Hull City

Hull, Yorkshire's vibrant, bustling Port. Great places to see and full of History.

Once known for its fishing fleet the city of Hull has in recent
years undergone a revitalization that has made it among the UK's
most vibrant cities. First chartered more than 700 years ago by
Edward I, Hull combines the best features of a bustling port
with the amenities of a cosmopolitan city. In the forefront of
British defence during World War II, Hull suffered widespread
damage and has since undergone extensive rebuilding. A visitor
choosing to holiday here will find museums, nightlife, sport
and venues to rival any town.

Travellers new to the area may be surprised by the size and
variety of the museums and historical sites Hull has to offer.
Many are world class and boast renowned exhibits and respected
educational facilities.

The Deep. In little more than four years of existence this
superb aquarium has seen in excess of two million visitors.
Thousands of schools have logged visits as well. Thirty
exhibits examine life in the water from streams to the ocean
depths. Hundreds of varieties of sea creatures including
fourteen species of shark are on display via the deepest marine
viewing bay in Europe. With its metal and glass clad point
jutting into the harbour, The Deep is unlikely to be overlooked
and impossible to forget. Admission is reasonable with family
tickets available.

Ferens Art Gallery. Considered one of the best galleries in the
provinces, Ferens houses a large collection of Old Masters in
addition to a well regarded overview of contemporary British
Art. Families will be interested in its children's gallery. The
best of the art world's travelling exhibits make it here as
well.

Hands on History Museum. A delight for the family and history
buffs of all ages, this museum is a fine introduction to
Victorian times with a specific emphasis on the homes and lives
of the people of Hull.

Streetlife Museum. One of the four museums which make up the
Museum Quarter on High Street. Travel through two centuries of
Hull transportation in this museum whose mission is to document
the evolution of Hull transport. Realistic climb about exhibits
will both entertain and educate. Wilberforce House, birthplace
and home to Hull son, slavery opponent and member of Parliament
William Wilberforce, sits adjacent to the Streetlife Museum.
Currently undergoing a massive renovation, it will re-open in
2007.

Arctic Corsair. Christened in 1960 and retired in 1987, the
Arctic Corsair is the last of a proud tradition of fishing
vessels that for centuries were the lifeblood of Hull's
economy. Known as a side winder, this proud ship was opened for
visitation in 1999 and has logged thousands of eager boarders.
Kept as she was when a working fishing trawler, the Artic
Corsair is not suitable for disabled visitors or small
children. Contact in advance for a guided tour.

After a day of museum exploration a little shopping, easy going
sight seeing and just plain relaxation may be in order.

The Princess Quay. Located in Hull's harbour, this unusual
shopping centre has a multitude of shops and entertainment
spanning three decks. Dining is also available on the quay
proper as well as in dockside restaurants.

One World Trading. Shopping with a conscience is the idea
behind this fair trade market. Its wide eclectic range of
imported goods based on the concept of fair trade offers many
one-of-a-kind items.
The Humber Bridge. At one time the longest single span
suspension bridge in the world, The Humber Bridge toll way is
travelled by more than 100,000 cars a week.

Hull New Theatre. Home to plays, musicals, ballet and
spectacular Christmas entertainment, the Hull New Theatre has
served the area since 1939.

East Park, West Park, Queens Garden. Hull boasts a wide array
of public gardens throughout the city which offer personal
recreation, picnic areas, floral exhibits, animal parks and
water sports.

Hull offers a fine mix of traditional and modern pubs and
restaurants for both the family oriented and the young, single
traveller or couple.

Ye Olde White Hart. This historic pub dating from the sixteenth
century sits hidden in an alley at the juncture of Bowlalley
Lane and Silver Street. Legendary amongst locals the White Hart
has undergone a recent rejuvenation with an eye to preserving
its roots. A popular addition is the area billed as the city's
first all weather beer garden.

The Minerva Hotel. On the pier overlooking the Humber this
traditional British pub and hotel offers Tetley cask, other
name brand ales and a rotating menu of discriminating brew.
Cribbage, dominoes, and big screen sports television make this
a pleasant place to while away a few hours. The well served
traditional British food, view of the river and family friendly
atmosphere are additional reasons to put The Minerva on a
visitor's agenda.

Venn on Scale Lane. The upscale diner will enjoy this well
reviewed fish restaurant which is a Michelin Guide favourite.
Reservations recommended.

Old Custom House. Delectable food for a wide variety of palates
along with a large and very serviceable wine list are served at
this family establishment.

Jaz Café Bar. Visit this café in the evening for distinctive
food and drink coupled with a revolving schedule of live music
from jazz to salsa.

Hull Hotels & accommodation

Pub side hotels, self cater establishments, fine lodgings and
estate accommodations are abundant in the area. As is
increasingly true throughout the island it is best not to
arrive without reservations. Students, business people and
world travellers gobble up available rooming spaces well in
advance.

The Dorchester
Quality Hotel Royal Hull
Campanile Hotel - Hull
Ramada Hull
Portland Hotel
Best Western Willerby Manor Hotel
Kingston Theatre Hotel

Sport fans and music enthusiasts will not be disappointed in
Hull. Hull Arena is the home ice of the Hull's ice hockey team
the Stingrays and also plays host to a variety of world name
music acts. The 25,000 seat Kingston Communications Centre
houses both the League 1 Champion Hull City Football Club and
the rugby league club Hull FC as well as numerous other
sporting and entertainment events. A second excellent rugby
league team, Hull Kingston Rovers, calls Craven Park Home.

True to its history of energy and resilience, Hull has
rebounded from the difficult demise of its fishing industry to
become a lively port and a thriving centre of commerce and
tourism. Take an unusual break from the everyday holiday, visit
Hull.

The author, Maria Williams, writes for Sleep UK - providers of hotels in Hull