If there’s one city that’s often underrated – it’s Hull. But there’s actually so much to see and do in the former city of culture – an accolade that brought with it tons of funding and improvements citywide.
Whether it’s a day of pottering around the shops you’re after or an evening of luxury dinner and drinks, here’s our guide to the very best things to see and do in Hull this year.
Things to do in Hull: by day
Hessle Foreshore
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Particularly beautiful at sunrise, the Humber Bridge is like Hull’s very own Golden Gate Bridge, except, instead of San Francisco, you’re in East Yorkshire.
Viewed best from Hessle Foreshore, the impressive bridge was once the largest of its kind in the world, and continues to mesmerise passersby to this day. Nearby, you’ll find the Humber Bridge Country Park – which is the perfect green space to stretch your legs in all year round.
Go shopping
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Grab a bite to eat at Hammonds of Hull
A new addition to the city centre, the old Hammonds of Hull department store has been given a brand new lease of life, with a new food hall taking up residence on the ground floor.
There, guests can enjoy a casual coffee, kick back with a cocktail, or fill up with goodies from independent vendors including curries, pizzas, doughnuts, charcuterie with wine and so much more. HoH Food Hall, 1 Paragon St, Hull, HU1 3NA.
Enjoy a walk down the marina
Hull Marina, in particular, has seen quite the cash injection over recent years. Now home to tons of fantastic independent businesses, it’s the perfect spot for a little stroll – whatever the weather.
Have a ponder at the many boats that dock there, grab a pizza at Bert’s, or find a quaint little bar to enjoy a quiet drink in (or two).
Check out the sea life at The Deep
The Deep is a fantastic day out – no matter how old you are. Found under the River Humber as it completes its journey to the North Sea, the wonderful aquarium is home to over 3,000 creatures – including sharks, stingray, jellyfish and even penguins.
Learn about the mesmerising creatures that call our oceans home, see fascinating mammals co-habit with one another, or, if you’re anything like us, just watch the penguins play for hours on end. Book here.
Explore the Old Town
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Jennifer Petrie – geograph.org.uk/p/6118817
A cobbled corner of Hull that lifts the lid on the city’s history, Hull’s Old Town is a place like no other – with tons of winding little streets, beautiful architecture and old pubs to enjoy.
Pro tip: No visit to the riverside quarter is complete without checking out the colourful Prince Street, which avid followers of The Yorkshireman’s Instagram may have seen photographed on many an occasion. And rightly so, it’s ever so pretty.
Stroll through the Victorian shopping arcades
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Richard Croft – geograph.org.uk/p/5264278
Similarly to Leeds, Hull’s shopping offering includes a number of quaint shopping arcades that date way back to the Victorian era, providing a historic home for independent businesses to enjoy.
Consisting of truly stunning architecture, both Paragon Arcade and Hepworth Arcade are well worth the potter if you fancy shopping somewhere different during your visit.
Venture out to Skidby Mill
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Stephen Horncastle – geograph.org.uk/p/266596
Fancy a break away from the city centre? Skidby Mill can be found close by in Cottingham, providing a great dog walk (or regular walk) with lovely scenery.
Budding photographers, in particular, will love it, and once you’re done stretching your legs, you can enjoy the beloved The Millhouse restaurant next door, which serves up Southern Italian-inspired dishes such as pizza, fish, steak and more.
Scran a marshmallow topped brownie
This one’s for all the sweet tooths out there. Found on Humber Street, which lies within Hull’s old Fruit Market, Flour and Feast is most definitely up there with the best bakeries in Yorkshire – serving up tons of pastries, sweet treats and perfectly baked loaves.
A favourite of ours is, of course, the marshmallow brownie, however, the doughnuts and the sausage rolls are, quite frankly, to die for. Flour and Feast, 10 Humber St, Hull, HU1 1TG.
Trinity Market
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Ian S – geograph.org.uk/p/3585137
An absolute haven for locally made, grown and crafted produce, Trinity Market is the heart and soul of Hull’s independent businesses, with tons of food, gifts, groceries and more all under one roof.
Whether it’s handmade chocolates you’re after, a bit of street food, or Hull-made candles, there’s a bit of literally everything under the roof of Trinity Market. Trinity Market, Hull, HU1 2JH.
Things to do in Hull: by night
Potter down Humber Street
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Bernard Sharp – geograph.org.uk/p/6188225
Ok, so Humber Street might be just as fun during the day, but by night, it comes alive. Packed full of cool independent businesses, Humber Street is home to cool cocktail bars, craft taprooms and cosy restaurants – with plenty of bars to make for a little bar hop.
Enjoy Instagrammable cocktails at Humber Street Distillery, divine tapas at Ambiente, or a good pint at Taphouse.
Check out a West End-worthy theatre show
With not one, but two fantastic venues in the city – Hull New Theatre and Hull City Hall – you’re bound to stumble on a great show when in Hull.
Many of the huge West End productions make their way up to the city, with massive productions such as Mamma Mia!, Les Miserables, Rocks of Ages and more touring soon. Find out what’s on here.
Dine in an aquarium
A unique dining experience found at The Deep, fans of the ocean can now enjoy a lavish private dinner with the best views in the house – right in front of the sharks.
Run in collaboration with Rupert & Darwin, guests are treated to a delectable five-course meal, with seasonally changing dishes and three different backdrops to choose from – including a Maldives-style tunnel. Find out more here.
Catch a gig
From The Adelphi to the huge Bonus Arena – Hull isn’t short of live music. We’re talking everything from local indie gigs to huge global tours, with massive names such as Blondie, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and James Arthur all planning shows in Hull really soon.
Be sure to check out what’s on at venues such as Hull City Hall, Bonus Arena, The New Adelphi Club and Social on your next night out.
Enjoy a fancy dinner and cocktails
As fancy as drinks get in Hull, the Lexington offers the perfect rooftop experience, with stunning, luxurious decor, a delicious cocktail list, and a menu packed full of crowdpleasers such as stuffed crust pizza, nachos and antipasti.
Providing views of the city that can’t be found anywhere else, The Lexington is best enjoyed by night when the city becomes illuminated by light, with live music and DJs often bringing the good vibes. The Lexington, The Lexington rooftop bar 24, Ferensway, Hull, HU2 8NH.
Our top bar recommendations:
- Humber Street Distillery
- Thieving Harry’s
- Taphouse
- Butler Whites
- Forrest & Co
- Eden
- J. Johnson
- Riddlers
- The Lexington
- Bar82
- Ye Olde White Harte
- 80 Days Bierhaus
- Atom Brewing Co
- Roots Rum Shack
Our top restaurant recommendations:
- Ambiente
- Bert’s
- The Brazilian Churrascaria & Bar
- Artemis Greek Taverna
- Shoot The Bull
- The Hispanist
- The Minerva
- Craft & Dough
- Aunt Bibby’s
- Dope Burger
- HOME
- Doner Summer
- The Treehouse
[Featured image: Unsplash]
Read more: These Are The Best Bottomless Brunches To Try In Hull
