Hull UK City of Culture in 2017
Hull: A City Reimagined by the Sea
dern creativity. Where centuries-old pubs sit beside new art galleries. And where locals will always greet you with a friendly word and a bit of dry humour.
A Waterfront City with New Life
Hull’s rivers and docks were once the engines of empire and trade. Today, they form the backdrop to a modern, walkable city centre full of life and local flavour.
The Marina is now lined with cafés, wine bars, and boats that double as homes and studios. It’s a calm, scenic place to wander, especially at sunrise or as the light fades over the Humber.
Nearby, Humber Street—once a working dockside for fruit merchants—is now home to creative businesses, music venues, galleries, and restaurants. What was once purely industrial has become deeply inviting.
History That Speaks
Hull wears its history proudly. Its Old Town is full of character, with narrow cobbled streets, beautiful brickwork, and some of the best-preserved pubs in Yorkshire.
Visit Wilberforce House, where the story of slavery abolitionist William Wilberforce is told in depth. Step into Hull Minster, a cathedral that has stood in the centre of the city since the 1300s. Walk past the city’s medieval walls, the old Guildhall, and the famous “Land of Green Ginger” street name, which still raises eyebrows and questions.
Art, Theatre and Quiet Confidence
Since being crowned UK City of Culture in 2017, Hull has kept that creative momentum going. Today, it feels like a city that knows the value of the arts—not just for tourists, but for locals too.
You’ll find:
- Ferens Art Gallery with a strong permanent collection and space for new work
- Hull Truck Theatre, telling northern stories with honesty and humour
- Humber Street Gallery, an edgy space for new ideas and performance
- Freedom Festival, a much-loved celebration of music, theatre and public performance held each summer
The city doesn’t shout about these things. It simply makes space for them to grow and thrive.
The Deep and Beyond
For families or first-time visitors, The Deep is a highlight. A futuristic aquarium perched above the Humber, it offers an immersive experience of the ocean’s wonders—from sharks to stingrays, and penguins to jellyfish.
But Hull is more than just its flagship attraction. Spend time in its leafy Avenues area, discover independent bookshops and record stores, or enjoy a quiet hour in one of its many peaceful parks and green spaces.
Food, Drink and Local Colour
Hull has always done things its own way, and food is no exception. If you’re after a proper northern chip shop experience, order a pattie—a deep-fried ball of mashed potato and sage, unique to the area.
For something more refined, the Marina and Humber Street offer plenty of options, from sourdough brunches to fine dining and craft beers. Independent cafés, such as those tucked away in Paragon Arcade, are favourites for locals and newcomers alike.
Hull Today
Hull doesn’t pretend. It isn’t polished or pretentious. But it has depth, character, and something rare—a strong sense of itself. It’s a city that has weathered storms, quite literally, and still looks outward, toward the river and the world beyond.
Spend a few days here and you’ll begin to understand why so many who leave end up coming back. There’s a quiet magnetism to Hull. It doesn’t shout—but it stays with you.
