About Hull

The Port of Hull is one of the UK's leading foreign trading ports with strong short-sea trade links with Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltic, in addition to world wide deep-sea services. Capital investment in the development of ports facilities and services is continuing every year. The port of Hull is the UK’s leading timber port with direct access to popular tourist areas including the Yorkshire Moors and Yorkshire Dales. Hull has excellent transport links with the Midlands and North of England and is an ideal location for cruise vessels. The state-of-the-art riverside ferry terminal is situated 10 minutes from the city centre.

Hull is surrounded by the Yorkshire Wolds, an area rich in bird life, geology and farmlands stretching to the East Coast and traditional seaside resorts of Scarborough, Bridlington and Filey. Every year, six and a half million people visit Hull. According to a survey run by The Guardian and The Observer newspapers in 2003, Hull was placed as the UK’s fifteenth leading tourist attraction.

Hull History. The origins of Hull date back to the late 1100s when it was called Wyke (Scandinavian “vik” for “creek”) upon Hull, to be renamed into Kingston upon Hull after King Edward 1 took over the port in 1293. In 1193 the Yorkshire monasteries gathered wool for export at "the Port of Hull” to pay the ransom of King Richard 1, who was held hostage by Emperor Henry VI. The layout of the town shows that its original function was as a port. In the late 13th century, trade in Hull was dominated by foreign merchants.

Hull Attractions. The maritime City of Kingston upon Hull offers a wonderful combination of the old and new, from the cobbled streets of the Old Town to Princes Quay Shopping Centre. The marina complex, in the heart of the city, is a haven for yachts and small sailing craft, surrounded by the shops, restaurants and pubs. During the summer, the marina hosts the city's annual international Jazz and Sea Shanty festivals. Hull’s major attraction is The Deep, which, using interactive technology and live aquaria, tells the history and the future of the world's oceans. It has received over a million visitors.

Other main attractions include the Old Grammar School museum and the historic Wilberforce House, a member of Great Houses and Gardens of Yorkshire, with slavery exhibits, period rooms and furniture. Hull and East Riding Museum shows life in previous centuries, while Hasholme Boat Gallery and Art Collection at the University of Hull has British art, paintings, drawings and sculptures. The Maritime Museum has exhibits dedicated to fishing, local history and wildlife photography. Hull has pockets of green spaces, including the Queen's Gardens, Pearson Park and Hull's largest park, East Park, that each year hosts the Lord Mayor's Gala, the Hull Show and many other events.

There is an abundance of entertainment for all tastes. Hull New Theatre hosts internationally-acclaimed drama, comedy, ballet, opera, musicals and colourful pantomimes. Hull Truck Theatre is famous for showcasing new and established talent, while Hull City Hall has performances from the distinguished international and domestic orchestras. Jazz is performed weekly at the Sailmaker's Arms and The Adelphi hosts up and coming bands. Hull Arena hosts major rock and pop concerts, while the latest addition to Hull’s nightlife is Pozition nightclub.

Hull Shopping and Dinning. Hull offers a variety of shopping, from major department stores to small, family run niche shops and several street markets. Savile Street is famous for classic tailoring and trendy designer names. In the Old Town, Hepworth's Arcade features a crazy joke shop, and outlets with bric-a-brac, antiques and clothes from the 60s and 70s. The arcade connects with the Edwardian Hull Covered Market, which sells fruits, vegetables, meats and fish.

The choice of restaurants is wide and varied. Enjoy freshly prepared Italian food at Pier Luigi Restaurant, food of the highest quality in the Studio 10.5 and fish at Hull’s longest established seafood restaurant, Cerutti’s.