Hull Council and University of Hull archives, which cover everything from the city's maritime heritage to its role in World War II. In the city's Museum Quarter, you can journey through 235 million years of history at the Hull and East Riding Museum: walk through an Iron Age village, visit a Roman bath house and get up close with medieval treasures. At the nearby Streetlife Museum you can immerse yourself in 200 years of transport history as you walk down a 1940s street, hop on board a tram or enjoy a carriage ride.

On Queen Victoria Square, the famous Ferens Art Gallery holds a magnificent collection of paintings and sculptures, including works by Old Masters, portraiture, marine painting, and contemporary British art. The gallery hosts touring exhibitions and lots of events too, including pop-up play sessions. If you’re looking for contemporary art, Humber Street Gallery hosts year-round events, performances and exhibitions – stop by the café bar for a drink before you leave.

To really get to grips with the city, try one of its special walking trails. The Fish Trail encourages explorers to seek out 41 life-size fish (from tiny anchovies to a 10-foot ray) which will take you to all Hull’s major landmarks, but also to the quieter backstreets you might otherwise miss. Adults no doubt will enjoy the Ale Trail which takes in some of the oldest pubs in the city, or follow the Blue Plaque Trail and discover the history behind the plaques dotted around the Old Town.

Base Camp

For a boutique stay in the heart of Hull’s Old Town, with views over the Minster and Trinity Square, check out Hideout Apartment Hotel. Their chic one- and two-bedroom apartments are designed with relaxation in mind (The Den, their studio apartment space, is perfect for a cosy stay for two). Green Ginger House is another good central option offering contemporary hotel rooms or self-catering options in a beautiful building which dates back to the 1800s. A little further out, Tickton Grange, between Hull and Beverley, is a luxurious Georgian hideaway with a renowned restaurant.

Perfect Weekend

If you’re visiting with the kids, The Deep should be at the top of your must-see list. From the warm shallows of tropical lagoons to the darkest depths of the oceans, you can explore the diversity and magic of life beneath the waves at this celebrated attraction (which is also part of international efforts in marine conservation). On a sunny weekend, spend some time in East Park, which has a good playground, plenty of spots for riverside picnics and a large splash area with 43 water jets, as well as an Animal Education Centre where the kids can learn about the diet, habitat and conservation of a range of animals. After all that, you’ll probably be ready for a bite to eat. Head to Hepworth’s Arcade and Trinity Market, the city’s oldest covered market, which is now home to independent traders and a host of different street food stalls (think burgers, fried chicken, artisan pizza and authentic focaccia and arancini). For dinner, head to Humber Street and try Humber Fish Co for the best seafood, Ambiente for tapas and sunny Spanish flavours, or stop into Taphouse for pan-Asian street food and beer brewed on site. This is part of the Fruit Market area, a vibrant corner of the city where you’ll find independent shops, galleries and al fresco drinks and dining.