Hull is a port city in East Yorkshire, northern England, located on the north bank of the Humber estuary and was awarded the title of UK City of Culture in 2017. Brightly coloured banners proclaim ‘Its never dull in Hull’ and there definitely are plenty of interesting things to see and do.

Getting there
The M62 motorway, one of the main east–west routes in the north of England connects Hull to Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and the M1 to London and with rail times of 2 hours 30 minutes from London its easily accessible for a short break.
Attractions
The Deep

One of the world’s most spectacular aquariums and home to 5,000 animals including seven species of sharks and rays. This dramatic building was inspired by nature and appears to rise out of the water like a leaping fish complete with scales. The aquarium opened in 2002 and operates as an educational and marine conservation charity. Its landmark building is internationally recognisable and has even featured on a Royal Mail stamp.

Look in awe through the huge tanks of the Endless Ocean with two main viewing areas including a giant sized glass wall. A guide gives live commentaries several times daily pointing out the various species of shark, rays and loggerhead turtles. The fish happily swim around together and don’t eat the smaller fish because they are well fed and therefore not tempted into doing so. Stroll through an ice tunnel on your way to visit the penguins. The Gentoo penguins are one of The Deep’s star attractions and can be viewed from two different levels both above and below the water. Details: The Deep
Philip Larkin statue, Hull Paragon Station

On the main concourse take a look at the statue of the famous poet Philip Larkin who lived in Hull for over 30 years and was chief librarian at the University of Hull. Paragon Station was mentioned in one of his most famous pieces ‘The Whitsun Weddings’ which starts ‘I was late getting away’. The statue portrays Larkin rushing for the train, with a manuscript tucked under his arm and clutching his trilby hat. It was created by Martin Jennings who also designed the statue of Sir John Betjeman at St. Pancras Station.
Hull Marina

The main marina is known as the Humber Dock Marina, originally the Humber Dock dating back to 1807. The docks were closed for shipping in 1968 and re-opened in 1983 as a swish new marina with 270 moorings for pleasure boats.

The Spurn Lightship which was built in 1937 and served for almost 50 years as a navigational aid in the treacherous River Humber is now enjoying a leisurely retirement as a museum boat in the marina with tours available between April and September.
Cultural Quarter

Located on Humber Street, in the Fruit Market district. During the 19th century most of Hull’s fruit traders were based in this area and abandoned warehouses have now been transformed into Hull’s Cultural Quarter. This vibrant area is now home to restaurants, bars, art galleries, a micro-brewery, gin distillery and a chocolatier.
Museum Quarter
A cluster of three museums all with free admittance, located around an attractive courtyard.

Streetlife Museum

Located on a narrow cobbled street in the old town, the Streetlife Museum is divided into six sections with a Street Scene Gallery at its heart. This recreated street is based on a busy, historic high street in the city centre and features old trams and a parade of shops.

Other galleries cover bicycles, horse drawn carriages and a re-constructed railway goods yard into which an original signal box has been transported brick by brick and reassembled. Streetlife Museum
Hull and East Riding Museum

An archaeology museum with a majestic mammoth as its centrepiece. Exhibits include an Iron Age village and a Roman bath house with some exquisite mosaics. Hull & East Riding Museum
Wilberforce House

The birthplace of William Wilberforce, a famous campaigner against the slave trade. Over two floors the museum tells the story of the transatlantic slave trade and its abolition. The museum also contains journals, costumes and personal items belonging to William Wilberforce and the historic building with its grand staircase is a cultural gem. Wilberforce House
Queen Victoria Square
Maritime Museum

Housed in the old Victoria Dock offices, this historic building was originally opened in 1871 as nautical offices and now highlights the seafaring heritage of the city. Tour the galleries to view a full sized whale skeleton, discover the craft of whaling and inspect numerous artefacts from Hull’s fishing and merchant trades. Hull Maritime Museum
Ferens Art Gallery

Contains a significant collection of paintings and sculptures including works by some European old masters including Canaletto. Its entrance lobby is known as the Centre Court and displays highlights from the Ferens collection. Connecting the city with its maritime history one of the galleries contains a unique collection of maritime paintings. Ferens Art Gallery

Hull Minster

The magnificent Hull Minster is more than 700 years old but was only officially granted Minster status in 2017. Prior to that it appeared in the Guinness Book of Records as England’s largest parish church.

