Few UK cities endure as bad a rep as Hull. Once named the UK’s most undesirable place to live, the northern port city has long suffered a serious image crisis. Indeed, while more than a million people pass through each year, barely any take the time to explore the city itself.However, as the UK’s City of Culture for 2017, Hull is now more determined than ever to show the world what it’s got. Easy to walk around, the city boasts free museums, the UK’s biggest aquarium and a thriving cultural scene which means that you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained. So forget what you’ve heard. Hull is proving that it shouldn’t be underestimated. See why with our guide to 24 hours in port city.
What to do when you have a spare 24 hours or longer in Hull
Image credit: Andrew Walks
Morning
First things first - breakfast. While there are several great options to choose from, you can’t go wrong at Thieving Harry's on Humber Street. Overlooking the peaceful Hull Marina, the diner’s retro vibe and laid back atmosphere, combined with delicious food and excellent coffee, make it one of the coolest places to eat in the city, and the perfect spot to start your day.
Image credit: Sundlaug Coffee Co.
A short walk from Thieving Harry’s is Hull’s Old Town. Marvel at the stunning architecture and learn all about the city and its history at any one of Hull’s free museums. The Streetlife Museum of Transport is a great choice for the whole family with buses and vintage trams to climb aboard, while Hull & East Riding Museum of Archaeology offers a look into the past, with a life-size wooly mammoth among its many exhibits. For history enthusiasts, a visit to Wilberforce House, the birthplace of William Wilberforce (the British politician, abolitionist and social reformer), is an excellent way to gain a greater understanding of slavery with a wealth of fantastic information and interactive material on display.
While seeing a bridge may not sound enticing, Hull’s are truly remarkable. Although the Humber Bridge is definitely worth seeing, with limited time visit the Scale Lane swing bridge instead. As one of the only footbridges in the UK that allows people to stand on it as it moves, the state of the art bridge has become a destination in its own right. With the inclusion of seated areas there are plenty of places to relax and enjoy the river views. The addition of a peaceful birdsong soundscape, which preludes a rhythmic sequence of chiming ship bells as the bridge moves, only adds to the unique experience.
Midday
Image credit: Waagner Biro
Walk, or ride, across Scale Lane Bridge and you’ll stumble upon one of the city’s must see attractions. An aquarium, museum and environmental charity all in one, The Deep is one of the city’s most popular, and family-friendly, spots. Overlooking the Humber estuary, the £45m glass and aluminium building is essentially a vast underwater world. Marvel at the incredible collection of sea creatures, watch a penguin feed, and enjoy the interactive and audio-visual presentations throughout.
Image credit: Welcome to Yorkshire
Hungry? Seafood in this part of the country is excellent, so for lunch tuck into the nation’s favourite seaside meal - fish and chips. While Hull’s original street food can be found on almost every corner of the city, don’t settle for second best. Instead, make a beeline for Bob Carvers on Chapel Street, where local legend Bob serves up some of the tastiest fish and chips around. Just make sure you do as the locals do and sprinkle on chip spice, an irresistible concoction that has become one of the city’s greatest delicacies.
Other cheap and delicious options include Hull Pie, serving up award winning gourmet pies and sausage rolls, and Dope Burger. With a cult-like following, and a range of special menu items popping up, this fast-food joint is a must for burger lovers. Made with fresh ingredients and very generous in size, it is no surprise that Dope burgers are considered the best in town.
Image credit: Dope Burger
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon ambling around Queen Victoria Square, the heart of Hull City Centre. Here you will find Hull’s Maritime Museum and the free Ferens Art Gallery, home to a wonderful collection of paintings and sculptures, including works by European Old Masters as well as contemporary British art.
Image credit: Hull Maritime Museum
Need an afternoon pick me up? Nearby Coffee 31 serves some of the city’s best coffee, or, if you’re after something slightly stronger, grab a drink at Hull’s most famous and historic pub - Ye Old White Hart. Word has it that a parlour above the bar is where a plot was hatched to deny the King entry to the city - triggering the English Civil War! Alternatively, grab a pint in Chilli Devil’s, one of Old Town’s newest arrivals. While a lot of chili-infused dishes are available, it is the incredible array of over 40 different real ales, all of which are hand-pulled, that has garnered the bar rave reviews and a strong local following.
Evening
For your final meal, make a reservation at 1884 Dock Street Kitchen. Using local ingredients, the restaurant’s minimalist menu is offering some of the best and most inventive British food in the city. After you’ve eaten, take a stroll along nearby Humber Street, which has become one of the city’s trendiest destinations. With a recording studio, microbrewery and a smattering of bars, clubs, restaurants and pop-ups, it is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the city’s nightlife. If you fancy a drink, head to Humber Street Gallery and make your way upstairs to their new rooftop bar, which boats stunning panoramic views of the city.
Image credit: 1884 Dock Street Kitchen
As the sun sets, cap off the night and pop next door to Früit, one of Hull’s most vibrant cultural venues. Featuring a stellar line-up of live music, underground club nights, comedy events, theatre productions and even cult cinema Sundays, you will certainly end your day in Hull with a bang.