What Are The Top Kingston Upon Hull Tourism Destinations?

Kingston Upon Hull Tourism offers a unique blend of maritime history, cultural attractions, and vibrant city life, making it an appealing destination for diverse travelers. SIXT.VN is here to help you discover the best of Hull and East Yorkshire, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable travel experience. From historical sites to modern attractions, Hull promises a memorable visit.

1. Discover Hull’s Maritime History at the Hull Maritime Museum

Is the Hull Maritime Museum worth visiting? Absolutely. Located in the Museum Quarter, the Hull Maritime Museum allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich seafaring past through detailed exhibits. Explore models, paintings, and fishing equipment that showcase Hull’s maritime heritage from the Bronze Age to today. You’ll uncover stories of Arctic whaling, the North Sea fishing industry, and global maritime trade. The Museum Quarter also features the Arctic Corsair trawler and the Spurn Lightship, offering further insights into Hull’s nautical legacy.

Hull Maritime Museum

2. Explore the Historic High Street and Wilberforce House

Why should I visit Wilberforce House? As the birthplace of William Wilberforce, a key figure in the abolition of the slave trade, Wilberforce House offers a compelling historical experience. Located in Hull’s Old Town, this museum tells the story of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and its eventual abolition through exhibits. Explore Nos. 23 and 24 High Street, two Georgian houses featuring period furniture, and Maister House, a merchant’s home built in 1744, for additional insights into the area’s rich history.

Statue of William Wilberforce at Wilberforce House

What can I see on Hull’s Historic High Street?

Hull’s Historic High Street offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past, featuring well-preserved Georgian houses and significant historical landmarks. Highlights include Wilberforce House, the birthplace of William Wilberforce, a key figure in the abolition of the slave trade. Nearby, Nos. 23 and 24 High Street showcase fine examples of period furniture in beautifully maintained Georgian residences. Maister House, built in 1744 in late-Renaissance style, boasts a Palladian-style façade and intricate wrought-iron banisters. Blaydes House (No. 6) is another notable restored merchant property from the same era.

3. Discover Regional History at the Hull and East Riding Museum

What makes the Hull and East Riding Museum a must-see? The Hull and East Riding Museum showcases the region’s history from the Cretaceous period to its settlement around 10,000 years ago. Located in the Museum Quarter, the museum features the Hasholme Logboat, an Iron Age vessel from 400 BC, along with Celtic displays, Roman mosaics, and Anglo-Saxon artifacts. The Streetlife Museum of Transport is another highlight, with vintage trams and exhibits showcasing 200 years of Hull’s transportation history.

Roman mosaic at the Hull and East Riding Museum

What’s special about the Hasholme Logboat?

The Hasholme Logboat is a significant archaeological find, representing a late Iron Age vessel dating back to 400 BC. Discovered in the Hull area, this logboat provides valuable insights into the maritime technology and culture of the region during that period. It is one of the best-preserved examples of its kind and serves as a centerpiece in the Hull and East Riding Museum’s collection.

4. Experience the Humber Bridge

Why is the Humber Bridge so iconic? Opened in 1981, the Humber Bridge is renowned for its architectural design and engineering. As one of the world’s longest suspension bridges, it provides stunning views of the Humber Estuary from its pedestrian walkway. The Viking Way, a 147-mile walking trail, begins at the bridge and extends into the Lincolnshire Woods. The Hull Tidal Surge Barrier, designed to protect the city from high waters, also hosts a monthly farmers market.

Humber Bridge

What is the Viking Way and why is it significant?

The Viking Way is a 147-mile-long walking trail that starts at the Humber Bridge and stretches into the Lincolnshire Wolds, ending in Oakham. This trail follows a route that is rich in Viking history and offers hikers a diverse landscape to explore, including woodlands, farmlands, and historic villages. The Viking Way provides a unique way to experience the cultural and natural heritage of the region, attracting both local and international hikers.

5. Explore Marine Life at The Deep

What makes The Deep a unique aquarium? The Deep is a distinctive aquarium designed to resemble the bow of a ship, with its main tank buried 33 feet underground. This “submarium” offers exceptional viewing opportunities via a glass elevator and walking tunnel. Here, you can observe over 6,500 fish, including sharks, sawfish, rays, and penguins. With a focus on marine conservation, The Deep combines interactive displays and audio-visual presentations to educate visitors about the world’s oceans.

The Deep

What conservation efforts does The Deep support?

The Deep aquarium is actively involved in various conservation efforts focused on protecting marine environments and species. These efforts include supporting research projects aimed at understanding and mitigating threats to ocean ecosystems, participating in breeding programs for endangered species, and educating the public about the importance of marine conservation through interactive exhibits and educational programs. The Deep also collaborates with other conservation organizations to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about the impact of human activities on marine life.

