Kingston-Upon-Hull, though more commonly known as Hull, is the fourth-largest city in Yorkshire and the Humberside area. With a strong maritime history, accessible transport links, and plenty of activities for all interests, it stands out as an affordable place to live and visit.
Whether you’re a lifelong resident, new in town, or just popping for a day out, here are five things you can check out during your time in Hull.
Streetlife Museum
Step back in time with a visit to the Streetlife Museum in Hull’s Museum Quarter. The museum covers 200 years of transport history, including buses, steam-powered cars, bicycles, and trains. Immediately on entering, you are faced with a 1940s high street, complete with vintage trams and shops, such as a cycle shop, a chemist, and a Hull Co-operative from the 1930s. As well as transport history and street scenes, the museum also features a fascinating lesson on Hull’s place in the Industrial Revolution with regard to flour milling in particular.
The best part of it all is that the museum is completely free, as are all museums owned by the Hull Museums and Galleries Group. So, once you’ve checked out the Streetlife Museum, it’s in the perfect spot to visit other museums nearby, such as Wilberforce House Museum or the Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology.
Hull Marina and Spurn Lightship
A testament to Hull’s rich maritime history, Hull Marina sits just a 15-minute walk away from the city centre, so it is great for getting a break from retail therapy or to visit one of the many cafés, restaurants, and bars nearby.
The marina is not just a peaceful spot to admire the boats and enjoy the sea air. You can also visit the Spurn Lightship, a historic ship used as a lighthouse that is docked as an exhibition in Hull Marina, close to Murdoch’s Connection bridge. Having been recently restored, it features a new interpretation and new displays to show off its full history.
More seasonally, the area surrounding the marina also plays host to the Hull Folk and Maritime Festival, taking place with free entry in July each year, and the Humber Street Sesh, which takes place in August each year with tickets costing £22 per person. These summer events provide a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the heritage of Hull and folk traditions, or to check out some of the city’s many upcoming musicians and artists.
Hull Minister
A short walk from the marina, you can visit Hull Minster, the largest parish church in England, featuring a 17th-century organ and medieval brickwork. The church was previously known as the Holy Trinity Church, becoming a Minster in May 2017.
The church has plenty of regular events to check out, including an upcoming heritage talk and various music events by candlelight, such as the music of Hans Zimmer. You can also book history tours, visit the gift shop, and pop into the Trinity Room café for a spot of lunch, with most food items costing between £4 – £8.
A personal standout has to be a tour up to the top of the Minster’s tower, which costs £7.81 per person. This boasts a panoramic view of Hull from the highest publicly accessible point of the city, and a visit to the Minster’s bell chamber.
East Park
For a breath of fresh air, make sure to check out Hull’s East Park, the largest in the city and one of the North of England’s premier parks. It boasts 130 acres of parkland to walk around, with plenty of activities to keep family and friends occupied too. For example, a splash boat, the Animal Education Centre, and a library in the Central Pavilion, just to name a few. There is also a Pavilion Café, offering drinks, homemade food, and ice cream.
For many tourists and residents alike, the pedal swan boats are a highlight to enjoy a trip on Ferens Boating Lake. If you have kids in tow, there is also a water play area with water geysers, spray caps, and ground gushers.
No matter who you’re visiting Hull with, or if you are solo
Trinity Market
After a day out, Hull has plenty of restaurants and bars to check out for something to eat. However, if you’re looking for a place to satisfy all tastes and preferences, Trinity Market is the place to be. Situated in the city centre, it is easy to access, no matter what you’ve been up to in the city.
It offers street food and dishes from around the world, including Greek, Indian, and Chinese food. It also caters for different dietary requirements, including a Vegan and gluten-free bakery.
As well as hosting restaurants, the market also has a grocer, butcher, and several shops to visit. You can check out Dinsdale’s Joke Shop, Spin It Records, J.E. Books, and a few vintage shops after you’ve had a bite to eat, offering a great way to end any day out in the city.
With affordable prices, historic charm, and wide-ranging activities to suit all interests, Hull is a great place to visit, whether you have lived in the area or just travelled to East Yorkshire for the first time.
Words by Soph Johnson
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