10 Best Things to Do in Hull

Hull Old Town is the city’s central district, with cobbled streets, brick facades, and historical sights to explore. One of the eye-catchers is Hull Minster, and after delving into this majestic church, you can continue the journey with a stop at the Wilberforce House Museum. Learn about West African culture and the life of William Wilberforce, a politician who campaigned against slave trading. 

The nearby Hands on History Museum is an excellent spot to dive deeper into Hull and England during the Victorian era.

Hull Minster is the radiant centerpiece of Hull’s Old Town. This outstanding gothic cathedral dates to the 14th century. Inside, you’ll find towering arches, hand-carved ornaments, and spectacular stained-glass windows. Join a guided tour to learn more about the church’s prized feature, the Bells of the Minster. You’ll tour up to the top of the clock tower, where panoramic views of Hull await. 

It’s recommended to come back at night to watch the church from Trinity Square. Vibrant lights illuminate the church after sunset, which is a remarkable sight.

The Queens Gardens is a 4-ha oasis in the heart of Hull. This terrain used to be the largest boating dock in the UK, making it a key location in Hull’s maritime history. In 1930, the dock transformed into the Queens Gardens.

Whether you’re after a relaxing picnic or a quick stroll, the Queens Gardens surprises you with vibrant flowerbeds, fountains, and ponds. The Queens Gardens often hosts concerts and events, such as the annual YUM Festival and Freedom Festival.

Ferens Art Gallery has been an established art venue in East Yorkshire since its opening in 1927. The gallery displays a variety of paintings and sculptures, from works of old European maestros to contemporary British art.

Ferens Art Gallery has 12 exhibits for you to discover, with themes like Renaissance and Baroque, 18th-Century Europe, and The Netherlands. When traveling with kids, the ‘Explore Art’ section is great for young explorers to play around. They can create their artworks, play games, and learn about painting techniques.

The Streetlife Museum of Transportation offers a fun and educational insight of Hull's history. Upon entering, you'll enjoy a historical trip to Hull’s development over the last 2 centuries. The main alley inside the museum displays an old station with shops such as pharmacies, a toy shop, and an old candy store.

Highlights include the wonderfully preserved buses, streetcars, and among Britain's oldest automobiles. Jump aboard a double-decker streetcar, see how notable people have driven around in exquisite carriages, and explore early 20th-century station buildings and steam locomotives.

The Deep is a magnificent aquarium with various aquatic species to marvel at. Occupying a hypermodern building on the shores of the Humber River, it’s home to 50 habitats, ranging from tropical coral reefs to the mysterious depths of the ocean.

You can walk from tank to tank and meet over 5,000 species like the gray reef shark, green sawfish, and the gentoo penguin. The Deep uses its profit for conservation and breeding purposes. It’s possible to have an exclusive dining experience in the tunnel, as you sit down for a meal while the rays and sharks circle above your head.

The Burton Constable Hall & Grounds is one of England's most well-preserved country houses. This 16th-century complex hosts exhibitions with historical artifacts. The best way to discover this grand house is via a tour, which takes you to 30 rooms full of paintings and elegant furniture. The staff regularly hosts workshops and events, such as a Ghost Stories Tour in the dark and weaving classes.

The historic landmark is around 9 miles east of Hull's city centre. Burton Constable Hall & Grounds has a gift shop and the Stables Kitchen, where you can end your visit with a classic afternoon tea.

The Hull & East Riding Museum is a compelling stop for history enthusiasts and kids alike, with exhibitions on ancient civilizations and archeological finds. Through the displays, you’ll get an idea of how life was in East Yorkshire in the past.

Get close to a giant mammoth, enter a recreated Roman settlement, and admire a dinosaur bone found by a local archaeologist. Other unique items in the gallery’s collection include a Roman mosaic floor, a Viking sword, and fine examples of ancient pottery. Informational plaques provide you with interesting facts about the artifacts and displays.

When Humber Bridge opened in 1981, it was the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world. Crossing the Humber River west of Hull, the 2,200-metre-long icon is a noteworthy structure in the Yorkshire district. It’s best to cross the bridge on foot or by bicycle to get an impression of its sheer size and brilliant engineering.

Humber Bridge is still among the world’s longest bridges where pedestrians and cyclists can cross. Observe the bridge from a distance in the Humber Bridge Country Park, a lush reserve with ponds, wildlife, and benches on the riverside.

Humber Street is a picturesque lane with boutique shops, quirky cafes, and art galleries. It used to be Hull’s center of commerce, as various fruit and potato merchants were based here. Today, the street a wonderful place to end the day, thanks to vibrant pubs and restaurants lining both sides.

Step inside the Humber Street Distillery to soak up the classic interior and sample its signature gins. Looking for an after-dinner activity? Check out abstract art at Humber Street Gallery or dinosaur exhibits at Dinostar.