Discover Topics: Features

Free and low-cost family friendly activities this Christmas holidays

With the Christmas holidays almost upon us, keeping the kids entertained for two-and-a-half weeks isn’t always easy.

Add in the fact that days can be expensive and that the nation is in the middle of a cost of living crisis, it could make life difficult for some families.

To help ease those worries, Hull City Council has compiled a list of just some of the many free or low-cost activities taking place within the city for all the family this Christmas holidays.

There’s everything from live music, museums, workshops and holiday camps, enough to keep everyone entertained.

Trinity Live

The final instalment of Trinity Live at Trinity Market will take place on Thursday 22 December. The evening begins at 6pm, when you will find great live music, tasty food and welcoming crowds.

The weekly live music event has been ongoing since September and gives a platform to many local bands and performers.

As well as the live music, various different market traders support the event by serving up their diverse selection of food and drink.

Enjoy the music, the food, bars and shopping all on offer in the heart of the Old Town – all for free!

Queen Victoria and Hull

Queen Victoria is one of the most recognisable British monarchs across the world and her name is seen throughout the streets of Hull.

An exhibition at Ferens Art Gallery is celebrating Queen Victoria’s relationship with Hull, telling the tale of Victorian Hull and showcasing the long-lasting relationship the throne has with the city.

At the heart of the exhibition, an ongoing partnership with The Royal Collection Trust brings Queen Victoria’s Jewel-Cabinet to Hull, generously lent by His Majesty The King.

This Victorian masterpiece, designed by Ludwig Grüner, was commissioned as a gift from her husband Prince Albert.

It was an important exhibit at the nation’s Great Exhibition of 1851, a celebration of Victorian advancement and cultural sophistication.

Queen Victoria’s Jewel-Cabinet marks the fourth of five exceptional works of art from the Royal Collection to go on display at Ferens Art Gallery as part of the Masterpieces in Focus from the Royal Collection series.

The Queen Victoria exhibition will showcase Hull’s Royal Charters, affectionately known as Hull’s birth certificates, generously lent by Hull History Centre.

Visitors will also see Victorian costume and artefacts from across Hull Museums’ collections. The event is free and opens daily from 10am.

Lord Mayor’s Christmas Tree Festival 2022

Come along to Hull Minster and enjoy the wonderful display of decorated Christmas Trees.
Each tree is decorated or sponsored by a local business.
The Lord Mayor’s Christmas Tree Festival ends on Saturday 17 December, but until then, families can visit for free daily from 10am.

Kings Christmas Children’s Party

Come and join us to celebrate Christmas on Sunday 18 December with an afternoon of party games, festive fun and special guests.

Open from noon, entertainment is from 12:30-2:30pm, with games are aimed at under-10s, but all the family are welcome to Kings at 41 Market Place.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are £5 for adults and £1 for children, plus £1 booking fee.

Santa’s Workshops

Children will be guided by experts to learn how to make beautiful Christmas decorations in one-hour workshops at Hepworth Arcade on Silver Street.

The first will be on Saturday 17 December, when they will have the chance to create Christmas bunting, while on Sunday 18 December, they can design Santa Pants Sweet Pots.

It’s a fun, interactive session where children can learn how to make different Christmas-related decorations!

The workshops are suitable for children aged five and above and cost £2 per child, with accompanying adults not requiring a ticket. You can book your place here.

Free holiday camps and activities

The Healthy Holidays programme is back with a bang, with activity sessions starting on Monday 19 December. In total, 350 sessions will be held over the break – all are free, open to all and include a nutritious food offer.

They take place across the city and include free bookable holiday camps, swimming, ice skating, sports, theatre workshops, go-karting, dance, family-friendly events and so much more!

There are sessions for all ages and a range of SEND-specific activities. Visit healthyholidayshull.org for full details, including session times and booking info.

There’s also a full programme of free activities from Hull Culture and Leisure (HCAL), including float and splash sessions for those aged five to 11 on Wednesdays 21 and 28 December from 2.15-3.15pm.

Places are limited, so booking is essential. Accompanying adults pay £1. Short indoor family tennis sessions are at Woodford on Tuesday 20 and Thursday 22 December at £1 per adult, with children free, and England Netball leads a free camp at Ennerdale Leisure Centre on Tuesday 20 December for those aged eight to 12, with food included.

In addition to these programmes, throughout the Christmas break, the Animal Education Centre in East Park will be hosting several free and low-cost activities for families, including a Christmas trail, zookeeper talks and Christmas crafts where children can create baubles and magical reindeer food.

Hull Ice Arena is open across the holidays, with public, family, under-seven and SEND sessions available.
For more information on all the festive fun, visit healthyholidayshull.org and hcandl.co.uk/sport-and-leisure-and-parks/holidays/christmas-holiday-activities.

Family swim and water play

Frederick Holmes School pool in Hull is hosting family swim and water play for SEND children and their families.
There is a morning session from 10-11am and an afternoon play from 2-3pm on Monday 19 December.
Entry is free for SEND children aged five to 11 and their parents and siblings. You can book your place here.

Hull and East Riding Museum

Enter a world where 235million years of history is brought to life.

From majestic mammoths to Saxon invaders, visitors to the Hull and East Riding Museum of archaeology can look forward to an experience that is unique, educational and fun.

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 see our medieval treasures!

Entry to the museum on High Street is free with no booking required. Just drop in!

Winter Pattern Art Workshops

Cultural Activity Centre at 70-72 Charles Street will be hosting two Winter Pattern Art Workshops next week.

From 1pm-5pm on Monday 19 and Thursday 22 December, children will make small patterns to help create one big pattern.

The workshops are for children aged five to 11 and those interested simply turn up on the day.

