Reasons to Visit Hull

Last Updated on 21st January 2019

Why Hull? Hull (or Kingston Upon Hull) has been through a culture regeneration over the past few years, reinventing itself as a culture hotspot. This former City of Culture (2017) is no longer a dull port town, it’s continued its build on the cultural legacy left by their year of culture making it an attractive short-break destination for all. However, there is more to Hull that its arts scene, read on to discover what else Hull has to offer.

Ride a Bridge

The Scale Lane swing bridge is unusual in that it allows people to ride the bridge when it swings open to allow boats up the river. Check the Hull City Council’s website for swing times.

Museum Quarter

Hull’s Museum Quarter is four museums consisting of; the Wilberforce House charting the history of slavery; Hull and East Riding Museum of archaeology the home to a woolly mammoth; Arctic Corsair a trawler which has been converted to a museum; lastly, there is my favourite, Streetlife Museum which has recreated Hull’s streets under one roof.

Don’t feel you have to stick to the museum quarter. Ferens Art Gallery and the Maritime Museum are definitely worth visiting. All museums are free to visit.

Live the Culture

Hull has continued its City of Culture legacy, with Absolutely Cultured the team behind Hull 2017, ensuring that Hull firmly remains a top cultural destination by arranging unique events in and around Hull.

There is something for everyone; comedy, music, theatre, dance, art and family events. For outstanding contemporary theatre you have Hull Truck, which brings a Northern voice to their productions. Opened in 2018, the Bonus Arena hosts big names from the world of music and comedy. For visual arts, Humber Street Gallery should be high on your list.

For a comprehensive list of events check out Visit Hull’s website.

Visit the Land of Green Ginger

No-one really knows how this narrow street got its name, the Land of Green Ginger. I like to think there is a secret portal which takes you to the mystical land of Green Ginger. If you wander up the street you find England’s smallest window at the George Hotel.

Go into the Deep

The Deep is home to over 3,500 fish and a must for all ages. This architecture marvel, designed by Sir Terry Farrell, is located at Sammy’s Point which is at the confluence of Hull River and Humber. There is an entrance fee.

Make a Call From a White Phone Box

Forget the iconic British red phone boxes, Hull phone boxes are gorgeously independently white. The reason for the white boxes is that, until 2007, Hull is the only UK city to have an independent telephone network. The red boxes are BT owned.

The Larkin Trail

If all of the above hasn’t tired you out, you can follow poet Philip Larkin’s footsteps by taking the Larkin Trail. This self-guided tour not only takes on a tour of Larkin’s Hull but is a fabulous way to see the city. It is split into three parts; Larkin’s Here (2 parts) which takes you around the City Centre and Beyond the City Centre, and Larkin’s Elsewhere, taking you outside of Hull.

Shopping

Hull has a lot of great shopping options, however Hepworth Arcade in Old Town is worth a visit. This glass-roofed Grade II listed building is home to many independent shops including Hull institutions Dinsdale’s Joke Shop, Fanthorpes Hi Fi, and Beasleys Hats. You will even find a gin distillery and school (Hothams)! For the foodies, pop next door to Trinity Market. While primarily a food market there are also stalls selling a range of products from vinyl through to handmade soaps.

Poorboy Boutique is a great place to shop for vintage and retro clothing. I lost quite a bit of time browsing the rails in Poorboy, fortunately I was able to resist the temptation of maxing out my credit card thus avoiding making myself a poor girl.

Food On the Go

Because I was in Hull for a music festival, I mainly ate on the go in between gigs. Fortunately Hull has a lot of great takeaway options. Hull’s food and coffee scene is comparable with London’s, with cafés that would not be out of place in trendy Shoreditch.

You can’t leave Hull without trying a potato pattie! A pattie is a deep fried battered mashed potato mixed with sage. Bob Carvers (9 Trinity House Lane), who purport to be the home of the original Hull pattie, is where I brought my pattie. However, the award winning Smithy’s (244 Beverley Road) is the place to go for your pattie fix.

The Fruit Market is a great area for trendy bites and drink spots. Thieving Harry’s (73 Humber Street) is a fabulous brunch and lunch spot serving tasty granola, fry ups and sourdough toast for breakfast, and burgers and salads for lunch. The vegetarian options are great, I had the veggie burger and was not disappointed. Booking in advance is recommended, it is a popular spot for locals and tourists therefore getting a walk-up table is near impossible. Never fear, they do takeaway should you miss out on a table.

For dessert, further up the road from Thieving Harry’s you can find Cocoa Chocolatier and Bakehouse (7 Humber Street), specialising in all things chocolate. I tried their chilli brownies which were absolutely divine.

A special mention is Hull Pies who, like many other independent cafés and restaurants in 2018, have sadly closed. As a Kiwi, I’m choosy when it comes to my pies, having heard great things about Hull Pies I made it my mission to sample one of their pies before I left Hull. Pie heaven in a box!! You can still find them at local markets and pop-ups, check their Facebook page for updates.

Caffeine Fix

For great coffee, try Caffeinated in the Trinity Market an independent café run by Joe and Mikeala Hall, who definitely know their coffee and cakes. Coffee at Thieving Harry’s is also a must. Both source their coffee from local roasters The Blending Room who take great pride in their roasting process. If you prefer your hot drink in leaf form, check out Liquid Jade (Whitefriargate) who make a mean cuppa from their huge range of loose tea.

Have a Pint or Two

Hull, where pints are under a fiver. Legit!! I did question the price when I was charged £3.50, thinking they had incorrectly charged me for a half pint. Bar staff just chuckled at me in an “another Londoner” style.

My local pub was The Lion and Key (48 High Street), which do a fabulous range of craft beers from it’s own brewery, the Cat Head, and from Yorkshire. Be sure to look up at the beermat ceiling. If you want to drink in a more historic setting, Hull’s oldest pub (1729) Ye Olde Black Boy (150 High Street) also do a nice range of real ales and craft beer.

How to get there

Hull Trains run a regular service from London and you can get a cheap deal if booking well in advance.

Where did I stay?

Premier Inn City Centre, for less than £100 I was able to book three nights in a double room with an amazing view of River Hull, including the Scale Lane bridge and the Deep. It was within walking distance to most of the attractions listed in this post and is a 15 minute walk from the train station.