Discover Hull

Rated recommendations for a culture-packed weekend away

Hull Maritime Museum

While Kingston-upon-Hull (more commonly known as just ‘Hull’) may not be as regular a feature on city-break lists as its Yorkshire neighbours, this Humberside city is fast building a reputation as an unconventional favourite.

Its selection as UK City of Culture in 2017 revealed to the rest of the world what locals have always known: Hull is a pretty great place to spend time in. Here are our rated picks for your trip.

Things to do in Hull

Hull is a city forged by its maritime past. Its wealth was built on the back of Arctic fishery, helped by its location where the River Hull pours into the estuary of the Humber. Although both the Hull Maritime Museum and Spurn Lightship are temporarily closed for redevelopment, a walk around the city’s historic harbour area will reveal some of the Hull’s seafaring story. A number of the disused docks have been revitalised in recent times – the waterfront area has no shortage of shops, bars and restaurants to sample.

As you’d expect with a past this rich, Hull is home to a superb museum scene – and most are free admission. In fact, there are so many that the area just off the cobbled streets of the city’s picturesque Old Town is known as the Museums Quarter. Highlights include the Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology, Hands on History Museum and the Streetlife Museum of Transport. Ferens Art Gallery (its Explore Art gallery in particular) is well worth a visit for a family-friendly day out.

Humber Bridge

Visit Wilberforce House, birthplace of famous abolitionist William Wilberforce, to learn the story of the transatlantic slave trade and its abolition. The galleries here also offer a fascinating glimpse into West African culture.

For a real spectacle, venture out to the Humber Bridge. At 4,954 feet long, it’s one of the world’s longest suspension bridges and is quite a sight to behold.