For more information, call 07434 880009 or email groundarts@hotmail.com.

Lego Creations and Make & Take Craft Club

Hull Central Library on Albion Street is hosting two free Christmas events next week.

Christmas Lego Creations will take place from 2pm-3pm on Wednesday 21 December and is suitable for children aged five and above.

Christmas Make & Take Craft Club will be held the following day at the same time and is suitable for those aged four to 14.

Spaces are limited, so booking is essential, including for adults and babies. Under-eights must be accompanied by an adult.

More information can be found here.

All Hull Libraries are also spaces where you can visit to spend time completing jigsaws, playing games or reading.

Friendship with Ukraine concert

Hull City Council Arts Development presents a Friendship with Ukraine concert on Friday 16th December from 7-9pm in the Reception Room at the Guildhall on Alfred Gelder Street.

All are welcome for an evening of festive song and friendship with Hull Freedom Chorus, Freedom Men’s Chorus, Answers on a Postcard and Hull Visual Choir, whilst Singing City will bring people together through song.

Book here

The Deep brings Polar Fest to Hull this winter

The Deep is excited to present a winter event, ‘Polar Fest’ in partnership with the British Antarctic Survey and the Scott Polar Research Institute. The event will be a celebration of science and adventure amongst the most extreme elements in the world – the Polar Regions.

Explore the world of polar science including research into topics like the effects of climate change on the Antarctic, plastic in Antarctic oceans, Antarctic food webs, Alien invaders and the history of Antarctic exploration.  Find out how researchers live and work in such challenging climates and why the work they are doing is so important, for the planet and all who live on it.

Katy Duke, CEO at The Deep said “We are delighted to be partnering with both the British Antarctic Survey and Scott Polar Research Institute this winter. The Deep is the perfect venue to showcase the fragile Antarctic continent which is so inaccessible yet hugely impacted by the actions of the rest of the world. It’s our opportunity to raise awareness for the ultimate winter wonderland and why it is so important for everyone.”

Make sure you pick up a trail sheet from reception, follow the clues to answer the questions to be in with a chance of winning some polar goodies! Visitors will be able to get hands on and learn real research methods applied by polar scientists and the science of snowflakes. Plus see real stomach content from an Albatross which includes plastics, litter and find out how plastics are effecting the oceans and the species who live in them. Find out how tall you are compared to different species of penguins including an extinct species which was 1.75m tall before warming up with a delicious hot chocolate and a sweet treat.

Continue your journey with a stop by the researcher’s field camp and find out what life is like for a researcher in the frozen Antarctic. Learn about the specialist equipment they take with them from sleeping bags and cooking equipment to different types of clothing to ensure they can survive in one of the most hostile and environments on the planet.

Find out more about the vast array of careers available through the British Antarctic Survey and the diversity of skills required to operate research stations in the Antarctic, from researchers and scientists to plumbers, chefs, cleaners and electricians.

Athena Dinar, who’s head of public engagement at British Antarctic Survey says “Explaining how are frozen worlds are changing in a warmer world is more important than ever before, so we’re delighted to be partnering with the Deep to bring polar science and operations to the general public in the north west.”

Charlotte Connelly, Curator of the Polar Museum at the Scott Polar Research Institute stated “We’re excited to be partnering with The Deep to share our polar research and knowledge with new audiences, in Hull, the home city of so many polar explorers, whaling captains and researchers over the last two centuries.”

For more information, please contact Zoe Montgomerie, Head of Communications & Marketing on 01482 381093 or email zoe@thedeep.co.uk

The Rugby League World Cup Cultural Festival

The Rugby League World Cup Cultural Festival is an ambitious, inclusive, multidisciplinary festival bringing together audiences for sport and art. Taking place in four of the tournament host cities, and across 40 library services reaching deep into the Rugby League heartland towns across the North, the festival will amplify the tournament’s strapline of “The Power of Together” and celebrate inclusivity and positive social impact.

The Rugby League World Cup Cultural Festival is directed and produced by Pinwheel and the partners are RLWC2021, Leeds 2023, Newcastle City Council, Hull City Council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Libraries Connected.

#RLWC #PowerOfTogether #PowerOfPerformance #PowerofPoetry

Power of Performance: This is Us

A spectacular new outdoor performance brings the atmosphere and passion of the Rugby League out of the stadium and onto the streets. All before kick-off.

This specially-commissioned free show, which features dance, music and aerial performance, tells three unique stories about the game and its people, charting how it has evolved from its roots to the sport we see today.

Bringing together passionate fans of sport and art This Is Us celebrates The Power of Together with a central company of professional performers collaborating with a participant cast of local residents.

Power of Performance: This is Us is coming to Hull City Centre on Saturday 22 October.  Performance run from 16:00 to 18:00 on a repeating cycle.

  • Locations: Trinity Square, Zebedee’s Yard & Queen Victoria Square
  • You can visit any time between 16:00 and 18:00 and experience the three sites in any order.
  • Performances are free and open to everyone

For more information about the performances visit https://www.pinwheel.org.uk/hull-power-of-performance

Power of Poetry

What magic happens when, instead of writing alone, poets work together?

“I was listening to the Rolling Stones and asking myself what makes the magic, thinking about how the band have a magic electricity together, an elevated energy that they don’t have as solo artists, but how writing together makes magic happen. And I suddenly thought- why don’t poets ever try to write together?” Robert Montgomery

Inspired by the Rugby League World Cup strapline “The Power of Together” artist and poet Robert Montgomery has joined forces with Emergency Exit Arts and eight leading poets, to create four, striking, double-sided light poems.

