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Things to do in Hull

With Hull being the UK’s City of Culture 2017-2020 there are plenty of things to do in Hull. With lots of local arts and culture to help push urban regeneration projects there are lots of good places to go in Hull. Whether you are staying for a few days or coming for a day trip with lots of places to eat in Hull and explore you will never be bored.

As a traditional port city for many years due to being conveniently located on the Humber Estuary, 40km inland from the North Sea. Because of its location Hull has been a market town, military supply port, trading hub, fishing and whaling centre, and industrial metropolis. As a result, the city is engulfed with history and culture meaning there are loads of cool things to do in Hull, suitable for all ages.

The city suffered greatly from heavy bombing during World War II, a period known as the Hull Blitz, and was one of the UK’s worst-affected cities outside London. After the war was over Hull went through a period of post-industrial decline and was largely neglected for years until the early 21st century, when public spending was distributed to new retail, commercial, education, and housing construction. With such a journey of regenerating the city, one of the many things to do in Hull and surrounding areas is to explore where destruction hit the city to see first-hand how it has been rebuilt to thrive again.

This era of regeneration was bolstered by Hull’s success in winning the bid for the UK’s 2017 City of Culture Award. Thanks to this, Hull has become a cultural hub, drawing in visitors and tourists from all over the world – why not discover all the places to visit in Hull and book your trip today.

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Museums Quarter
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Humber Street
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The Deep
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Humber Bridge

Things to do in Hull

Museums Quarter

The Museums Quarter is the ideal place and a fun thing to do in Hull to start your discovery of the city. Wander up the High Street into the lovely Old Town of Hull to discover the historic Museums Quarter, situated on the banks of the River Hull. Soak up the history of this district by admiring the surroundings of old warehouses, merchant dwellings, and traditional pubs all connected by little winding lanes.

Another interesting place to visit in Hull is The Wilberforce House Museum. Here is the birthplace of William Wilberforce, the British politician (he was MP for Hull) and social reformer who played an important role in campaigning for the abolition of slavery in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The permanent exhibits include many of his personal effects, such as journals and clothes, as well as significant items connected to the trans-Atlantic slave trade and West African culture.

On-board the Arctic Corsair is another interesting place to go in Hull as you’ll find yourself in a truly unique museum, a deep-sea trawler that was converted into a museum in 1999. Berthed on the River Hull between Drypool Bridge and Myton Bridge, you can enjoy a free guided tour of the last surviving Hull fishing vessels from 1960 and learn about the city’s history as a maritime port.

Things to do in Hull and surrounding areas

Fruit market and Humber Street

One thing to do in Hull City Centre you cannot miss is Hull’s cultural hub, the Humber Street Market. This is more than just a place to shop – although if it’s retail therapy you’re in search of, then look no further! A great example of a fun thing to do in Hull which the whole family will enjoy, the market is characterised by a collection of market stalls, street food vans, live acoustic music, and tasty food and drink, this unique area has a bit of everything if you’ve got a leisurely afternoon free to spend browsing.

The Fruit Market, open all day every day, is always a vibrant hive of activity. A fun and free place to visit in Hull, it is located between the river and city centre, this is the perfect place to stop off after a morning perusing the Museums Quarter. History tells us that local fruit was sold in this area as early as the 16th century, and this rich cultural history has been celebrated by the City of Culture status granted to the city in 2017, with lots of events and festivals being hosted here in recent years.

Things to do in Hull with kids

The Deep

One of the UK’s biggest and most spectacular aquariums with over 3500 creatures, The Deep is the perfect place to visit as a family. The world’s only ‘submarium’, this unique structure created a bold, pioneering image to kick-start city-wide regeneration in 2002. The Deep is a fun place to go in Hull as it is also a national centre for marine research with the staff marine biologists looking after the animals and conducting research into the marine environment.

Not just your ordinary aquarium, here you can explore over 4 billion years of ocean history up to the present day and discover how life came to be on Earth. With fun, interactive exhibitions like the underwater viewing tunnel this is the ideal family destination when visiting Hull. It is also a great thing to do in Hull with toddlers when you follow Slimon the snail on a quest through the slime. With this visit you don’t need to worry about the weather making it a top favourite rainy thing to do in Hull.

