Hull, also known as Kingston Upon Hull, is a port city in East Yorkshire in the north of England. During World War II Hull was heavily bombed – and was in fact the second most bombed city in the UK – and as a result, really struggled to get back on its feet and re-establish itself. Today, however, the city has become a bustling university town and in 2017 even received the award for UK City of Culture. Here we will look at all the reasons Hull should be on your must-see visit list this summer 2019.

Hull is Full of History

Hull was founded in the 12^th century and was first mentioned in 1193. In 1642 Hull became the starting point for the English Civil Wars when King Charles I was refused entry into the city. Today you can explore Hull’s rich past from its significance in the English Civil Wars, its part in the Spanish Civil War to its maritime significance by visiting the Hull History Centre. The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday between 9.30 and 5.30.

Explore Hull’s Old Town

Talking of history, if you’re looking to do a spot of shopping or grab something to eat and drink why not head over to Hull’s Old Town? The Old Town is full of buildings still with their Georgian and Edwardian features intact and filled with independent boutiques and cafes. Also, not too far away, is Hull’s Trinity Market. Trinity Market is an indoor market which is packed with independent traders who sell everything from clothing to coffee and is a great place to pick up a few unique items on your travels.

Explore the Deep

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Hull, The Deep aquarium is definitely worth a visit. Sitting at the confluence of the two rivers flowing by Hull, The Deep is home to thousands of animals which call the seas and oceans their home. A visit here includes many interactive displays, lots of sea life exhibits and even presentations on the world’s oceans and how we can help look after them. The aquarium is open from 10am to 6pm every day, with adult tickets costing £12.60.

Take A Trip Across the Humber Bridge

Wanting to do a little more sightseeing in Hull? The Humber Bridge is a single-span suspension bridge which, when it opened in 1981, was the longest of its kind in the world. Plans for the bridge began as early as the 1930s, however issues relating to designs, construction and funding delayed the project. The bridge now spans the Humber and connects East Riding of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire and offers tourists great views out over the area.

The Streetlife Museum of Transport

A great mix of history and transport, the Streelife Museum of Transport is a free museum with exhibits on horse-drawn carriages to veteran cars. The museum also has a lot of exhibits covering lots of public transport artefacts from the past 200 years – you can even sit aboard a tram on a mock up of a 1940s high street. The museum is open daily and free for all to enter.