The impressive new mobile artworks explore themes of inclusivity, the sound of the stadium, the joy of reconnecting through sports post-lockdowns and the dynamic nature of rugby league. Mounted on the back of trailers, the poems will be unveiled at Light Night Leeds on Thursday 13th October before heading to Newcastle City Centre where they will be displayed at the inaugural game of the Rugby League World Cup on Saturday 15 October.

The poems will then journey across the North of England stopping off at locations in and around Rugby League World Cup host cities, from civic squares, to stadiums, libraries to local rugby league clubs.

Can you spot all four of the poems as they make their way around the North this autumn?

The Poets and the Poems  

The poets – each with a connection to at least one of the Rugby League World Cup host cities – worked in teams to create the four poems.

Team 1: Shane Rhodes & Vicky Foster with Robert Montgomery

Team 2: Jackie Kay & Zaffar Kunial with Robert Montgomery

Team 3: Louise Wallwein & Jacob Polley with Robert Montgomery

Team 4: Malika Booker & Sinéad Morrissey with Robert Montgomery

For more information about upcoming tour dates for Power of Poetry in Hull, East and North Yorkshire visit https://www.pinwheel.org.uk/pop-hull

Queen Victoria and her relationship with Hull showcased at new exhibition

Queen Victoria’s own Jewel-Cabinet will visit the city as part of a new exhibition at the Ferens Art Gallery.

The exhibition is part of an ongoing partnership with Royal Collection Trust, which was generously lent by the late her majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Previously commissioned for 2020 before the pandemic, this revived exhibition will take pride of place throughout autumn and winter at Ferens.

The new exhibition will celebrate Queen Victoria’s relationship with Hull, including her spectacular visit in 1854. It will illustrate Victorian life and Victorian Hull, and the long-lasting relationship the throne has had with the city.

Visitors will get to see King Edward I’s Royal Charter and Queen Victoria’s Letters Patent, on loan from Hull History Centre archives. It will also showcase artworks from across the Ferens permanent collection, with Victorian costume, Queen Victoria’s throne and local artefacts from Hull Museum and Guildhall collections.

Queen Victoria is one of the most recognisable British monarchs and following Queen Victoria’s visit to the city, the monarch became one of Hull’s most recognisable figures. The Queen’s Gardens, Victoria Dock and Queen Victoria’s Square are all local landmarks that bear her name. There’s also the statue of her that stands in the centre of the square itself.

Ferens’ latest exhibition will give a new generation the opportunity to recognise Queen Victoria’s influence on the city and admire one of her most treasured gifts.

Ludwig Grüner’s Jewel-Cabinet marks the fourth of five exceptional works of art from the Royal Collection to go on display at Ferens Art Gallery as part of the Masterpieces in Focus from the Royal Collection series.

The Jewel-Cabinet was an award-winning exhibit at the Great Exhibition of 1851, a celebration of Victorian advancement and cultural sophistication. It was a cherished gift from Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. Since that time, it has been cared for in the Royal Collection and remains a significant royal artefact.

Gilded on every surface, the exquisite Jewel-Cabinet is laden with portraits and medallions bearing the many faces of Queen Victoria’s family. It was this same family that later visited Hull in 1854.

Councillor Alison Collinson, Chair of Hull Culture and Leisure Ltd, said: “It is fantastic that the gallery continues its ambitious exhibitions programme in partnership with Royal Collection Trust. Visitors will have the opportunity to see some of Hull’s favourite Victorian artworks alongside this masterpiece.”

Kathryn Jones, Senior Curator of Decorative Arts, Royal Collection Trust, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Ferens Art Gallery with the loan of Queen Victoria’s Jewel-Cabinet. This is the fourth masterpiece from the Royal Collection to go on display in Hull since our collaboration began in 2017. The Jewel-Cabinet encapsulates the family life of Queen Victoria but was always intended to be widely seen at the Great Exhibition of 1851. We hope that as many people as possible will once again enjoy the opportunity to view this spectacular object up close.”

There are family activities throughout the school holidays and a programme of adult talks and workshops to complement the exhibition. To find out more about these events visit www.hcandl.co.uk/ferens or book tickets on Eventbrite at www.hullmuseums.eventbrite.com

This free exhibition will run from Monday 21 October 2022 to Sunday 19 February 2023.

The gallery is open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm, and Sunday, 11am – 4pm.

Humber Street Sesh

For Festivals and Summer Fun…It Must Be Hull

Yorkshire Post Advertorial

Download your free copy of our August Yorkshire Post article here, to find out about all the exciting things taking place in Hull this summer.

With schools out for the holidays and lingering summer days stretching before us, it’s time to take the party outside.

From festival fun to leisurely days out (with or without the kids) Hull’s got your summer bucket list covered. It’s the summer we finally get to dance in the streets again, so grab friends and family by the hands and head back into the buzz where wonder awaits once again.

 

Fun Activities in Hull Parks this Summer

Hull has an abundance of beautiful parks and green spaces to help keep you and your children fit, happy and healthy. Fun galore can be found at all the parks throughout the city, including;

East Park

There is something for everyone in East Park from a children’s water play area to enjoying a game of bowls, banging and bashing with a selection of musical instruments made from reclaimed materials to riding the Splash Boat and Swan Boats. Take a well earned break at the Central Pavillion Café before visiting the free outdoor gym then rounding off your day at the Animal Education Centre.

West Park

West Park, next to the MKM Stadium, features a wildlife aviary, a children’s playground, outdoor gym, skatepark and outdoor table tennis as well as wide open green spaces. Other facilities include three bowling greens, a model railway and a paddling pool (open during the summer holidays).

