10 Reasons to Visit – Visit Hull

10 Reasons to Visit

Color drawing. Red brick gatehouse topped with battlements. The gatehouse appears errored with foliage protruding. 2 small figures in the foreground

1. History

Founded by monks as a port in the 12th century, trading originally in wool and later whaling and fishing. Its also cited as being the spot where the English Civil War began, and you can visit the remains of the infamous gate where Kind Charles I was denied access to the city in 1642.

Wilberforce House in Hull, a historic red-brick Georgian building and the birthplace of William Wilberforce. The museum tells the story of his life and his role in the abolition of the slave trade, with exhibits on slavery, freedom, and social justice

2. 8 Free Museums

Wilberforce House

Birthplace of William Wilberforce, famous campaigner against the slave trade. The museum tells the story of the transatlantic slave trade and its abolition, as well as dealing with contemporary slavery. 

Streetlife Museum

200 years of transport history as you walk down a 1940’s high street, board a tram or enjoy the pleasures of our carriage ride.

A recreated 1940s High Street inside the Streetlife Museum in Hull. The exhibit features period shopfronts, vintage signage, and cobbled streets, offering an immersive glimpse into wartime Britain’s daily life and commerce
Intricate Roman mosaics displayed within Hull and East Riding Museum. The detailed patterns and scenes, made from small, colored tiles, depict mythological figures and geometric designs, showcasing the artistry of ancient craftsmanship.

Hull and East Riding Museum of Archeology.

Walk through an Iron Age village, enter a Roman bath house and look at the stunning mosaics. Discover a mysterious crew of wooden warriors and other medieval treasures!

Ferens Art Gallery.

An award winning gallery whose highlights include masterpieces by Lorenzetti, Frans Hals, Antonio Canaletto, Frederic Lord Leighton, Stanley Spencer, Helen Chadwick and Gillian Wearing.

Ferens Art Gallery - © Neil Holmes. A gallery inside Ferens Art Gallery, Hull, featuring elegantly displayed paintings in ornate frames. The room is softly lit, with classic and contemporary artworks adorning the walls, offering visitors a rich cultural experience.
Trinity Square in Hull, featuring the Hands on History Museum, formerly the Old Grammar School, housed in a historic brick building. In the foreground stands a statue of Andrew Marvell, the 17th-century poet and politician, commemorating his legacy."

Hands on History.

Built in 1583 and formally Hull Grammar school, this stunning building is the oldest secular in the building in the city. From local history to global treasure, take a walk through the ages in Hull’s Old Town.

Hull Maritime Museum.

Set sail through 800 years of maritime history and discover never told before stories of the sea REOPENING 2025 following multi million pound refurbishment

Hull's Maritime Museum, captured from Queen Victoria Square. The grand historic building, with its domed towers and intricate stonework, stands as a prominent landmark, reflecting Hull’s rich seafaring heritage
The Spurn Lightship, a historic black and red vessel moored at Hull Marina. Once used to guide ships through the Humber estuary, the preserved lightship now serves as a museum, showcasing Hull’s maritime history.

Spurn Lightship.

A beacon of Hulls waterways for almost 50 years. Built in 1926, it guided ships through the treacherous waters of the Humber Estuary. REOPENING follow restoration.

Arctic Corsair

From fishing trade to catches and conflict take fascinating glimpse into the life onboard this deep sea trawler. REOPENING follow restoration.

Artist's impression of the Arctic Corsair, Hull’s historic deep-sea trawler. The illustration showcases the vessel , highlighting its sleek design and significance in the city’s fishing heritage

3. Festivals and Fun in 2024

Freedom Festival 28th August – 1st Septembers

Heritage Open Days 6th – 15th September.

Hull Fair 4th – 12th October 2024

Aerial view of Hull Fair at night, with vibrant lights illuminating the rides, stalls, and attractions at, one of Europe's largest traveling fairs

4. Great Food

From breakfast to dinner, the cool Humber Street is vibrant and bustling. From Tapas to Pizza, Indian to Fish and Chips. Grab a seat and watch the world go by.

Two women sat at a wooden table enjoying a coffee

5. Traditional real ale pubs

Explore the cobbled streets and ancient alleyways of the historic Old Town, where real ale pubs are the main attraction. Download Hull’s Ale Trail and embark on a journey around the city’s oldest and most unique pubs, including Ye Olde Black Boy, which dates back to 1729.

in Gold Letters Ye Olde Back Boy, White painted building with black window frames. Flowers in window boxes in upper floors, blurred people in the foreground.

6. The Deep

Home to spectacular animals including sharks and stingrays, the UK’s only pair of Green sawfish, hundreds of tropical reef fish, Loggerhead sea turtles, a colony of Gentoo penguins, and much more to keep all ages entertained.

Penguins at The Deep hopping around ice effect enclosure

7. City Walking Trails

From secret alleyways where monumental moments of history unfolded and pretty public squares and parklands to marinas, docklands and riverside boardwalks – why not put on some comfy shoes and (re)discover Hull’s hidden secrets. Download our City Walking trails

Large carving of a Ray fish on dark brick, surrounded by red brick paving. Flags and the Deep on the background

8. Hull Fair

The fair is one of the largest travelling fairs in Europe, with over 250 rides and an array of attractions. Traditional favorites such as palm reading, waltzers and dodgems, alongside new and exciting rides.

Aerial shot of the fair at night, Funfair rides with lots of lights.

9. Independent Shops

With abundance of independent retailers across the city centre. Offering everything from graffiti and art supplies to vinyl record, local produced gin and chocolate to name but a few. Independents provide a huge selection of goods to shoppers in the city that are available no where else.

Indoor market stall containing vinyl records. The image also contains a statue of Elvis in a red jacket black trousers holding a black guitar with an image of Elvis on the front

10. Humber Bridge

One of the world’s longest single span suspension bridges is a masterpiece of British engineering and a major attraction in its own right. with pedestrian and cycle access. Including a crossing to your itinerary will guarantee epic views and lasting memories for you group.

Single span suspension bridge over large body of water. Sunrise on a misty day. There is also a bench in the foreground on a grassy bank

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