Places to walk in Hull

The Humber Bridge

When the Humber Bridge opened to traffic in 1981 it was the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world at a length of 1,410m and is still in the top 10 longest of its kind worldwide. As its name suggests, the bridge spans between the South and North banks of the Humber Estuary. The bridge has become a local landmark, a perfect place to walk in Hull with Grade I Listed Building status and amazing views which can be seen for miles around.

Whether you walk, cycle, or drive across the Humber to experience this great feat of engineering up close and personal, as well as taking in stunning views of Hull’s Old Town and revitalised waterfront makes it an enjoyable thing to do in Hull. The bridge also includes its very own country park, originally a chalk quarry, now transformed into a haven for wildlife with many walking trails, lakes, and green spaces to enjoy.

Hull’s cultural hub, the Humber Street Market is more than just a place to shop – although if it’s retail therapy you’re in search of, then look no further!

Things to do in Hull with dogs

Whilst there are plenty of places to visit in Hull with a wide range of historical sites, museums, and places to shop, what also makes Hull a great place to visit is the variety of places and things you can do with dogs. As well as The Humber Bridge Country Park there are also loads more places you can go with your furry friends. Below is a list of some of the top things to do in Hull with dogs:

1. East Park

As one of the largest parks in Hull with multiple footpaths, this park is very dog-friendly with lots of space for your dog to enjoy.

2. Hull Marina

A lovely area with a range of restaurants, cafes, and boats. Many of the outdoor seating areas allow dogs, so you can enjoy a bite to or drink while your furry friends enjoy the fresh air.

3. The Deep Outside Areas

Whilst the aquarium itself is not dog-friendly, its outdoor areas are great for a dog walk offering lovely views of the River Hull to enjoy a leisurely stroll along the water.

4. North Hull Park

For a more peaceful dog-friendly area in Hull, North Hull Park offers a more relaxed atmosphere with plenty of greenery and open space for your dog to run around in.

Discover more dog-friendly places to visit in Hull as well as dog-friendly places to stay by visiting our Dogs Ahoy guide providing all the pet-friendly places to take your pooch during your visit.

At P&O we always want to make sure all our passengers have the best trip possible and that’s why we like to offer as much information as possible so you can plan and prepare your trip with ease. For more tips learn more with our guide planning a trip to England today. Book your ferries to England today and don’t miss out on the amazing sites Hull has to offer.

FAQs:

1. Where is Hull?

Hull is officially known as Kingston upon Hull, is a city located in EastYorkshire, England, located on the Humber Estuary. Roughly about 25 miles east of Leeds, Hull is known for its maritime history offering a rich cultural scene as well as being home to one of our most popular ferry routes at P&O Ferries. Leaving the Hull port every evening, Hull is home to our Hull to Rotterdam ferry crossing offering an overnight crossing across the North Sea popular all year round for passengers of all ages and even furry friends too thanks to our dog friendly cabins.

2. What to do in Hull?

Hull offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in Hull:

The Deep – A world-class aquarium featuring marine life and interactive exhibits.

Hull Marina – Enjoy waterfront walks, cafes, and restaurants.

Streetlife Museum – Explore vintage vehicles and historical exhibits.

Hull Old Town – Wander around cobbled streets with pubs, galleries, and shops.

East Park – A large park for relaxing, walking, and enjoying nature.

Humber Bridge – Take in stunning views of the bridge and surrounding countryside.

Ferens Art Gallery – Visit for a selection of British and European art.

3. Where to eat in Hull?

Hull offers a variety of local and independent pubs and restaurants to explore. Offering a great mix of traditional, modern and international cuisine for a memorable dining experience. You can enjoy some traditional fish and chips along the river or a spot of brunch or afternoon tea amongst the many cafes and restaurants available within the city centre and surrounding area.

4. Where to stay in Hull?

With many places to see in Hull there are also lots of options on places to stay regardless of the trip you have planned. From more budget-friendly to luxurious Hull has it all. Why not continue your luxury break sooner and treat yourself to one of our Club Stateroom cabins for ultimate VIP experience. Book your ferry to England today and we cannot wait to see you onboard.

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