Pickering Park

Come and join the fun at Pickering Park, home to a fishing lake, playgrounds, outdoor gym and a paddling pool (open during the summer). The park also has beautiful ornamental gardens and a wildlife pond. The Aviary is now open and a must see with collections of African birds, small mammals such as meerkats, porcupines and reptiles including tortoises.

Pearson Park

As the first public park in Hull, Pearson Park is a key part of the city’s heritage and still retains many of its historic features including the original perimeter carriage drive, a serpentine lake and seven Grade 2 listed structures. Not only is Pearson Park one of our most beautiful parks in the city, but it is also a great location to get active. With an outdoor gym on the park grounds, as well as the paths and carriage road acting as simple routes for jogging and running, Pearson Park meets all your fitness needs helping you to stay active and stay healthy while enjoying the outdoors.

Bude Park

On the doorstep of Kingswood and Bransholme, Bude Park is one of the largest parks in Hull. Bude Park is an ideal location for getting active and playing sports outdoors. Bude Park has its own outdoor gym for public use at any time, plus a large number of sports pitches which are available for booking for activities including football, rugby and rounders. The park can be accessed via Bude Road or Ennerdale.

Noddle Hill Fishing Reserve

Based on Noddle Hill Way, Noddle Hill Nature Reserve is a hidden gem in North Hull. Home to a tranquil nature reserve and walking routes as well as a scenic fishing lake, the site also contains a children’s play area and sports pitches. The nature reserve is perfect for a leisurely family walk at all times of year where you can view a variety of species of wildlife as the seasons change. The nature reserve and fishing lake are both accessible via Bransholme Road, and the children’s play area and sports pitches are accessible via Noddle Hill Way.

Paddling pools are located at the following parks and playing fields. Please see below for summer opening updates –

  • Alderman Kneeshaw Recreation Ground – open daily from 10am to 5pm
  • Oak Road Playing Fields – open From 23 July 2022
  • Pickering Park – open From 23 July 2022
  • West Park – Splash pad open daily from 10am to 5pm and paddling pool is open from 23 July 2022
  • Ings Playing Fields (Ings Road) – open From 23 July 2022

For details of all parks, play areas and open spaces visit https://www.hcandl.co.uk/sport-and-leisure-and-parks/your-local-park

Hull Minster

Did you know these little-known tales of Hull’s Old Town?

Beverley Gate, Trinity Square, Museum Gardens and Wilberforce House – are full of action at the moment, so we thought we’d learn more about these well-loved sites, steeped in Hull’s vibrant history.

Beverley Gate

Beverley Gate was the site of a long stand-off.

We all know that Beverley Gate was the site of the alleged scene that triggered the English Civil War, but did you know how long King Charles I waited at the gate? On 23 April 1642 at about 11am the King arrived, finding the gates ready for an enemy. Although Charles I was denied entry straight away, he waited (in vain) until 4pm. During these impressive 5 hours, he gave Sir John Hotham, Governor of Hull, an hour to make a final decision. It’s thought that during this hour each party took a much-deserved break for refreshments. Never make a decision on an empty stomach.

The old city wall is made from millions of bricks.

When the city’s defences were rebuilt between 1341 and 1404 they used an estimated 4.7 million bricks for the walls alone. If you include the gate this figure is probably in excess of 5 million. This formidable wall, that represented perhaps the largest single use of bricks in medieval England, disappeared when the docks were dug out in the 1770s.

Queens Gardens was once dockland.

It was Hull’s first dock, which followed the route of the old wall. The dock went by a number of names in its time: The Dock, The Old Dock and by 1855 Queen’s Dock, its official title. Imagine – boats would sail past the site of the Maritime Museum, the former dock office building. In 1930 the dock was filled in to make way for Queens Gardens – a remarkable transformation.

Trinity Square

From Trinity Square, you can see 700 years of Hull’s history in its buildings.

The Minster dates from the 1300s and is as old as Hull itself. It’s here that William Wilberforce was baptised!

The Old Grammar School (now the Hands On History Museum) was completed in 1583, and boasts William Wilberforce and Andrew Marvell as alumni, while nearby Prince Street was established in the 1770s, showcasing some of Hull’s finest Georgian architecture. Take a look down Posterngate and you’ll see a glimpse of Princes Quay Shopping Centre in all its modern glory.

Trinity Square has a (recent) past life as a market.

Known to many in the city as Market Place – before the Trinity Square name stuck – the square is remembered for its twice weekly outdoor market, including a stall from Hull favourite Bob Carver’s. Market holders would sell all kinds of wares, including fabric and buttons, clothes, shoes, jewellery and fruit and veg – a one stop shop for a cheap bargain. Alan Pater’s Land of Green Ginger, part of the BBC’s Play for Today series, offers a brilliant snapshot of this area in the 1970s.

Wilberforce House

Wilberforce House is one of the oldest buildings in Hull.

Remembered as the birthplace of Hull’s abolitionist pioneer William Wilberforce, the house as it stands now was built in the 1660s and was originally owned and designed by Hugh Lister, the son of a wealthy merchant. Before becoming a museum, the house had a dual function as both a home and place of business, making use of its location next to the River Hull, a key transportation link for trade.

King Charles I stayed here.

Well, sort of. In 1639 Charles I lodged at the home of Sir John Lister, former Mayor of Hull (and father of Hugh Lister), on the site of what is now Wilberforce House. He commented then that the city was well defended – only 3 years later he would come to Hull’s gates and be denied entry.

It’s the city’s oldest museum too

As early as 1896 there was a campaign to preserve the house as a museum. The building was opened to the public in 1906, with exhibits covering Wilberforce’s legacy, slavery and local history collections. It remains a lasting monument to William Wilberforce and the history of the abolitionist movement.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYQR6OYA5ux/

Museum Gardens

The gardens feature relics from the blitz.

