Up and coming city

Whether you're after exciting history, eclectic shopping or entertaining nightlife, Hull has everything you're looking for. This up and coming waterfront city has reinvented itself into a destination that combines its rich heritage with a new and vibrant social scene. And it's waiting to be rediscovered.

Round the clock attractions

The heart of Hull and the historic Old Town are buzzing with activity from dawn 'til dusk. By day you can soak up the sights and explore its maritime heritage on the innovative fish trail - ducking and diving past free museums, family attractions and bustling boutiques. And by night you can catch the city's second wave as it comes alive with the laughter and excitement of diners and theatregoers, all dressed up for some after-hours fun. 

Making an entrance

There's no better entrance to Hull than the impressive Humber Bridge. A major tourist attraction in its own right, crossing this magnificent suspension bridge is an experience not to be missed. But your impressive welcome doesn't stop there. Hullensians are a friendly bunch and never miss an opportunity to make you feel at home, whether you're staying at a country house hotel, local B&B or just here for the day.

Hull Old Town

As the city's tour guide, Paul Schofield, often states when taking groups around "don't forget to look up, there's so much to see" and this can be no truer than when exploring the cobbled streets of Hull's Old Town, dominated by the beautiful architecture of the buildings along them. The old High Street is home to the Museums Quarter offering a variety of fascinating museums which form part of Hull's collection of eight free museums including The Streetlife Museum of Transport.

Hull's most celebrated son

With its riverside location, what better place to kick off your time in Hull than at Wilberforce House. This was the birthplace of the city's most famous son, Hull MP and slavery abolitionist, William Wilberforce. He was a leading light in the anti-slavery movement and the museum gives you fascinating insight into his life and times. We're sure he would have approved of today's annual Freedom Festival that celebrates freedom in all its forms.

Trams and tricycles

The Museums Quarter is also home to the rather intriguingly named Streetlife Museum. Get ready to experience the Old Town for real as you step back in time with 200 years of transport history. Walk down a 1940s high street, board a tram and trot along for a carriage ride - here the sights, sounds and smells of the past feel so real, you'll be wondering where you left your tricycle when this great day out is done.

Culture vultures

If you're looking for an evening of culture then Hull Truck Theatre is just the ticket. This nationally acclaimed Ferensway theatre company plays host to both classic and contemporary drama, as well as giving you the chance to exercise those chuckle muscles with some top class comedians. And if you want to linger a little longer, you can wax lyrical about the show in the mouth-wateringly good restaurant and bar.

The perfect place setting

There are lots of opportunities to eat, drink and be merry in Hull city centre and beyond. With its serving of riverside, Old Town and modern development locations, there's always the perfect setting to suit your mood. If you're after cosmopolitan cafés, the centre of Hull is alive with trendy coffee and cocktail bars, whilst the ever-popular Avenues is the place to go for award-winning independents.

Original Old Town ales

There's nothing quite like the atmosphere of supping a pint of traditional ale in the Old Town environment. Ye Olde Black Boy is allegedly the oldest pub in Hull and certainly has a cosy atmosphere - as well as a spooky one with its ghostly legend. And on a warm summer's evening imagine discovering the Sailmakers Arms with its charming courtyard, tucked away down a cobbled street. And there are plenty more hidden treasures like these.

Food with a view

The beauty of eating out in Hull is that it's always accompanied by a fantastic view. Fresh fish and chips beside the river is always on the menu, or maybe you'd prefer a tasty pizza by the marina. But for something extra special, head out to Artisan restaurant in Hessle. This is one of the highest guide-rated restaurants in Yorkshire and has the most impressive views of the Humber Bridge (stunningly lit up at night).

Into The Deep

Maritime city - check. Kids - check. Strange sea monsters - check. The Deep is always a winner of a family day out and its award-winning submarium is home to over 3,500 fish. So dive in and explore Europe's deepest viewing tunnel and take a glass lift ride through the 10m deep tank. But only real adventurers will be brave enough to enter the Twilight Zone where animals that ooze, slime and stick dwell!

A gallery within a gallery

Budding little artists will have a whale of a time at Ferens Art Gallery. It's free to enter (so more pennies for ice cream!) and features a magnificent collection of paintings and sculptures. But it's the upstairs Children's Gallery that always proves itself to be a real masterpiece - this 'gallery within a gallery' makes art and history accessible to younger visitors and could bring out a real creative spark too.

The people's park

If you set your compass and travel one mile northwest of the centre, you'll reach the fabulous Pearson Park. Featuring a small serpentine lake, a broad carriage drive and a Victorian-style conservatory, adults and children alike will fall in love with its timeless charms. Why not make a full day of it and pack a picnic, plus there's plenty of room to run around after a football or frisbee if your tribe is feeling extra lively.

Something fishy this way comes

Located on the banks of the rivers Hull and Humber, the spirit of Hull's maritime heritage is everywhere. If you're sporting a pair of sea legs, why not let the crew of the Arctic Corsair take you for a tour. This is Hull's last sidewinder trawler and is a real veteran of the Cod Wars. Or for more fishy delights, Hull Maritime Museum in Queen Victoria Square invites you to discover its stunning collection that includes ship models and a full-sized whale skeleton.

History of our time

Hull's superb Museums Quarter is home to the unmissable Hull and East Riding Museum. Open the doors and enter a world where 235 million years of history are brought to life in spectacular fashion. Amongst one of the most impressive displays of natural history and archaeology in Britain, you'll find a unique Iron Age sword, Bronze Age warriors and majestic mammoths.

House of delights

While you're in the area, why not pop in to the home of the Constable family. Burton Constable is a beautiful Elizabethan country house that's literally packed to the rafters with splendid furniture, paintings and sculptures that tell the story of its 700 year history. Look out for the library of 5,000 books and the 18th Century 'cabinet of curiosities' - until you see it for yourself you can only imagine the strange specimens it holds.

An eclectic mix

Shopping in Hull is an eclectic experience in every sense. On one hand it's a delightful mix of student bargains, High Street favourites and independent boutiques down Saville Street and George Street. On the other, it's a hub of delicious food emporiums and entertainment, drawing you in with tasty treats and movie magic. It'll keep you busy!

Shopping centre heaven

When it comes to shopping centres, you're spoilt for choice in Hull. Take your pick from the Prospect Centre, Princes Quay and St Stephens or why not split your time between them all. You'll find all your favourite High Street names so get ready to pack your bags full of bargains on a day of unadulterated retail therapy.

Refresh yourself

As any seasoned shopper knows, it's not all about clothes, shoes and electricals. And that's where Hull has got it so right. With coffee shops, cafés and restaurants galore, you're never far away from a quick espresso stop or a lunchtime pit-stop to take the weight off your feet (and arms!). In fact, because its shopping centres come complete with multi-screen cinemas too, you can shop, snack and see a film all in one day.