The interior of the Minster is truly beautiful with its elaborate ceiling, stained glass windows and oak carved pews. Its marble font, which is still in use today, was used to baptise William Wilberforce the former member of Parliament for Hull. Outside the Minster in Trinity Square are some newly installed mirror pools creating a feeling of reflection. Hull Minster
Cream Telephone Boxes

Look out for cream coloured telephone boxes which are unique to Hull as it is the only city in the U.K. to have kept an independent telephone provider. The company was formerly known as Kingston Communications and now uses the abbreviated title (KCOM).
Humber Bridge / Humber Bridge Country Park

It’s easy to get to the Humber Bridge by taking a train to Hessle Station, a journey of only 8 minutes from where the vast bridge can be seen towering up above the station. Its then a 20 minute walk along attractive country lanes to the Humber Bridge Country Park. This 48 acre nature reserve of woodlands and open meadows has several short walking trails through the park.


The Humber Bridge first opened to traffic in 1981. At that time it was the longest single span suspension bridge in the world at 1.38 miles (2.2km) in length. It is now the 9th longest and spans the Humber estuary between Hessle in East Yorkshire and Barton-on-Humber in North Lincolnshire. There is a charge of £1.50 for cars to cross the toll bridge but by using the bridge the road distance between Hull and Grimsby is reduced by 50 miles (80km).
Trinity Market

The market has been transformed into a street food emporium with the modernised interior retaining many of its historical features. It’s now a light and airy food court with ample seating for casual dining. Fresh produce and a range of products are also on offer at one end of the market. Trinity Market

Hull New Theatre

The building was originally the city’s Assembly Rooms back in the 1800’s and became a theatre in 1939. It closed for a £16m major refurbishment at the end of 2015 prior to the city gaining its U.K. City of Culture status. Hull New Theatre
The Hepworth Arcade

