The Yorkshire Town by the Coast with a Thriving Foodie Scene

August 2022

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Hull’s centuries-old heritage as Yorkshire’s Maritime City simply adds to its many charms. With masses of free museums, arts galleries crammed with old masters and a thriving foodie scene, it’s a great place for the whole family to explore

Hull’s History Centre on Worship Street is home to the combined collections of Hull Council and University archives, which are of national significance and cover everything from the city’s maritime heritage to its role in the Second World War. On the cobbled High Street in the Old Town, known as the Museum Quarter, you can journey through 235 millions years of history at the Hull and East Riding Museum: get up close with the woolly mammoth, see the only dinosaur bones to be discovered in East Yorkshire and learn about Hull’s various settlers, from the Romans to the Vikings. Next door is Wilberforce House, the 17th century home of anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, and the Streetlife Museum is an immersive world of bicycles, carriages, cars and railways with six floors and 200 years of transport history. All three museums are free to enter.

Read more: Coastal Castles and Great Days Out in the North East and Yorkshire

Hull’s famous Ferens Art Gallery has undergone a multi-million pound refit, and with 12 galleries it is one of the most important art collections in England, with works by Frans Hals and David Hockney amongst many others. Kids will love the Explore Art gallery on the ground floor with a dedicated play space and lots of hands-on activities. Humber Street Gallery, in the old Fruit Market, is where you’ll find contemporary works from national and international artists and it’s worth noting that they have an extensive programme of events, workshops and screenings here. Once you’ve done the art, the gallery’s rooftop bar with views across the market is also worth a visit.

Hull has several special walking trails, including the famous Fish Trail, encouraging 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 back streets you might otherwise miss. Adults no doubt will enjoy the Ale Trail which takes in some of the oldest pubs in the city, including the George Hotel, which interestingly has the smallest window in England.

Perfect Weekend

If you’re visiting the city with children, The Deep will undoubtedly be top of your must-see list (make sure you leave plenty of time – the kids will want to say hello to each and every one of its 3,000 aquatic residents). Take a walking tour to discover the city’s secrets, the kids will enjoy the ghost tour, or take them on the Blue Plaque Trail and challenge them to find the 30 commemorative plaques dedicated to Hull’s most famous personalities. After all that, you’ll probably be ready for a bite to eat. Head to Trinity Market, the city’s oldest covered market, which is now home to a host of independent traders with a choice of more than 20 different street food stalls (if you are staying nearby keep an eye out for the many fun evening events hosted here). There are plenty of historic pubs here too. Ye Olde White Harte dates back to 1550 and retains its oak-panelled walls and inglenook fireplaces, or head to The Whalebone, the old dockers’ pub on the river, and now one of Hull’s most popular drinking destinations. For the best seafood, head to Humber Fish Co on Humber Street.

Base Camp

Hull’s newest boutique aparthotel, Green Ginger House has a mix of modern hotel bedrooms and self-contained apartments perfect for families. The Burlington, in the Old Town, is a short stroll from many of Hull’s main attractions. A little further out, Tickton Grange, between Hull and Beverley, is a luxurious Georgian hideaway with a renowned restaurant.