10 Reasons to Visit
1 . It has History
Originally founded by monks as a port in the 12th century, Hull was an important thoroughfare for centuries, first in the wool trade and later in the fishing/whaling industry. It’s also cited as possibly being the spot where the English Civil Wars first kicked off. In 1642, King Charles I was denied entry into Hull through the old Beverley Gate, which is often seen as the trigger for the start of the war. The remains of the infamous gate were excavated in the 1980s, and you can see them today in Hull’s Old Town.
2. Free Museums
Hull has 8 museums and galleries that are free to enter.
Wilberforce House is the 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 Offers 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.
Hull and East Riding Museum of Archeology invites visitors to 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 is an award winning gallery whose highlights include masterpieces by Lorenzetti, Frans Hals, Antonio Canaletto, Frederic Lord Leighton, Stanley Spencer, Helen Chadwick and Gillian Wearing.
Yorkshires Maritime City
Spurn Lightship and The Arctic Corsair are both currently closed but are excepted to reopen late 2023 following extensive renovation.
Hands on History Museum, originally the old Grammar School where William Wilberforce studied, houses the story of Hull and its people. It includes a fascinating glimpse into Victorian times, the Story of Hull and also features the Egyptian Gallery 2600-year-old mummy and unique replicas of King Tutankhamen’s treasures. The Guildhall is home to the Hull Tapestry, which depicts, in colourful and varied stitch, the history and achievements of the city of Kingston upon Hull.
3. Festivals and Fun in 2022
From jazz and literature to performance and food, we’ve got a festival for all tastes.
For 2022 there’s a spectacular line up, with the return of our award-winning festival – Freedom Festival – taking place over 10 days from Friday 26 August to Sunday 4 September 2022.
Trinity Live is back at Trinity Market, every Thursday from 24th February. Check the Trinity Market website for more details.
The Humber Mouth Literature Festival and Hull Jazz Festival are celebrating 30 years this year while other events in Hull’s cultural calendar include Humber Street Sesh, The Big Malarkey Festival, Yum Festival of Food and Drink, Hull Pride and much more
4. Great Food
Sipping a drink by the water’s edge, admiring the boats in the Marina, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re somewhere on the Med.
From street food to gourmet pub grub, there’s never been a better time to discover the city’s gastronomic delights.
No matter what your budget or requirements, Hull’s got you covered.
5. More pubs than you can shake a stick at
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 and features as our Pub of the Month.
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.
7. City Walking Trails
Hull is a largely pedestrianised city perfectly sized to explore on foot with a plethora of trails to see the city in a new light. 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. If you get tired en route, don’t worry, there are plenty of places to refuel. Download our City Walking trails
8. Hull Fair
The fair is one of the largest travelling fairs in Europe, with over 250 rides and an array of attractions. It offers traditional favourites such as palm reading, waltzers and dodgems, alongside new and exciting rides.
9. 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.
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.