A Victorian glass roofed passageway now home to a variety of quirky independent retailers selling goods that one might not be able to track down on the high street.
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I think Hull is really underrated. Maybe with this year being the year of the staycation, more folk will give it a visit. Interesting fact about the cream telephone boxes, I had no idea about that. Will be looking out for them next time I visit. I love things like that, gives a place real character!
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Hull is definitely underrated but has plenty to offer with some very interesting museums and a pleasant marina.
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Hull looks different now. Hope to visit in future. Was there 1988-1991.
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Hull has changed a lot and mostly for the better so I think you would enjoy a return visit. Thanks for reading and your comments.
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so what are you planning to travl next???
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Not sure yet but things in mind, how about you?
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Loved the pictures and the narrative about each one.
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Thank you for your kind words. There’s lots of interesting things to see and do in Hull so it’s good to be able to bring them to readers attention.
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♥️
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Pingback: Hull – a travel guide – AVIsite
Great information
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Thank you. I’m pleased you enjoyed this post.
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I wish I visit that beautiful aquarium one fine day! The photos are beautiful, thanks for guiding!
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I do hope you get an opportunity to visit the aquarium Kavi, it’s really nice.
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I am too excited to visit the aquarium and museum!
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I’m certain you will enjoy a visit to Hull. Thanks for commenting Kavi.
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A pretty interesting place 🙂
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Thank you for your kind words.
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Love this ..makes me feel like I have “Feet on The Ground” in Hull. Never been there … so much see and do. Thanks for sharing and great images of the area.
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Thank you for your kind words. I’m so pleased that you have enjoyed reading my travel guide to Hull.
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Much appreciated.
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It looks worthy of its city of culture award. I only ever got a glimpse of it on route to the football but it wasn’t somewhere I was particularly bothered about returning to. It seems I might have to rethink that, your post suggests there’s plenty worthwhile visiting for 🙂
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It’s an interesting city and like most places, much more appealing when the sun is shining. I was pleasantly surprised and found plenty to keep me interested over a weekend break. Thanks for your welcome thoughts Jason.
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Wow!!!great amount of information..love it.Thank you.
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Thank you for taking an interest in my travel guide to Hull. It’s so nice to hear from you.
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That was amazingly written.keep up the great work,would love to learn more new cities.👍🙂
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I’ll be writing about more new places soon which I hope you’ll also enjoy Eshima.
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That’s great..I’m looking forward to it.🙂
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a great post and wonderful city to visit
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Incredible post Marion, Hull is fascinating and magnificent. I m truly impressed with your captures❣️
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Thank you so much for your kind words, they are much appreciated.
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I’ve never been to Hull! Might stop off on my next trip north – and I love ‘it’s never dull in Hull’ – made me smile. Have a great day 🙂
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It’s a great slogan isn’t it! Hull has certainly more to offer than might first be expected. Hopefully we’ll all be able to explore a bit more in a few months time Hannah.
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I honestly never heard of Hull until this article! Looks like it’s a great city to check out for its museums, as I’m sure you could spend a whole day, if not several days, just on museums alone. The Hull Minster is sublime, especially with its distinctive, rainbow ceiling. Hull looks to be a worthy place to check out, especially if one’s in the area! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Thank you for taking an interest in my post on Hull. It’s a very interesting port city with much to offer. I also thought the minster ceiling was sublime. Hope your week is progressing well Rebecca.
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What an interesting city. I would love to have visited that place during my travel years but at least you are a great internet travel guide 🙂
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Thank you for taking an interest in my post on Hull Ian. It’s a very interesting city and I’m glad you enjoyed my guide.
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it may be poor but also quite picturesque!
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It’s certainly pretty Andy!
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The Deep is such a neat aquarium. I love that the building is shaped like a boat. Hull looks like such a charming city.
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Hull is a fascinating city that doesn’t get all the attention it deserves but I really,like it there, especially The Deep.
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Looks like a really interesting city! Would love to visit one day.
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Thank you Rose for taking the time to comment on my Hull post. Hope you get an opportunity to visit one day.
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Thank you for the lovely tour! We’ve had to cancel our trip to England last year, hopefully we can make it one day, soon! Thanks for sharing, Christie
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Thanks for making contact Christie, it’s so nice to hear that you enjoyed my tour of Hull. I do hope that you will be able to make a trip to England before too long. Marion
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Urr nurr. What about the accent? I once lived on Park Grurve off Park Rurd.
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Thanks for reading and commenting
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Thank you so much. Most of us have never been and probably never will go to England. We can enjoy your travels vicariously.
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I’m so pleased you enjoyed this tour of Hull from the comfort and safety of your armchair. It’s a fascinating city. Take care, Marion
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Very enjoyable tour of Hull. Lovely looking place and some interesting associations such as Larkin and Wilberforce. I hear good reports too of its bars and restaurants.
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Thanks for taking an interest in my post on Hull Shane. The city has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years and hopefully it will be back to its vibrant self in the coming months. Marion
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Hull looks like a beautiful city and with so much to do and see!
Your photo’s and descriptions of each, almost makes me want to pack my bags and go and check out Hull for myself 😊 … well, if it wasn’t for lockdown … The interior of the church is really beautiful, especially the ceiling. Thank you for taking us on a virtual tour through Hull 👍🏻.
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Thank you also for taking the time to read and comment on my Hull post. The city doesn’t get all the attention it deserves but has much to offer. I also thought the church ceiling was magnificent. Hope you have a good week. Marion
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What a lovely little city, Marion. I’d say that the East Riding is one of England’s most underrated destinations! I would love to explore it one day and drive all the way to Spurn Point; some say it’s one of the strangest, most haunting outposts of England due to its remoteness. Yet there’s a beautiful lighthouse, too. Thanks for sharing and have a good day. Aiva 🙂
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Thanks for your welcome thoughts Aiva. You are quite right that Hull and the surrounding area doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but on a nice day there’s lots to see and do. I’ve not made it to Spurn Point yet but have read about it. Hopefully, I might try and take a drive there too at some point later in the year. Hope your week goes well too. Marion
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I haven’t been to Hull for a very long time and it didn’t look like it does in the photographs. Somewhere I will definitely return to. Thank you for your wonderful description and photos.
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Thanks so much for your welcome thoughts Paul. Since the city was awarded capital of culture it has really smartened up its image and is a pleasant city to wander around and view its interesting museums. Marion
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You have really made me want to go to Hull. You take excellent photographs, and then add a short, well-written reason to visit. I am really impressed. Thank you! I’ll visit when lockdown ends and I stock up the piggy bank
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Thanks Simon for your kind words. It’s so pleasing to read that my post on Hull has inspired you to visit when lockdown restrictions are eased.
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You deserve the praise. You write well and have excellent photos. I blog to try and improve my writing. Most blogs, even if interesting, are not well written. Your posts are. Thank you again.
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Another great post Marion. Always good to see a city that takes what it has (like the Docks) and revitalizes it. The Street Life Museum looks interesting. Thanks for sharing. Allan
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Thanks for taking an interest in my travel guide to Hull. It’s another of our great cities that is often overlooked so I’m pleased to give it a mention. Hope you have a good week Allan.
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My city. That list has missed one of the more important arts venues, the other theatre, Hull Truck (https://www.hulltruck.co.uk/about-us/history/) which is more interesting and less traditional than the New Theatre.
Also, I don’t care what anyone says, it’s Holy Trinity not Hull Minster to me and after 60+ years I’m not changing what I call it. I don’t think I can! Also, no mention of the Guildhall or the splendid Saint Mary’s church. Hull Tourist Info are really not doing their job, unless their job is to not tell people about Hull. 🙂
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Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment on my travel guide to Hull with your added suggestions. Somewhere else to check out on a future visit!
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Very informative. ..so much history. 👌
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Thank you for your kind words. Hull is indeed a fascinating city.
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