25 Best Things to Do in Hull in 2026 — The Ultimate Local's Guide
Hull is one of England's most underrated cities. Former UK City of Culture, home to world class museums, a stunning waterfront, and a food scene that punches well above its weight. Whether you're a visitor planning a day out or a local looking for something new, this guide covers the 25 best things to do in Kingston upon Hull, written by people who know the city inside out.
Attractions and Landmarks
1. The Deep
One of the largest and most spectacular aquariums in Europe. Built at the confluence of the River Hull and the Humber Estuary, The Deep houses over 3,500 sea creatures including sharks, rays, jellyfish, and a colony of Gentoo penguins. The building itself is an architectural icon, and the views from the observation deck across the estuary are breathtaking. Allow at least two to three hours for a visit. Annual passes are excellent value if you plan to return.
2. Hull Minster
Formerly known as Holy Trinity Church, Hull Minster is one of the largest parish churches in England and a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The interior is stunning with its soaring columns and beautiful stained glass windows. Entry is free and the building is worth at least thirty minutes of anyone's time, even if churches aren't normally your thing. Look for the medieval bench carvings which include some surprisingly cheeky subjects.
3. The Humber Bridge
When it opened in 1981 the Humber Bridge was the longest single span suspension bridge in the world. That record has since been broken but the bridge remains one of the most beautiful and impressive structures in England. Walking across takes about twenty minutes each way and the views up and down the Humber are spectacular. The country park on the Hull side offers woodland walks, a chalk cliff viewpoint, and picnic areas. Completely free and absolutely not to be missed.
4. Hull Old Town
One of the best preserved medieval town centres in England. Cobbled streets, merchant houses dating back centuries, and the wonderfully named Land of Green Ginger, which may be the best street name in the entire country. Walking through the Old Town feels like stepping back in time while remaining surrounded by excellent pubs, independent shops, and cafes. Give yourself at least an hour to explore properly.
5. Wilberforce House
The birthplace of William Wilberforce, the man who led the campaign to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire. Now a free museum that tells the story of Wilberforce's life and the wider history of slavery and abolition. Powerful, important, and a reminder of Hull's significant place in British history. Allow about forty five minutes to an hour.
Free Museums and Galleries
6. Hull Maritime Museum
Free entry. The museum tells the story of Hull's centuries old connection to the sea, from the medieval wool trade through the golden age of whaling to the distant water trawling industry. The whale skeletons suspended from the ceiling are impressive and the fishing heritage exhibits are deeply moving. An essential visit for understanding what Hull is and where it came from.
7. Streetlife Museum
Free entry. A fantastic interactive museum that recreates Hull through the ages with vintage vehicles, horse drawn carriages, recreated Victorian streets, and hands on exhibits. This is arguably the best museum in Hull for families with children. Kids can climb on old trams, explore a 1940s street, and try on period costumes. Adults will enjoy it too. Allow one to two hours.
8. Ferens Art Gallery
Free entry. Home to an impressive and varied collection including European Old Masters, modern British art, and marine paintings. The gallery was central to Hull's City of Culture year and continues to host excellent temporary exhibitions. A calm and beautiful space in the heart of the city centre. Allow thirty minutes to an hour.
9. Arctic Corsair
One of the last surviving Hull sidewinder trawlers, now restored and open as a museum ship. The Arctic Corsair gives visitors a vivid and sometimes uncomfortable insight into the conditions endured by Hull's trawlermen in the freezing waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic. The cramped bunks, the tiny galley, and the fish room where men worked eighteen hour shifts bring the city's fishing heritage to life in a way no conventional museum can match. Essential visiting.
10. Hull and East Riding Museum
Free entry. The centrepiece is a life size reconstruction of an Iron Age village and a stunning Roman mosaic floor. The museum covers thousands of years of regional history and is particularly good for older children with an interest in archaeology and ancient history.
Waterfront and Outdoors
11. Hull Marina Walk
A beautiful waterfront stroll from The Deep along the marina, past Princes Quay, and out towards the Humber Street area. Lined with bars, restaurants, and converted warehouses, this is one of the best urban walks in Yorkshire. At sunset the light on the water is stunning. Free and accessible all year round.
12. East Park
Hull's largest park and a brilliant free day out, especially for families. Boating lake, animal corner with rabbits and goats, adventure playgrounds, a splash pad in summer, and acres of open green space. Pack a picnic and you can spend an entire afternoon here without spending a penny. One of the best free family attractions in the region.
