Tourists are flocking to city that was once named the ‘worst’ in UK

For years, Hullians have been fighting against the somewhat unjust opinions other people have formed about their city.

It was previously named one of the ‘worst’ cities in the UK, as well as the UK’s first ‘c**p town’ (by a 2003 guide, fittingly called C**p Towns: The 50 Worst Places to Live in the UK), labels which were staunchly rejected by locals.

However, they’ve since turned things around.

In 2017, Kingston-upon-Hull (more commonly known as Hull) was named the UK’s City of Culture, applauded for its maritime history and its role in nurturing the likes of Philip Larkin.

Fast forward to 2026, and Hull’s legacy has become even greater as it was recently named by National Geographic as one of the world’s top travel destinations, sitting alongside the likes of Vancouver, Beijing, Uluru, and Manila.

As such, tourists will likely soon start flocking there in their droves, but what exactly is so great about it and what is there to do in Hull?

Here’s everything you need to know…

@anditsallstartedinlondon

Hull City in June 🌺💫🍹🦢 @Visit Hull #summerinhull #hullsummer #mustbehull #explorehull #visithull #discoverhull #hull #igers_Hull #kingstonuponhull #uktravel #hullphotography #yorkshire #visityorkshire #visiteastyorkshire #eastyorkshire #visitengland #hullvideographer #hullphotographer #travelphotographer

♬ original sound – Marí | Travel photography

What do locals love about Hull?

Lynn Carratt grew up in Hull, and her parents were born and bred there. She describes her home as a city with a ‘deep’ and ‘often underestimated’ history and an ‘unfair reputation’.

She tells Metro: ‘I’m proud of where I’m from. I love Hull because it doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. There’s an honesty to it – and a creativity that doesn’t shout.

‘Artists, musicians, writers and makers quietly getting on with things. Without Hull, we wouldn’t have Paul Heaton or Fatboy Slim, who cut his teeth in The Housemartins.

‘It gets an unfair reputation, often built on outdated stereotypes and lazy punchlines. What gets missed is the humour, the warmth, and the fierce loyalty people have to their city.’

In her view, the standout feature of Hull has always been the people, who she describes as ‘warm, funny, straight-talking, and completely without airs or graces.’

She continues: ‘It was a genuinely friendly place to grow up, where community mattered.

‘We even have a language of our own – something I didn’t realise until I moved away. Where else do you walk down a “tenfoot” (an alleyway), get a “croogie” on the back of someone’s bike, or order a “pattie” without explanation?

‘Mashed potato, parsley and sage, battered and fried – and yes, eat chips with chip spice. I was genuinely shocked when I discovered you couldn’t get those everywhere.’

Things to do in Hull

If you’re heading to Hull, you’ll likely want to check out the HU1 area, known as the heart of the city.

This postcode area encompasses the city centre, Old Town and Albert Dock. Earlier this year, it was actually named the coolest in the UK, just so you know.

The area is home to The Deep, an award-winning aquarium and the city’s biggest tourist attraction. Visitors can explore its vast array of marine life, walk through an underwater tunnel, or relax in its café.

For history lovers, the city’s Streetlife Museum of Transport offers an impressive collection of vintage vehicles spanning a 200-year history. It’s located in the city’s old town, where you’ll discover cobbled streets and Stuart and Georgian architecture.

Meanwhile, the Ferens Art Gallery and The Humber Street Gallery are a must for those looking to soak up some culture.

Other attractions include Hull Minster, East Park, the Marina, Wilberforce House Museum, plus various theatres and plenty of shops.

You can also find plenty of traditional pubs in the centre, such as Ye Olde White Harte, which was built in 1550. The historic pub is famous for its Plotting Parlour, a small, hidden room where royalists are believed to have met during the English Civil War.

There’s also the Paragon Arcade, named on TikTok as the ‘coolest’ place for food in HU1. Enjoy Asian street food at Salt And Pepper Club or brunch at Milchig. Whatever you fancy, you’re bound to find something.

@the.yorkshireman

Looking for the best food in Hull? Try literally anywhere in Paragon Arcade 😍🤤🤤 #paragonarcade #hull #hullfood #hullfoodie #eastyorkshire #thingstodoinhull #hullshopping #yorkshire #yorkshirelife

♬ Redbone (feat. The Notorious B.I.G. & 2Pac) – $TURCK

Getting to and around Hull

If you’re starting in London, it’ll take you just over four hours to drive to Hull. Or you can cut the time in half by going by LNER train from King’s Cross, which is two hours and 30 minutes. There are several trains per day, and prices start from £20.

Once you’re there, you’ll find plenty of ways to get around the city. Hull has an extensive bus network, mainly operated by East Yorkshire Buses and Stagecoach, which provides routes both within Hull and its surrounding areas.  

For those wanting to drive, there are numerous car parks around the city, including in the Princess Quay, Prospect Centre and St Stephen’s shopping centres. 

The Park and Ride service is another convenient option for accessing the city centre, with buses running up to every 10 minutes.

It’s also a great city for cyclists – with several routes around Hull and East Yorkshire. The City Council website has plenty of information about cycling around the city, including maps you can download. 

You can access local areas by rail too. Northern Rail operates services to Cleethorpes, Scarborough, Beverley and Bridlington.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Comments Add as preferred source