Why?
With a rich mercantile history trading wool, wine, timber, coal and fish Hull has played an important role in British history for over seven centuries and has much to recommend it to visitors. With grand Victorian architecture gracing a medieval street plan, great museums, theatres, pubs, bars and restaurants the European Cultural Capital of 2017 is welcoming and diverting in equal measure.
How?
Direct trains from London's Kings Cross take just 2 hours 34 minutes.
Frequent direct trains from Leeds take just under an hour.
When?
The City of Hull, or 'Kingston upon Hull' to give it its full title is worth visiting throughout the year but, like any university town, it is at its least crowded when it's 16,000 plus student population is on holiday in August and early September.
Background reading?
'The Building of a Port City – a History and Celebration of Hull' by David and Susan Neave [Hull City Council]
'Hull – Culture, City, Place' by David J Starkey et al. [Liverpool University Press]
Dark Winter by David Mark [A Crime Novel - Quercus Publishing]
Get Around?
On foot, by bus or by bike. A paucity of hills makes Hull a great city for cyclists.
Stay?
The 'Hideout Apartment Hotel' in the heart of the old town offers comfortable rooms at reasonable rates. www.hideouthotel.co.uk
Hull Trinity Backpackers is a central, low budget option. https://hulltrinitybackpackers.com/
Food and Drink?
Brilliant breakfasts and brunches at Thieving Harry's on Humber Street, cracking craft beers at the Atom Brewing Company's 'Corn Exchange' pub, cocktails and pizzas at the 'The Brain Jar' or seafood suppers at The Humber Fish Co.
Don't Miss?
The magnificent Maritime Museum, Ferens Art Gallery and the Streetlife Museum of Transport.
The back catalogues of legendary Hull bands the Housemartins, Everything but the Girl and the Beautiful South.
Home games at Hull F.C. [Rugby League] and Hull City 'Tigers' [Football].
The city's distinctive cream coloured 'KCOM' phone boxes dating from 1904.
Avoid?
Seagulls stealing your chips and soulless Wetherspoons pubs in the city centre.
Take Home?
Local delicacy 'The Original American Chip Spice' and Atom Brewery Company craft beers.