There are two statues in the gardens that were rescued from the rubble of the old Municipal Museum on Albion Street, which was destroyed by an incendiary bomb in 1943. The statues, one of the Roman goddess of wisdom Minerva, plus one of ‘Science’ and ‘Art’, are fitting reminders of the old museum and its purpose.

You can also find the bust of Gandhi here, unveiled in 2004. Created by sculptor Jaiprakash Shirgaonkar, the bust bears the inscription ‘May noble thoughts come to us from all directions’.

High Street is Hull’s oldest street.

Hull’s original city centre dates back to the medieval period. It was located here so merchants could be close to the River Hull, but its proximity to the river meant the area was prone to flooding. Originally a mixture of merchant homes, warehouses and pubs, the street was (until recently) the only High Street in the UK that didn’t have a single shop.

You can find a monument to activists here.

Inscribed on a wall surrounding the garden are the names of campaigners for human and civil rights causes. Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln and Sylvia Pankhurst are all remembered here.

 

Enjoyed reading about the Hull’s medieval old town? You would love our Historic Pubs

Hull Marina © Thomas Arran

Book a weekend break

There is so much going in the city this that we don’t think you’ll fit it all into a single day, so don’t rush!

Extend your stay and be at the heart of the action with a short break in Hull. Wake up in a room overlooking the beautiful marina or to the distant toll of the Hull Minster bells in the old town.

The city has so much to offer with 8 free museums and galleries including the award winning Ferens Art Gallery, take a stroll in the historic old town with streets lined with olde world pubs and cafe bars and restaurants. The Old Town has recently played host to film crews for BBC Victoria and the feature film The Personal History of David Copperfield so you just don’t know who you might bump into.

Join the Ale Trail and discover hidden historic pubs with roaring open fires, get a birds eye tour of the city by joining one of the behind the scenes Minster rooftop tours or on those crisp clear days,  follow the fish trail as it winds across the city, you just don’t know what you might run into around the next corner.

Find your perfect accommodation in our stay section and start planning your fantastic weekend break

My visit to the deep

The Deep is one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world and is home to approximately  5000 animals, including the only pair of green sawfish in Britain, impressive sharks and rays, penguins, jellyfish and hundreds of other fish species. However, there is not only a lot to see there, but also a lot to learn. The aquarium gives a lot of information about the history of the sea, about the life of the different species and about the waste in the sea, which harms the marine animals.

My expectations of the aquarium were quite high, as it was recommended to me by previous visitors. Nevertheless, my expectations were exceeded, as The Deep is such a huge and unique aquarium with lots of things to see. The highlight of my visit were definitely the penguins, because I have never seen penguins before. But also the sharks and rays were very interesting to watch. The soothing sounds and the appropriate lighting in the aquarium created a very relaxing atmosphere, with which one could easily immerse oneself in underwater life. I have also learned a lot about the huge impact people have on marine life and how anyone can make life safer underwater. In general, the aquarium pays a lot of attention to the welfare of the animals and calls on visitors to be considerate of their lives and not to contaminate the oceans with plastic.

Overall, I really enjoyed my visit and I would strongly recommend a visit to The Deep, as there is a lot to see and there is something for everyone.

Sophie Shaina The Deep

Our visit to the Deep

The Deep is one of the biggest aquariums in the UK with over 300 separate species and approximately 5,000 animals overall. Before going into detail, we would like to share our expectations first. We thought we would just see some fishes and maybe a couple of other sea animals, but when we arrived, we immediately noticed that there would be much more to see.

As we walked into the exhibition, we already read much information about the aquarium itself. Especially the size of the marine exhibit excited us the most because usually the animals do not have that much space. The Deep really takes care of their sea animals and their welfare are their highest priority. Another good aspect were the many interactive stations, where especially the younger visitors could learn a lot in a playful way. Furthermore, the pollution is brought to attention which really makes you thoughtful of the sea dwellers, you just learned about.
In hindsight, we want to diminish our consumption of plastic and pay attention to the environment.  We would particularly visit the Deep anytime, because they are ambassadors of the oceans.
Also it is an education charity to protect the future of animals and oceans. We had a great day in the big aquarium, learned more about the marine exhibit and endangered species.
Especially because the Deep does care about the environment, like their slogan, “For conservation, not profit” says, there are no negative aspects to share.

In our opinion, the highlight of our visit was the elevator which takes you through the largest fish tank in The Deep. Meanwhile, we could have a close look at the different kinds of fish in it.
Another outstanding part of our visit were the jellyfishes because they were really calming to look at in combination with the relaxing music playing in the background.

Beer in Hull

Try this Hull pub crawl – with beers made right here in the city

In honour of this, we have put together our own little Hull pub crawl, using places where you can sip beer brewed right here, in Hull (or very near).

Atom Bar
Ye Olde Corn Exchange, North Church Side

The Hull brewery moved into the Corn Exchange last year and it’s quickly become a much-loved watering hole for the city’s beer-lovers. Alongside a wide-range of craft beer, Atom stocks its own signature range of Atom brew. And it’s not all about liquids at Atom. GLUG has its hands on the reins of the kitchen and churns out a range of dishes, inspired by cooking from across the globe and complementing the house nectar.

The Taphouse
Humber Street, Fruit Market

Taphouse Brewpub is both a working brewery and stylish bar, offering almost 40 draught craft beers, lagers and ciders.

The latest joint to waltz its way into the Fruit Market is the home of the Yorkshire Brewing Company, which has been brewing on the site for the past six years, and Bone Machine Brewing Company. As well as serving up the delights from the in-house brewery, it also offers a wide-range of draught real ales, craft beers, lagers and ciders, which change from week to week.

