A Perfect Day Out in Hull: Museums Culture & Waterfront Wonders

Hull, East Yorkshire’s vibrant cultural hub, has long been a well-kept secret for those looking to explore history, art, and the beauty of the waterfront. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or someone who simply enjoys a good day out somewhere different, Hull has something to offer. From its fascinating museums to it’s breath taking views over the Humber Bridge, Hull makes for a memorable and diverse day trip. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.

Start Your Day at Hull Minster and the surrounding area

Kick off your Hull adventure with a visit to Hull Minster. Towering in the heart of the city, this stunning church boasts impressive Gothic architecture and fascinating history. As one of the largest parish churches in England, it’s full of surprises, with intricate stained-glass windows and stunning stonework.

Take your time to admire the peaceful interior, which is often filled with gentle light streaming through the windows. The Minster is also home to a vibrant community of artists, musicians, and local events, so you may even get to enjoy a pop-up exhibition or a peaceful service. It’s the perfect way to start your day in Hull, with a spot of serenity before the adventure begins.

Follow this with a wander through the adjacent Trinity Indoor Market with food stalls and follow this through to Hepworth's Arcade. This is where Mr Marks and Mr Spencer opened one of their first penny bazaars. More than a century later, the Grade II Listed Arcade is better known for local landmarks such as Dinsdale’s joke shop passed down through the family for the last 90 years and in 2024 provided inspiration to Selfridges for their pop up joke store!

Opposite the Minster is Hearth Restaurant and Bakery which has been featured in The Good Food Guide, The Top 100 Local Restaurants and the Michelin Guide.

Image of the main stained glass window in Hull Minster and the decorative ceiling

Immerse Yourself in History at Hull’s Museums

Next, make your way to Hull’s rich collection of museums, each offering a unique look at the city’s fascinating past. You can easily spend hours wandering through these cultural gems. For history enthusiasts, the Streetlife Museum is an absolute must-see. This museum transports you back in time with exhibits dedicated to transport history, from vintage cars and bikes to old-fashioned street scenes. This is also a popular one to visit with children.

If you’re more into maritime history, the Hull and East Riding Museum is home to everything from prehistoric fossils to Roman relics, and even exhibits on Hull’s fishing heritage. And don’t miss the Wilberforce House, the birthplace of the famous anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce, which gives a poignant insight into his fight for justice.

Explore Art at the Ferens Art Gallery

For art lovers, no trip to Hull would be complete without a visit to the Ferens Art Gallery. Located in the city centre, this gallery showcases a wide range of art, from classic European pieces to contemporary works by both local and international artists. It’s free to enter and offers a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.

The gallery regularly hosts rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re admiring the classical works of the 19th century or exploring modern installations, Ferens is an absolute treat for the eyes. If you’re a fan of art, this is the place to soak up some culture and enjoy a moment of creativity. There is also a popular cafe within the gallery.

Image of the exterior of the Ferens Art Gallery

Dive Into the Deep

Next, head to one of Hull’s most iconic attractions – The Deep, one of the UK’s largest aquariums. This state-of-the-art facility is not just a chance to see marine life up close, but also to learn about ocean conservation and the wonders of the deep sea. Home to thousands of fish, including sharks, turtles, and stingrays, The Deep is a thrilling experience for both children and adults alike.

Don’t miss the opportunity to take a journey through its incredible glass tunnel, where you can walk under the water and feel surrounded by marine life. It’s a real showstopper and definitely worth the visit, especially if you’re with family.

Take a Stroll Along Hull’s Historic Marina

After all that underwater excitement, it’s time to enjoy Hull’s beautiful waterfront. The Hull Marina is the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon stroll. Lined with bars, restaurants, and cafés, it’s the perfect place to sit by the water, enjoy some food, and watch the boats come and go.

You can also learn about Hull’s seafaring heritage as you wander around the marina area. 

Minerva Hotel on the waterfront is one of Hull's iconic pubs at almost 200 years old, steeped in maritime history. It also features the smallest pub room in Britain! You can call in for a pub meal or just a drink. 

The area is also home to the former Hull Fruit Market - From as early as the 16th century there had been a market near the water in Hull but as the 19th century began Hull’s fruit trade really took off. The fruit trade continued in the area until as late as 2009 before moving elsewhere. The characterful buildings can still be seen today and many still bear the names of their former occupiers. They are however now home to restaurants and artisan shops.


Enjoy refreshments on Humber Street with the old Fruit Market buildings in the background 

Take in the Views at the Humber Bridge

No visit to Hull is complete without admiring the world-famous Humber Bridge. Standing tall and proud across the Humber Estuary, this engineering marvel offers some of the most stunning views in the area. Whether you’re driving across, walking across or simply stopping at one of the viewing points, the Humber Bridge provides breathtaking photo opportunities, especially at sunset.

For those who enjoy a bit of history, the bridge is also an iconic landmark—once the world’s longest single-span suspension bridge when it was completed in 1981. It’s well worth a stop to appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of this impressive structure.

You can also enjoy a walk round the Humber Bridge Country Park Nature Reserve while in the area - perfect for families or those travelling with their dogs too.

Relax in East Park

End your day in Hull with a visit on the way back to your holiday accommodation to East Park  one of the city’s most beloved green spaces. This large, scenic park is perfect for a leisurely walk or even a peaceful sit-down to reflect on your day. With its stunning lake, gardens, and even a small zoo, East Park is the ideal spot to relax before heading home.

If you’ve got kids in tow, they’ll love the adventure playground and the boating lake, where you can rent a pedal boat and float around. It’s a great way to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area after a busy day exploring Hull. It can also provide a destination in itself for young families - pack a picnic and there's plenty to keep children entertained on a warm summer's day for most of the day and it's free!

Holiday Homes Near Hull

Book your stay with us today in one of our nearby East Yorkshire properties: www.letshostholidays.com

Hornsea is around 30 minutes from Hull (check out our properties Potters Lodge and Number Seven), Lilac Cottage Holiday Cottage in Aldbrough is also approx 30 minutes from Hull. Hull is only around 15 minutes from Eden Roc Holiday Cottage in Paull and around 30 minutes from Patrington Haven Leisure Park.