Kingston upon Hull Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and tips for traveling to Kingston upon Hull. Plan your perfect trip to this charming city in East Yorkshire with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Kingston upon Hull

Kingston upon Hull, or Hull as it is commonly known, is a port city located in East Yorkshire, England. Hull sits on the River Hull and is just a short distance from the North Sea. The city has a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene, making it a perfect destination for travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Kingston upon Hull

If you’re planning a trip to Kingston upon Hull, make sure to add the following places to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Hull has a fascinating history and is home to many museums and historical places that showcase the city’s past. Don’t miss these must-visit attractions:

  • The Hull Maritime Museum: Learn about Hull’s maritime heritage and explore displays on whaling and fishing.

  • The Hull and East Riding Museum: Discover ancient cultures and artifacts from the region, including mummies and pottery.

  • Hull Old Town: Stroll through the picturesque cobblestone streets of Hull’s Old Town and marvel at the beautiful architecture.

  • The Streetlife Museum of Transport: Step back in time and see how people traveled in the past with displays of historic vehicles.

Natural Attractions of Kingston upon Hull: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love Hull’s many natural attractions and outdoor adventures. Here are a few not to miss:

  • East Park: Situated in the heart of the city, this beautiful park is home to a boating lake, animal enclosure, and children’s playgrounds.

  • Humber Bridge: Take a stroll across the iconic Humber Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world.

  • Beverley Westwood: Enjoy a scenic walk through the rolling hills of this gorgeous commonland.

  • Spurn Heritage Coast: Located just outside of Hull, this stunning coastal area is a haven for birdwatching and hiking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kingston upon Hull

For those who love to explore on foot or bike, Hull offers some great routes to discover the city’s beauty. Check out these popular hiking and biking trails:

  • Trans Pennine Trail: This 215-mile trail runs from coast to coast, passing through Hull.

  • Beverley 20: A circular cycling route that starts and ends in Beverley, just a short distance from Hull.

  • **Preston Park}: A popular spot for locals, you can stroll through the park or enjoy a leisurely bike ride.

Best Things to Do in Kingston upon Hull: Activities and Tours

There’s no shortage of things to do in Kingston upon Hull. Whether you’re a history buff or an adventure seeker, you’ll find something that suits your interests. Check out these fun activities and tours:

  • Hull Ghost Walks: Explore the city’s haunted history on a spooky ghost tour.

  • Hull City Tours: See the city’s top attractions and landmarks on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

  • The Deep Aquarium: Get up close and personal with sea creatures at The Deep, one of the UK’s largest aquariums.

  • Hull Truck Theatre: Catch a show at one of the city’s top theaters, featuring performances of new and classic plays.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kingston upon Hull

If you have a full week to spend in Kingston upon Hull, you can explore many of the city’s top attractions and nearby sights. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Explore Hull’s Old Town

Begin your trip by exploring Hull’s charming and historic Old Town. Check out the Hull Maritime Museum and the Hull and East Riding Museum.

Day 2: Visit Beverley

Take a short trip outside of Hull to the charming town of Beverley. Visit the Beverley Minster and explore the Beverley Westwood.

Day 3: The Deep Aquarium and Hull Truck Theatre

Spend the day at The Deep Aquarium, followed by an evening show at the Hull Truck Theatre.

Day 4: Hiking at Spurn Heritage Coast

Explore the beautiful Spurn Heritage Coast, located just outside of Hull.

Day 5: City Tour and Streetlife Museum

Take a Hull City Tour and visit the Streetlife Museum of Transport to see historic vehicles from Hull’s past.

Day 6: Biking the Trans Pennine Trail

Take a scenic bike ride along the Trans Pennine Trail, which runs through Hull.

Day 7: Relax at East Park

Spend your final day in Hull relaxing at the beautiful East Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Kingston upon Hull

Hull has a thriving food and drink scene, with plenty of local dishes to try. Make sure to add these must-try dishes and beverages to your list:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Patty - a savory pastry filled with meat and vegetables.
  • Chip spice - a blend of spices often used on french fries.
  • Hull Pie - a savory pie filled with meat and gravy.

Local Beverages

  • Hull Brewery Ale - a popular local beer brewed in Hull.
  • Gin - Hull has a thriving gin scene, with several local distilleries producing unique flavors.

Where to Stay in Kingston upon Hull: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of accommodations to choose from in Kingston upon Hull, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are a few options to consider:

  • Hull City Centre Hotel: Located in the heart of the city, this hotel offers modern rooms and easy access to Hull’s top attractions.

  • The Old School House: A charming guesthouse located in Hull’s Old Town, with each room featuring unique decor.

  • Ibis Hull City Centre: A budget-friendly option located near Hull’s shopping district.

What to Buy in Kingston upon Hull: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Make sure to pick up a few souvenirs and local products to bring back home with you from Kingston upon Hull. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Hull Pottery: A unique and beautiful souvenir to add to your collection.