The Brain Jar
Trinity House Lane

The Brain Jar doesn’t have the widest range of beers (though it does have just about every spirit under the sun). However, it does stock a local brewery with its roots firmly in Hull – in Bricknell Avenue to be precise. The small-scale Bricknell Brewery specialises in the production of unusual hand-crafted bottle-conditioned beers that you are unlikely to find in most supermarkets. If you want a tip, the chocolate porter is excellent.

Vittles & Company
Trinity Market

The micro-brewery brews and sells its beer in Trinity Market. Picture: Vittles & Company

You don’t have to leave your house to enjoy local brew if you stock up in advance. If you enjoy sipping from the comfort of your own sofa, you can always take a trip to Trinity Market’s Vittles & Company. The micro-brewery claims to be Hull’s smallest commercial brewery – brewing just 50 litres at a time. As well as stocking its own shop in the market, the brewery also sells craft ales from across Yorkshire, the UK and further afield.

Pave
Princes Avenue

Maybe you don’t fancy a city centre stroll on Sunday? No worries, there are plenty of bars, pubs and restaurants all over the city stocking locally sourced beer. Princes Avenue has plenty. Pave (literally an abbreviation of Princes Ave for anyone that hasn’t worked it out yet) has a constantly changing range of guest ales, as well as its usual favourites. Wold Top is one of the local breweries often stocked at the bar. Founded in 2003 by arable farmers Tom and Gill Mellor, the brewery is based high on the Yorkshire Wolds (so yeah, not Hull, but not a million miles away). Another is Great Newsome. Again, it’s not in Hull, but the East Yorkshire brewery (South Frodingham, near Withernsea, for anyone that wants to be more specific) is close enough.

Hull Minster © Mike Bartlett

EXPLORE EVERY ANGLE…

Have you even *been* to Hull if you haven’t shown it off on your Insta?! We think our city looks pretty good and we love seeing it through your lenses, too. Use the hashtag #VisitHull and tag us @visithulluk

Here’s a little tour of some of our favourite photography locations:

1: Queen Victoria Square – home to some truly impressive architecture in the shape of the Maritime Museum, Ferens Art Gallery and Hull City Hall. The fountains complete the look. HU1 3RA.

2: Paragon Arcade – a beautiful Victorian independent shopping arcade that has recently had a sympathetic revamp. HU1 3PQ.

3: Solar Gate, Queen’s Gardens – this public artwork by artist Tonkin Lui acts as an enormous sun dial to mark significant dates in Hull’s history. HU1 3DJ.

4: Land Of Green Ginger – home of Hull’s most-photographed street sign, the country’s smallest window and one of Hull’s greatest unsolved mysteries – how did this street get its unusual name? HU1 2EA.

5: Hepworth’s Arcade – a rare, L-shaped Grade II-listed Victorian shopping arcade with a gorgeous glass roof and great independent shops. HU1 1JU.

6: Prince Street – this unusually curved colourful Georgian street always attracts attention. You’ll find it between Princes Dock Street and Trinity Square. HU1 2LJ.

7: Hull Minster and reflection pools, Trinity Square – get the angle right and you’ll capture the Minster and its reflection in the mesmerising ripple pools in one shot. HU1 2JJ.

8: The marina – the Hull riviera. There are no bad shots on a sunny day, if the weather’s not cooperating, take your snap from one of many nearby cafes and restaurants. HU1 2DQ.

9: Humber Street – the beating heart of Hull’s revitalised Fruit Market. Full of independent shops, galleries, bars and restaurants, and a key location of Hull’s festival summers, it takes a great photo. HU1 1UU.

10: Voyage by Steinunn Thorasrinsdottir – this striking statue faces out to sea in the direction Hull’s travwlermen travelled. It has a counterpart, For, in the Icelandic village of Vik, which faces Hull, HU1 1UU

Inspired? Book a short break now with some amazing rates on hotels, chic self catering apartments and boutique stays!

Tour Guide Paul Schofield

LET US SHOW YOU AROUND…ONLY IN HULL

We’re ever so slightly biased, of course, but we’re with Larkin on this one. Hull’s “sudden elegancies” catch the eye when you least expect them, revealing sides of Yorkshire’s only maritime city that are truly unique.

Here are just a few reasons why:

Only in Hull…  can you visit the spot where the Governor of Hull Sir John Hotham and pals decided to rebel against King Charles I by refusing to allow him into the city at Beverley Gate in 1642 – thereby triggering the English Civil War. It’s upstairs in the “Plotting Parlour” of Ye Olde White Harte pub in Silver Street.

Only in Hull… can you pay tribute to another independent spirit, Amy Johnson, a pioneering Hull pilot who was the first woman to fly solo from Britain to Australia in 1930. Look out for her statue in Prospect Street, a mock-up of her Gipsy Moth plane Jason in St Stephen’s shopping centre and some of the colourful wall-mounted moth sculptures inspired by her plane across the city.

Only in Hull… can you find cream telephone boxes. Even our phone boxes like to be different.

 

 TOP TIP: Psst! Want to take an unique shortcut between Scale Lane/High Street in the Old Town to The Deep and Fruit Market? Scale Lane footbridge is the world’s first to allow foot passengers to ride on the bridge as it swings open. Listen carefully, and you should hear birdsong as you glide over the River Hull.

 

DID YOU KNOW? A whopping 40% of our city-centre businesses are independents helping to provide a shopping experience that you really won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Only in Hull… can you stock up on whoopee cushions and trick chewing gum at the favourite joke shop of comedian Reese Shearsmith and mind master Derren Brown. Visit the wonder of the world that is Dinsdale’s Joke and Trick Shop in Hepworth Arcade and discover why it’s been going strong since the 1930s. All the stylish and quirky shops in the glorious Hepworth and Paragon arcades are worth checking out, from Fanthorpe’s for music gear, to Beasley’s for vintage clothing, Bierhaus craft beer shop, White Rabbit chocolatiers, Two Gingers coffee shop and Marla’s for food.