6. Discover Art at Ferens Art Gallery

Why visit the Ferens Art Gallery? Renovated in 2017, the Ferens Art Gallery houses important works by artists like Frans Hals, Canaletto, John Constable, William Hogarth, and Henry Moore. The gallery also features permanent collections of marine paintings and modern art. The “Explore Art” gallery allows younger visitors to engage in creative activities, making it a family-friendly destination.

Ferens Art Gallery

What is the “Explore Art” gallery and why is it popular with families?

The “Explore Art” gallery at Ferens Art Gallery is designed to engage younger visitors and families in the creative process. This interactive space allows children to create their own masterpieces, learn about famous artworks, and understand the techniques used by artists. The gallery provides a hands-on experience that encourages creativity and makes art accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

7. Visit Hull Trinity House

What is the historical significance of Hull Trinity House? Founded in 1369, Hull Trinity House has a rich history of caring for sick and needy seamen. Since 1456, it has served as their guild house, and in 1787, it became the world’s first naval academy. Guided tours offer insights into the site’s artifacts and the students’ traditional 18th-century naval uniforms. Visiting during the Heritage Open Days in September provides an enhanced experience.

Hull Trinity House

What are the Heritage Open Days and why are they significant?

Heritage Open Days is an annual event that takes place in September, offering free access to historical and cultural sites across England. These sites, often not usually open to the public, provide a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the local heritage. Hull Trinity House participates in Heritage Open Days, allowing visitors to tour the historic building and learn about its significance in maritime history and naval education.

8. Discover the Grandeur of Hull Minster

Why is Hull Minster so significant? Hull Minster, the largest parish church in England, dates back to the 1300s and can accommodate over 2,200 people. Known for its Decorated and Perpendicular styles, the church features a fine tower and Gothic-style windows. Granted Minster status in 2017, Hull Minster hosts concerts and events. A visitor center and café are also available.

Hull Minster

What architectural styles define Hull Minster?

Hull Minster is primarily defined by its Decorated and Perpendicular architectural styles, which are prominent features of English Gothic architecture. The Decorated style, evident in the older parts of the Minster, is characterized by elaborate ornamentation, intricate tracery, and the use of flowing, curvilinear designs. The Perpendicular style, which came later, emphasizes vertical lines, large windows, and a more restrained, geometric aesthetic. These styles blend harmoniously within the Minster, creating a visually stunning and historically significant structure.

9. Experience History at the Hands on History Museum

What can I expect at the Hands on History Museum? Located in the Elizabethan Old Grammar School (1583), the Hands on History Museum offers an interactive journey through Hull’s past. Exhibits include a glimpse into Victorian times and the “Story of Hull.” The Egyptian Gallery features a 2,600-year-old mummy and replicas of King Tutankhamun’s treasures. William Wilberforce, an alumnus of the school, is also commemorated here.

Hands on History Museum

What notable artifacts are housed in the Egyptian Gallery at the Hands on History Museum?

The Egyptian Gallery at the Hands on History Museum features several notable artifacts that offer a glimpse into ancient Egyptian culture. The highlight of the gallery is a 2,600-year-old mummy, which provides a fascinating insight into ancient burial practices. Additionally, the gallery includes unique replicas of treasures from the tomb of King Tutankhamun, such as the iconic golden mask and various funerary objects. These exhibits help visitors understand the rich history and religious beliefs of ancient Egypt.

10. Enjoy Nature at East Park

Why is East Park a great place to relax? East Park, Hull’s largest open space, offers a variety of attractions, including an animal compound with deer, wallabies, rheas, and peacocks. The park also hosts concerts and events like the “Hull Show” during warmer months. Opened in 1887, this Grade-II-listed park spans 130 acres. Nearby Queens Gardens features floral displays, fountains, and ponds.

East Park in winter

What types of animals can be found in the animal compound at East Park?

The animal compound at East Park is home to a variety of animals, offering visitors an opportunity to see and learn about different species. The compound includes deer, wallabies, rheas (large flightless birds similar to ostriches), and peacocks. These animals provide an engaging experience for visitors of all ages, making East Park a popular destination for families and nature enthusiasts.

11. Visit Burton Constable Hall & Grounds

What makes Burton Constable Hall a worthwhile excursion? Located a short drive from Hull, Burton Constable Hall is an Elizabethan-era manor house with parts dating back to the 12th century. The Constable family has resided here for over 400 years. Explore the well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century interiors, including the grand staircase and a “cabinet of curiosities.” The 300-acre grounds are perfect for exploration, followed by a memorable afternoon tea.

Aerial view of Burton Constable Hall & Grounds

What is a “cabinet of curiosities” and why is it significant at Burton Constable Hall?

A “cabinet of curiosities,” also known as a “Wunderkammer,” is a collection of unusual and diverse objects, typically including natural history specimens, geological samples, ethnographic artifacts, and works of art. These cabinets were popular during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods as a way to showcase knowledge and exploration. The cabinet of curiosities at Burton Constable Hall is significant because it reflects the historical interests and collections of the Constable family, providing insight into their intellectual and cultural pursuits over the centuries. It offers a unique glimpse into the world as it was understood and perceived by the elite during those times.

