Close Attractions
The Deep
The Deep is one of the UK’s most spectacular aquariums and a standout attraction in Hull. Housed in an iconic angular building at the confluence of the River Hull and the Humber Estuary, The Deep offers an immersive journey through ocean life and conservation. Home to over 5,000 marine animals, it features everything from sharks and rays to turtles, jellyfish, and tropical fish.
Visitors begin their journey with prehistoric seas and then move through dramatic ocean environments including coral reefs, mangroves, and the chilly depths of the deep ocean. The aquarium’s impressive tanks and glass tunnels let you come face-to-face with creatures from around the globe. Highlights include the stunning Endless Oceans tank and the glass lift that passes right through a giant tank filled with sharks.
Beyond the marine life, The Deep also offers educational displays about climate change, plastic pollution, and marine conservation. Interactive screens and hands-on exhibits make it especially engaging for children and schools. There’s also a soft play area and cafés offering refreshments with views over the estuary.
As a conservation charity, The Deep plays an active role in research and protecting marine ecosystems worldwide. It’s not only a fun day out, but an informative and thought-provoking one too. With its dramatic architecture and focus on sustainability, The Deep is a modern symbol of Hull’s waterfront regeneration and an essential visit for all ages.
Streetlife Museum of Transport
Located in Hull’s Museums Quarter, the Streetlife Museum of Transport offers a captivating trip back in time. This free-entry attraction is filled with interactive exhibits and full-size vehicles that span 200 years of transport history. From horse-drawn carriages to early trams, bicycles, and classic cars, the museum lets you explore how people used to move around in the past.
One of the most charming aspects of the museum is the recreated 1940s high street, complete with cobbled roads, period shopfronts, and vintage signage. Visitors can step inside some of the shops or board a tram or bus to experience what travel felt like in days gone by. There's even a stagecoach you can climb into, giving you a sense of travel from a bygone era.
Sound effects and atmospheric lighting bring the exhibits to life, making it an especially good choice for families. Children enjoy the hands-on displays and the chance to get close to real vehicles, while older visitors will appreciate the historical details and nostalgic charm.
The museum also provides fascinating insight into Hull’s transport history and its important role in connecting Britain by land and sea. Temporary exhibitions, educational displays, and a small gift shop round out the experience.
Whether you’re a fan of vintage cars, social history, or simply want a relaxed and enjoyable visit in the city centre, the Streetlife Museum is a great way to spend a few hours. Best of all, it’s part of the Hull Museums complex and easy to combine with other nearby sites.
Hull Maritime Museum
Currently undergoing major redevelopment, the Hull Maritime Museum is a key part of the city’s identity. Housed in a grand Victorian building in Queen Victoria Square, the museum celebrates Hull’s rich maritime heritage, from fishing and whaling to Arctic exploration and trade.
The museum’s exhibits include stunning ship models, whalebone artefacts, and maritime paintings. A highlight is the extensive whaling collection, which includes scrimshaw carvings and tools used by Hull’s 19th-century whalers. There's also fascinating insight into life aboard merchant and naval vessels, with logbooks, uniforms, and personal effects that tell the stories of those who worked at sea.
The building itself is a masterpiece, with a domed roof and intricate stonework that reflect Hull’s past prosperity. Inside, sweeping staircases and stained-glass windows add to the atmosphere. When reopened, the redeveloped museum will include new galleries, improved accessibility, and more interactive displays.
The museum is part of the wider Hull: Yorkshire’s Maritime City project, which aims to restore and promote the city’s seafaring history. The project also includes other nearby maritime attractions such as the Arctic Corsair (a historic trawler) and Spurn Lightship, which visitors can explore when open.
Once fully reopened, the Hull Maritime Museum will offer a rich and immersive experience for anyone interested in seafaring, adventure, and the evolution of trade and industry. It’s a cornerstone of Hull’s cultural scene and an important reminder of the city’s deep connection with the sea.
Hull Minster
Hull Minster, formerly Holy Trinity Church, is a magnificent medieval building in the heart of Hull’s Old Town and one of the oldest surviving churches in the city. Dating back to the 1300s, the Minster combines architectural grandeur with a vibrant community presence. Its gothic design, impressive stained glass, and soaring arches make it a must-visit for lovers of history and heritage.
The interior is spacious and light, featuring intricately carved wooden pews, memorials, and a stunning altar area. The stained-glass windows depict religious scenes and local history, adding colour and meaning to the space. Visitors can learn about the building’s history through interpretation panels and occasionally guided tours.
Recent refurbishments have transformed the Minster into a modern community hub, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and events throughout the year. There’s a friendly café inside, serving drinks and snacks, making it an inviting space for all, whether attending a service or just passing by.
Outside, Trinity Square has been redesigned to complement the Minster and is often a lively spot with market stalls or live performances. The setting within Hull’s Old Town, with its narrow cobbled streets and historical buildings, adds to the Minster’s appeal.
Whether you’re interested in architecture, spirituality, or simply want to take a moment of calm during your visit to Hull, the Minster offers a peaceful and inspiring experience. It’s also a symbol of resilience, having survived wars, reformations, and the changing tides of city life for nearly 700 years.
Humber Bridge and Country Park
The Humber Bridge is one of Hull’s most iconic landmarks. Spanning the Humber Estuary, it was the longest single-span suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1981. Today, it remains an awe-inspiring sight and a key symbol of engineering excellence. Visitors can walk or cycle across the bridge, taking in sweeping views of the estuary, Hull, and the surrounding countryside.
Nearby is the Humber Bridge Country Park, a peaceful green space known locally as “Little Switzerland” due to its cliffs and woodlands. The park is ideal for walking, with trails winding through wildflower meadows, chalk paths, and quiet picnic areas. There’s also a nature reserve, home to birds, butterflies, and small mammals.
Interpretive signs along the paths explain the park’s geological history and its former use as a chalk quarry. The combination of industrial heritage, natural beauty, and modern engineering creates a uniquely Hull experience.
There’s a visitor car park, toilets, and a café nearby, making it convenient for families. Children enjoy exploring the woods and spotting wildlife, while photographers love capturing the bridge from different angles, especially at sunset.
Whether you fancy a peaceful stroll, a scenic bike ride, or simply want to admire one of Britain’s great engineering achievements, the Humber Bridge and Country Park is a great choice. It’s close enough to the city to be easily accessible, yet far enough to feel like an escape into nature.
Ferens Art Gallery
Situated in Hull city centre, Ferens Art Gallery is one of the finest regional galleries in the UK. It houses a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative art ranging from the medieval period to the present day. The gallery underwent a major refurbishment ahead of Hull’s City of Culture celebrations in 2017, and the result is a bright, modern space with high-quality exhibitions.
Highlights include works by European Old Masters, Victorian classics, and 20th-century British artists. There are also contemporary pieces, temporary exhibitions, and an excellent collection of maritime art that ties into Hull’s seafaring past. Notable names like Canaletto, Frans Hals, and David Hockney are represented, along with changing exhibits from both established and emerging artists.
The gallery is family-friendly, with interactive displays and creative workshops for children during school holidays. The ground floor café offers refreshments with a view of Queen Victoria Square, while the gift shop sells local crafts, art books, and prints.
Ferens is free to enter and very accessible, with ramps, lifts, and a calm, welcoming atmosphere. It also frequently hosts events, artist talks, and film screenings, making it a dynamic part of Hull’s cultural life.
For art lovers, casual visitors, and those simply looking to enjoy a peaceful hour in a beautiful setting, Ferens Art Gallery is not to be missed. It’s a cultural highlight and a proud part of Hull’s creative identity.