Only in Hull… can you peer into England’s smallest window. See if you can spot it at The George pub in The Land of Green Ginger. In fact, only in Hull is there a street called the Land of Green Ginger.

Only in Hull… can you play air guitar on the Mick Ronson memorial stage in Queens Gardens, where David Bowie’s most celebrated  guitarist used to work as a groundsman; or at the spot in Whitefriargate where Paul Heaton and Stan Cullimore used to busk before they hit the big time with The Housemartins.

Inspired? Book a short break now with some amazing rates on hotels, chic self catering apartments and boutique stays!

 

The Deep

WE KNOW A PLACE…THAT THE KIDS WILL LOVE

If the kids are happy, the adults are happy, right? Take the strain out of family days out with our top tips to entertain families with children of all ages (yep, even those tricky toddlers and teens!).

Let’s start with our fabulous free museums and galleries. In Queen Victoria Square, Ferens Art Gallery has a permanent dedicated children’s space where younger visitors can play, and is welcoming to everyone. On the other side of the square, the Maritime Museum tells the fascinating tale of the city’s seafaring heritage… plus the slightly fishier tale of our own little mermaid!

Speaking of fish, keep your eyes peeled as you walk through the city centre from this point to see if you can spot the 41 fish inlaid in the pavements.

TOP TIP: Take a towel and a change of clothes if Queen Victoria Square is on your itinerary – it doesn’t matter how old or cool your kids are, these fountains are irresistible on a sunny day!

In the Old Town, there’s a dedicated, free Museums Quarter in High Street. At the Hull and East Riding Museum you can whizz through 250,000 years of Hull’s history, starting with Mortimer – a life-sized recreation of an East Yorkshire woolly mammoth. The Streetlife Museum is another big hit with families, with plenty of ways to get on board with the sight, sounds and smells of transport through the ages. Next door at Wilberforce House, you can explore the birthplace and legacy of Hull’s famous anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce.

All ages are welcome at Humber Street Gallery in the vibrant Fruit Market area near Hull’s stunning marina. If you have any dinosaur fans in the family, you won’t be able to miss independent dinosaur museum Dinostar and, just over the footbridge, you’ll find the iconic aquarium The Deep, home to 3,500 sharks, fish and penguins… and some spectacular viewing areas. Both Dinostar and The Deep offer great-value annual passes.

There’s a jam-packed summer of family-friendly events ahead. Highlights include:

• The Lord Mayor’s Hanse Day in Queen Victoria Square and Trinity Square on 8 June, 10am-4pm – a tribute to Hull’s medieval trading past that this year is going to be bigger and better than ever, across two sites, with jousting, fire-breathing jesters, roaming musicians, dancers, children’s activities and musical workshops, crafts and a chance for all ages to show off your handiwork in parades around Queen Victoria Square and Trinity Square. Allow at least half a day. Suitable for all ages.
• The Big Malarkey in East Park on 29-30 June. This children’s literature festival has grown into a firm annual favourite since its launch during Hull’s year as UK City of Culture in 2017. Special guests this year include celebrated children’s book illustrator and author Nick Sharratt, Oi Dog! author Kes Gray, the creator of the hilarious Barry Loser series Jim Smith, and MG Leonard who wrote the fantastical Beetle Boy adventures. Tickets to the weekend festival, which takes place a short drive east of the city centre, are due to go on sale on 20 April, from www.thebigmalarkeyfestival.com. Great for families with babies, children and young people aged 0-16.
• National Play Day in Queens Gardens on 7 August – get there early for free fun and frolics. All welcome, but best suited to those aged 0-11.

TOP TIP: Hop on and off a land train at Queen Victoria Square, the Museums Quarter, or The Deep for a fun and irreverent look at some of the city centre’s most popular attractions.

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for personal recommendations for your family, Hull’s blue-jacketed cultural volunteers are happy to help. You’ll find them at the Welcome Information Centre at Paragon Interchange, and at attractions all over the city centre.

Inspired? Book a short break now with some amazing rates on hotels, chic self catering apartments and boutique stays!

LET US SHOW YOU AROUND…Hull’s great outdoors

You can find trails around public squares, shopping streets, parkland, the Old Town, the free Museums’ Quarter and the former dock, from post-industrial riverside areas to the swanky marina and  Fruit Market.

En route, you’ll be able to find out all about Hull’s impressive maritime heritage, inspirational stories and our city’s rebellious history at the exact spot on Beverley Gate where we allegedly sparked the English Civil War by refusing to allow King Charles I entry to the city in 1642.

Pick up a City Walking Trail leaflet from the Welcome Information Centre at Paragon Interchange. It includes:

  • The Fish Trail (follow the 41 fish in the pavements, from the weird – we’re looking at you, Warty Doris and Lumpsucker – to the wonderful – or to be precise – the Brill).
  • The Blue Plaque Trail.
  • The Ale Trail (always inexplicably popular, this one).
  • The Wilberforce Trail, a chance to follow in the footsteps of William Wilberforce.
  • The Statue Trail.
  • The Museums and Galleries Trail.
  • The Lord Mayor’s Centenary Plaque Trail.
  • The Larkin Trail, for an insight into the “different resonance” that one of the 20th-century’s best-known poets saw in Hull, and the settings that inspired him to write some of his most famous poems.

If a guided walk’s more your thing, our English Heritage accredited, highly recommended and extremely knowledgeable guide runs daily tours from Hull City Hall every day from 2pm from 1st April to 3rd November. Tickets are £4 per person, no need to book, just turn up!

