Insider Tips Hull
While there is plenty to done in Hull, we've curated our own Top 3's for what we feel is the best Hull has to offer.
Sights | Dining | Cafes | Shopping | Events | Experiences
Photography: Olivia Brabbs
Sights:
The Deep
Be sure to not miss The Deep! This public aquarium, located at Sammy’s point, contains thousands of sea creatures, and is an important institution for marine research. With all that it has to offer, it’s best to set aside a few hours for a visit here!
Museum Quarter
Hull’s unique Museums Quarter – consisting of the Wilberforce House, the Hull and East Riding Museum, Streetlife and the Arctic Corsair trawler is a great starting point.
https://www.visithull.org/venue/museums-quarter/
Humber Street Gallery
Originally opened during Hull’s year as UK City of Culture in 2017, Humber Street Gallery is the epicenter of Hull’s visual arts scene. With a schedule of exhibits that rotates year-round and also includes events, performances and activities, this is a must-see no matter when you find yourself in Hull.
Dining out in Hull:
Humber Fish Co.
Feast on the best seafood Hull has to offer while staying connected to the City’s nautical roots at Humber Fish Co. With locally sourced ingredients, you’ll have no shortage of offerings to choose from. Perhaps start with an order of the oysters, which must be followed up with either the lobster or the divine sriracha monkfish. This is surely a seafood lover’s dream!
Tapasya
Fine dining enthusiasts will not want to miss a chance to experience the wonderful flavors of Tapasya. Earning a spot on the Michelin Guide for 2020, this is surely one of the finest restaurants in all of Hull. Taking a modern and locally-sourced approach to Northern and Southern Indian Cuisine, Tapasya is surely a unique dining experience!
http://tapasyarestaurants.co.uk/marina/
Thieving Harry’s
Embodying the quintessential Humber Street vibe, Thieving Harry’s is part café, part cultural institution. Stop in for a coffee, or perhaps a burger and a beer while you take a moment to appreciate the views across the marina. This quirky yet quaint establishment, with its friendly atmosphere and mouth-watering offerings will undoubtedly have you returning before your visit is over!
Great Cafes:
Caffeinated (Trinity Market)
Established in 2015, and building a tight-knight community ever since, Caffeinated is surely one stop to not miss while in Trinity Market. Known for its incredible coffee, sourced locally of course, and delicious baked goods, you won’t believe the quality of the service you’ll receive from this humble little coffee stall!
https://www.trinitymarkethull.co.uk/food/caffeinated
Two Gingers
If you find yourself in Paragon Arcade, it’s highly recommended that you stop by Two Gingers. A staple of the small-business community within the Arcade, Two Gingers offers a cozy, yet relaxed setting for customers to enjoy a good cuppa. Undergoing a recent refurbishment, Two Gingers also offers beer, natural wines and baked goods that are all freshly made in-house.
https://www.twogingerscoffee.co.uk/
Nibble @ The Dock
With the decadent cakes, bakes and brunch it offers, along with the incredible and locally-sourced coffee It brews up, you’ll find yourself undoubtedly being part of the growing crowd of customers that can’t get enough of Nibble. It’s widely touted as one of the most comforting and cozy spots in Hull to grab a bite, a drink and relax.
Shopping:
Princes Quay
Hull’s premier shopping centre, Princes Quay was built upon stilts, overlooking Princes Dock. This enormous multi-purpose centre features shops, are galleries, a cinema, a bowling alley and a number of eateries. The central atrium is also host to a number of entertainment and community events throughout the year.
Paragon Arcade
Located in the heart of Hull’s City Centre, Paragon Arcade features an array of independent shops and eateries, providing you with a great entry into the local DIY business scene. Set against a Victorian arcade built in 1896, the property has been carefully maintained to retain its historic charm.
St. Stephens
Another one of Hull’s major shopping centres, St. Stephens offers an array of the most in-demand brands and outlets. It’s no wonder that millions of shoppers visit this centre every year! Centrally connected to local transport options, St. Stephens offers a convenient commercial escape, while also offering other amenities to locals, such as a fitness club and cinema. St. Stephens was a central part of Hull’s resurgence, especially from the commercial aspect.
Events:
Zebedee’s Yard
While appearing to be an unassuming car park by day, Zebedee’s Yard undergoes a tremendous transformation by night, serving as one of Hull Centre’s most iconic venues. Lights and sounds work together in unison, with the surrounding Victorian buildings serving as the perfect accompanying backdrop. You’ll want to make sure to not miss an event here during your stay in Hull!
https://www.visithull.org/venue/zebedees-yard/
Freedom Festival
Known as, quite possibly, the apex of the art and culture scene in Hull, the Freedom Festival is an annual performance arts festival held in and around Hull’s City Centre. The festival commemorates William Wilberforce, known as one of the central figures in the abolition of the British slave trade. The festival was established in 2007 to mark the 200th anniversary of Wilberforce's law, the Slave Trade Act 1807, and consistently attracts a large crown due to its eclectic curation.
https://www.freedomfestival.co.uk/
Hull New Theatre
Opening in 1939 as a successor to the Hull Repertory Theatre Company, the Hull New Theatre experienced a major refurbishment in preparation of Hull’s appointment as the UK City of Culture in 2017. The Hull New Theatre features musicals, opera, ballet, drama, children's shows and one-night performances, with a highlight of the year being the annual Christmas pantomime.
Must-See Experiences:
Distill your own Gin!
One of the most unique experiences you’ll surely ever have is learning the ins and outs of gin distilling. Learn every aspect of gin making from an experienced distiller, and craft your ideal gin. The end product will be a bottle of gin that is born from your hands and heart. Afterwards, sample some of Hotham’s gins, which are hand-crafted right within the distillery.
Hull Street Food Nights
One of the favorite event of Hull locals, this event takes place in Trinity Square and Trinity Market, traditionally taking place on the first Thursday of the month during summer. Enjoy local and regional cuisine and beverages, mingle with locals, all while enjoying live music and entertainment. If you’re here while this event is ongoing, you’ll surely want to experience it!
https://www.facebook.com/hullstreetfoodnights
Bankside Gallery
Once known for being Hull’s industrial centre, the site of the Bankside Gallery now serves as the flagship location of Hull’s growing street art scene. Made famous by notorious street artist Banksy, talented street artists have now called this home, gracing the once bleak industrial surfaces with their vibrant and eye-catching works. For a more off-the-beaten-path look at Hull’s art scene, you won’t want to miss a chance to see the murals here
Photography: Olivia Brabbs