12. Discover Art at the University of Hull Art Collection

Why should I visit the University of Hull Art Collection? Located in the university’s Brynmor Jones Library, the University of Hull Art Collection features British paintings, sculptures, and drawings from 1890 to 1940. Featured artists include Walter Sickert, Samuel Peploe, Lucien Pissarro, Stanley Spencer, Jacob Epstein, and Henry Moore. The collection also includes Chinese ceramics, costume designs, and cartoons. The university houses the Hull City Archives, Hull Local Studies Library, and Hull University Archives.

Brynmor Jones Library, University of Hull

Which notable artists are featured in the University of Hull Art Collection?

The University of Hull Art Collection features works by several notable British artists from the period between 1890 and 1940. These include Walter Sickert, known for his impressionistic and realist paintings of urban life; Samuel Peploe, a Scottish Colourist known for his vibrant still lifes and landscapes; Lucien Pissarro, a French-British Impressionist painter; Stanley Spencer, famous for his unique and symbolic figurative paintings; Jacob Epstein, a prominent sculptor known for his modernist and expressionist works; and Henry Moore, one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century.

13. Explore Waters’ Edge Country Park & Visitor Centre

What can I do at Waters’ Edge Country Park? Waters’ Edge Country Park & Visitor Centre, located on the south bank of the Humber River, offers a wildlife and nature sanctuary near the Humber Bridge. Enjoy walking trails and boardwalks, and visit the Visitor Centre with activities for kids, a playground, a shop, and a café. The views of the Humber Bridge framed by the natural setting are particularly stunning.

Waters' Edge Country Park & Visitor Centre

What educational activities are available for children at the Waters’ Edge Country Park Visitor Centre?

The Waters’ Edge Country Park Visitor Centre offers a range of educational activities designed to engage children with nature and wildlife. These activities include interactive exhibits about local flora and fauna, guided nature walks, and workshops on topics such as bird watching, pond dipping, and identifying different species of plants and animals. The center also provides resources and materials for self-guided exploration, making it a valuable educational resource for families visiting the park.

14. Discover History in Barton-upon-Humber

Why should I visit Barton-upon-Humber? Located near Hull, Barton-upon-Humber features the 1,000-year-old St. Peter’s Church, known for its Anglo-Saxon tower and baptistery. Other attractions include Baysgarth House Museum, the Wilderspin National School Museum, and 51 Fleetgate, believed to be the oldest residential house in North Lincolnshire. The town’s Waterside area includes The Ropewalk arts center, Waters’ Edge Country Park & Visitor Centre, and Far Ings National Nature Reserve.

Far Ings National Nature Reserve, Barton-upon-Humber

What is significant about St. Peter’s Church in Barton-upon-Humber?

St. Peter’s Church in Barton-upon-Humber is significant due to its rich history and well-preserved Anglo-Saxon architecture. Dating back over 1,000 years, the church features a distinctive Anglo-Saxon tower and baptistery, making it one of the most studied churches in England. It also holds over 2,800 burials from the Anglo-Saxon period to Victorian times, providing valuable insights into the local population and their burial practices over the centuries. The church’s historical and architectural significance makes it a key attraction for visitors interested in early English history and ecclesiastical architecture.

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FAQ about Kingston Upon Hull Tourism

1. What is Kingston Upon Hull known for?

Kingston Upon Hull, or simply Hull, is known for its rich maritime history, its role as the UK City of Culture in 2017, and its key attractions such as the Hull Maritime Museum, The Deep aquarium, and the Humber Bridge.

2. When is the best time to visit Kingston Upon Hull?

The best time to visit Hull is during the summer months (June-August) for pleasant weather, or during special events like the Heritage Open Days in September.

3. How can I get around Kingston Upon Hull?

Hull offers various transportation options, including buses, taxis, and rental cars. The city center is also easily walkable.

4. Are there any free attractions in Kingston Upon Hull?

Yes, Hull offers several free attractions, including the University of Hull Art Collection, East Park, and Waters’ Edge Country Park.

5. What are some family-friendly activities in Kingston Upon Hull?

Family-friendly activities include visiting The Deep aquarium, exploring East Park, and engaging in the “Explore Art” gallery at Ferens Art Gallery.

6. How far is Barton-upon-Humber from Kingston Upon Hull?

Barton-upon-Humber is approximately 11 miles from Hull, accessible via the Humber Bridge.

7. What is the significance of Wilberforce House?

Wilberforce House is the birthplace of William Wilberforce, a key figure in the abolition of the slave trade, and serves as a museum dedicated to his life and work.

8. What can I see at the Hull and East Riding Museum?

The Hull and East Riding Museum features exhibits on the region’s history from the Cretaceous period to its settlement, including the Hasholme Logboat and Roman mosaics.

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10. Where can I find more information about Kingston Upon Hull tourism?

You can find more information on the official tourism websites for Hull and East Yorkshire, as well as travel blogs and forums.

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