13. Pearson Park
A beautiful Victorian park in the heart of the Avenues area. Smaller and quieter than East Park which is part of its appeal. The recently restored Victorian conservatory houses tropical plants and is free to enter. Lovely for a peaceful morning walk or an afternoon with a book on a bench.
14. Humber Bridge Country Park
Woodland walks, nature trails, and stunning views of the Humber Bridge and estuary. The walk up to the chalk cliff viewpoint rewards you with one of the best panoramas in East Yorkshire. Completely free including the car park. Perfect for dog walking, family walks, or a morning run.
15. Spurn Point
About 45 minutes from Hull, this narrow sand and shingle spit stretches three miles into the Humber Estuary. The walk out to the lighthouse is spectacular and the wildlife is exceptional, including seals, migrating birds, and wildflowers. Check tide times before visiting as the access road floods at high tide. A genuinely unique landscape that feels like the edge of the world.
Food, Drink, and Markets
16. Trinity Market
A converted market hall in the city centre now housing a vibrant collection of street food vendors. Thai, Caribbean, Mexican, Italian, noodle bars, and more. You can eat brilliantly for under eight pounds and the communal tables create a great atmosphere. The best lunchtime destination in Hull and a must visit for foodies.
17. Humber Street and the Fruit Market
The creative heart of modern Hull. Former warehouses converted into galleries, studios, cafes, and restaurants. The quality of food and drink here is genuinely impressive and the setting in the old warehouse buildings is atmospheric. Humber Street Sesh, the annual free music festival, is one of the highlights of Hull's cultural year.
18. A Proper Hull Chippy
Hull is one of the great fish and chip cities of England thanks to its trawling heritage. Bob Carver's on Spring Bank is the legendary choice. Ask for chip spice, a Hull exclusive seasoning that the rest of the country has never heard of. See our full guide to the best fish and chips in Hull below.
19. Historic Pubs of Hull
Ye Olde White Harte in the Old Town is where the decision was made that helped start the English Civil War. The Minerva on the waterfront has the best pub view in the city. Polar Bear is a legendary live music venue. Hull's pub scene has genuine character and history. See our full restaurant and pub guide for more.
Events and Experiences
20. Hull Fair (October)
One of the largest travelling funfairs in Europe. An entire dual carriageway is shut down for a week to accommodate hundreds of rides, stalls, and food vendors. The smell of brandy snap, toffee apples, and frying onions is Hull's unofficial autumn perfume. A Hull institution that has been running for over 700 years.
21. Freedom Festival (September)
A free arts and culture festival celebrating Hull's connections to freedom and social justice. Street performances, music, art installations, and community events across the city centre. A highlight of Hull's cultural calendar.
22. Humber Street Sesh (Summer)
A free live music festival in the Fruit Market area featuring local, national, and international acts. Multiple stages, street food, and a fantastic atmosphere. One of the best free music events in the north of England.
23. Watch Hull City AFC
The MKM Stadium holds about 25,400 and matchdays are a proper experience. Tickets are affordable compared to most English clubs, the ground is modern and well located, and the walk from the city centre down Anlaby Road is part of the experience. Even if you're not a football fan the atmosphere of a live match is worth experiencing at least once.
Day Trips from Hull
24. Beverley
A stunning market town about fifteen minutes north of Hull. The Beverley Minster is one of the finest Gothic churches in Europe. The Saturday market is excellent. The town has a brilliant selection of independent shops, pubs, and restaurants. One of the best day trips in Yorkshire.
25. The Yorkshire Wolds
The rolling chalk hills of the Wolds begin just twenty minutes west of Hull and offer some of the best walking in Yorkshire without the crowds of the Dales or the Lake District. The Wolds Way National Trail starts at Hessle on the outskirts of Hull. Quiet villages, country pubs, and huge open skies. A genuine hidden gem of English countryside.
Planning Your Visit
Most of Hull's best attractions are free. The Deep is the main paid attraction and is worth every penny. The city centre is compact and walkable with most sights within a twenty minute stroll of each other. Hull is served by direct trains from London (about two hours forty minutes), Leeds (one hour), and Manchester (two hours).
For more detailed guides on food, accommodation, and transport, explore our resource
section. And join the forum to ask locals for recommendations. We're a friendly bunch.