  • Humber Street Sesh Merchandise: Humber Street Sesh is Hull’s largest music and arts festival, and you can pick up festival merchandise as a souvenir.

  • Hull Brewery Ale: A perfect gift for any beer lover, Hull Brewery Ale is a favorite local brew.

Local Culture and Customs of Kingston upon Hull

Hull has a rich and unique culture, with many local customs and traditions. Here are a few to keep in mind:

  • Hull Fair: Hull’s largest annual fair, featuring thrilling rides and delicious food.

  • Humber Bridge Half Marathon: A popular annual running event that takes place on the iconic Humber Bridge.

  • City of Culture: In 2017, Hull was named the UK’s City of Culture, with a year-long celebration of the city’s arts and culture.

Best Time to Visit Kingston upon Hull

The best time to visit Kingston upon Hull is during the summer months, from June to September. The warm weather and sunny skies make it the perfect time to explore Hull’s outdoor attractions and enjoy the city’s festivals and events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kingston upon Hull

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Kingston upon Hull:

Do:

  • Try the local delicacies, including Hull Pie and Chip spice.
  • Attend a show at the Hull Truck Theatre.
  • Visit Hull’s top museums and historical sites.

Don’t:

  • Leave without trying a Hull Brewery Ale or gin.
  • Miss out on the opportunity to explore Hull’s beautiful natural attractions.
  • Forget to pick up a few souvenirs to bring back home.

Safety and Health

Kingston upon Hull is a safe city for travelers, but it’s always important to take precautions. Here are some safety and health tips for your visit:

Safety in Kingston upon Hull

  • Stay aware of your surroundings in the city center, especially at night.
  • Avoid dark and quiet areas after dark, especially if you’re alone.
  • Keep a close eye on your belongings to avoid theft.

Health in Kingston upon Hull

  • Make sure you have all necessary vaccines before traveling to the UK.
  • Wear sunscreen and keep hydrated during the summer months.
  • Be aware of the potential for tick-borne diseases when hiking around Hull’s natural areas.

Getting to Kingston upon Hull: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kingston upon Hull

The nearest airport to Kingston upon Hull is Humberside Airport, located about 20 miles from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Kingston upon Hull

Hull has a central bus station located in the city center, providing easy access to nearby cities and towns.

Other Options

Train travel is another popular option for getting to Kingston upon Hull. The city has a train station with connections to major cities throughout the UK.

How to Get Around in Kingston upon Hull

Hull is a compact city and most attractions and sights are within walking distance of each other. Cycling is also a popular mode of transportation, with many biking routes running through the city.

Where to Go Next from Kingston upon Hull: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of the region after visiting Kingston upon Hull, here are some suggestions for nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Beverley: Just a short distance from Hull, this charming market town is home to the Beverley Minster and the Beverley Westwood.

  • Humber Bridge: Walk or bike across the iconic Humber Bridge and take in stunning vistas of the Humber Estuary and surrounding countryside.

  • York: Visit the historic city of York, with its beautiful medieval architecture and rich history.

Conclusion

Kingston upon Hull is a charming and fascinating destination for travelers looking to explore England’s rich history and natural beauty. With its vibrant cultural scene, world-class attractions, and delicious food and drink, Hull is a city worth visiting and experiencing for yourself.

River Hull with the Arctic Corsair moored on the left River Hull with the Arctic Corsair moored on the left Hull railway station Hull railway station Bus concourse, Hull Paragon Interchange Bus concourse, Hull Paragon Interchange Disabled transport at TravelExtra, Community Junction, Hull Paragon Interchange Disabled transport at TravelExtra, Community Junction, Hull Paragon Interchange Posterngate from Prince's dock Posterngate from Prince's dock The Charterhouse, Old House The Charterhouse, Old House Queen's Gardens Queen's Gardens Trinity House Trinity House Merchants Warehouse, Trinity Square Merchants Warehouse, Trinity Square The old Spurn Lightship The old Spurn Lightship Houses designed by Gilbert Scott junior Houses designed by Gilbert Scott junior The excavated remains of the Beverley Gate where King Charles 1 was refused entry into Hull The excavated remains of the Beverley Gate where King Charles 1 was refused entry into Hull Entrance to Hull Trinity House School Entrance to Hull Trinity House School Blaydes House. No6 High Street Blaydes House. No6 High Street Plaque commemorating the first Ferro-concrete bridge in Britain Plaque commemorating the first Ferro-concrete bridge in Britain North Bridge House North Bridge House Fish Trail passing Ye Olde White Harte Fish Trail passing Ye Olde White Harte The Winding House of the Patent Slipway, Victoria Dock The Winding House of the Patent Slipway, Victoria Dock Hull Fair Hull Fair The Silver Street entrance to Hepworth's Arcade The Silver Street entrance to Hepworth's Arcade