TOP TIP: Looking for a good picnic spot? The lush central parkland of Queen’s Gardens is the obvious choice – you can’t miss it in between the BBC’s Hull HQ and the towering monument to William Wilberforce. The Peace Gardens in the Museums Quarter, the hidden garden behind Wilberforce House and the stepped seating of Stage @The Dock in the Fruit Market are also perfect for picnics.

DON’T MISS

Queens Gardens: A 9.75-acre former dock that until 1930 was filled with the water of Queens Dock. It’s now a series of gardens, and hosts touring and permanent public artworks, and large-scale events, from cultural extravaganzas to festivals such as Pride In Hull, Yum! Food Festival, children’s National Play Day and Freedom Festival.

Riverside views: To get an authentic feel for Hull’s maritime past, a stroll around the riverside and marina is a must. Follow the River Hull, past the tidal barrier to the The Deep aquarium where the River Hull meets the Humber Estuary, and walk along Victoria Pier, where passenger ferries used to cross the Humber before the Humber Bridge was built in 1981. Be sure to pause to take in the relaxing sights and sounds of Hull Marina – we get a great sunset

DID YOU KNOW? Wondering what the old Oss Wash near Victoria Pier is all about? Oss Wash is simply ’ull speak for Horse Wash, where the city’s traders used to scrub their horses clean. The name is now used by a gelateria and café on the pier.

The street art scene: Bankside Gallery is the name of a growing legal graffiti and street art movement that sprung up to celebrate Hull’s existing graffiti scene. Bankside Gallery was triggered by the overnight appearance of an authentic Banksy artwork on the disused Scott Street Bridge in early 2018. New pieces now appear every week, adding bursts of legal colour from the central Old Town, to Clough Road, north of the centre. Although the Banksy is temporarily out of public view due to safety issues with the bridge, the Bankside Gallery volunteers have put together a map of the legal walls, available from the Welcome Information Centre at Paragon Interchange.

Inspired? Book a short break now with some amazing rates on hotels, chic self catering apartments and boutique stays!

Rainy days out

RAINY DAYS OUT

We’re not saying it’s definitely going to rain all the way through the next school holidays and beyond. Just in case, however, here are some of the best activities to see soggy kids and their grown-ups through the great British autumn and winter.

ALL-WEATHER WONDERS TO SEE FAMILIES THROUGH TO SPRING

  • Explore museums, galleries and theatres: As mentioned above, Hull’s museums are havens of fabulous free entertainment all year round. Also check out the Treasure House and Beverley Art Gallery in Beverley, where there are interactive exhibits for young children alongside permanent and touring collections. A round-up of museums, galleries and theatres across Hull and East Yorkshire can be found here. Please note that one of Hull’s two floating museums, the Spurn Lightship, has been temporarily moved and is currently closed for renovation work. Fruit and Kingston Art Group (KAG) are no longer located in Humber Street, but the celebrated artists of Kingston Art Group are currently exhibiting their work at the University of Hull’s Brynmor Jones Library. Their exhibition, We Are Here, runs until Sunday 4 November.

Independent galleries including Humber Street Gallery, Artlink and the Museum of Club Culture in Hull, while Pocklington Arts Centre in Pocklington and The Ropewalk arts and exhibition space in Barton-on-Humber have some incredible exhibitions and regular activities that will appeal to all ages.

  • Rock’n’roll: Here’s a treat day out for children of all ages. John Bull World of Rock is open all year round, with extended opening times during school holidays. Find out how classic seaside rock is made on a self-guided factory tour (tickets: adults £4; over-fours £3, under-fours free), and stop off to roll you own stick of rock filled with a letter of your choice, or make your own chocolate lollipop (£1.50 pp, per activity). There’s also a soft-play area called Candy Kingdom that caters for children aged 0-12. Exit via the factory sweet shop for maximum sugar rush opportunities.
  • Make a splash: When the weather’s awful outside, burn off some energy at the pool. By the coast, Bridlington’s Leisure World has an interactive Splash Zone with two slides, and just outside Hull city centre, Woodford Leisure Centre fits the bill with a wave machine, beach-style pool, slide and more.
  • Prepare for battle: Hull Blast says it is Yorkshire’s first indoor interactive foam dart battle arena. And who are we to argue? Once inside, choose your battle: Apocalyptic Zone; or Space Zone. £10 pp, per hour of play. It’s bound to be a blast and is equally popular with children, students, and groups

 

 

  • Bounce, bounce, bounce: Trampoline parks are another indoor play activity that have really taken off and are suitable for all ages. Loads of fun and there are usually SEN and disability-friendly sessions, disco sessions, dodgeball and assault course sessions as well as standard open bounce sessions. If you’re planning to take young children, look out for the cheaper parent-and-toddler, or family activities. An additional, one-off cost for trampoline parks is that you also have to buy branded trampoline socks to be able to bounce. Try: Rebound on Stockholm Road, on the outskirts of Hull, or Gravity in St Stephen’s shopping centre in the heart of the city centre. Prices vary.
  • Don’t forget the old favourites: Soft play zones are probably not most parents’ favourite places to be, but there’s no disputing that younger children love them and they’re brilliant when the weather’s too bad to play in an outdoor park or playground. Hull and East Riding Mumbler’s excellent blog has a comprehensive list of venues all over East Yorkshire.
  • And finally… embrace the muddiness! From an outdoor mud kitchen, to mountains and molehills; sand slide to suspended platform; and amphitheatre to tyre swing, William’s Den is an award-winning outdoor play centre that encourages children to enjoy the great outdoors, rain, mud and all.