5 quirky reasons to visit Hull

Kingston upon Hull, commonly shortened to Hull, is the 4th largest city in Yorkshire.  A historic maritime city located on the River Hull where it meets the Humber Estuary, it was the UK City of Culture in 2017.  Although many streets in the Old Town are cobbled, this city is not locked in the past and is a wonderful location for independent restaurants, bars and shops with two theatres and multiple live music venues.  So if you find yourself in Hull to visit The Deep, catch a show or are waiting for a ferry to Rotterdam, here are 5 quirky reasons to have a good look around this city.

1. The Seven Seas Hull Fish Trail

This is such a wholesome couple of hours of fun that takes you all around the Old Town, the Marina and the Docklands that I have already written a whole blog post about it.  Check it out here.  A completely free 2.5 mile walk that you can take at your own pace and find some wonderful public art structures along the way.

2. Hull’s Phone Boxes

I think British Red Telephone Boxes are quite well known across the world.  A symbol of Britain, prominent in our London Olympic 2012 Opening Ceremony and that are now becoming protected historical artefacts.  Well, did you know that Hull has cream Telephone Boxes? Identical in style but just cream in colour and with the Royal Crowns omitted.  This is due to the fact that in 1904, Hull City Council set up its own phone network rather than being a part of the national network that was run by the Post Office.  The boxes were painted cream to distinguish them.  In 2023, 20 of the cream phone boxes were given Grade II listed status to honour their history.

Bonus Historical British Icon

If you are seeking out the phone boxes then also keep an eye out for this beautiful VR Postbox.  This is from Queen Victoria’s reign, so over 120 years old, and is in great condition.

3. The Smallest window in England

This is cute little find if you are wandering around the Old Town of Hull.  The smallest window in England! I don’t know what I expected to see but I have to say… I was a little surprised.  It is just a sliver of glass between two bricks.  The large plaque next to it is essential for locating it as it could easily be missed.

The purpose of this window was for the porter to observe carriages approaching the hotel and to be able to respond efficiently.  A wonderful little slice of history.

4. A delicious cocktail on Humber Street

Humber Street is in the Marina area of Hull.  A cobbled street lined with old Fruit Market buildings that have been renovated and transformed in to a wonderful street of Independent vendors.  Butler Whites is a wonderful restaurant with delicious food but there was a cocktail that is in my personal top 10 cocktails!  If you like whiskey based cocktails and are also a fan of caramel and Baileys then you need to try the Whiskey Business Cocktail.  This was a strong but sweet and creamy cocktail, definitely a favourite of mine.

5. Walk across the Humber Bridge

So this one isn’t quite in the centre of Hull but slightly out towards Hessle.  The Humber Bridge, an iconic Suspension Bridge, is not exactly a hidden gem but have you ever walked over the bridge? The bridge is 1.4 miles in length and has a secure pedestrian walkway safely distanced from the vehicles.  If you want a long walk then it is approx. 5 miles from the city centre, so a walk out and back would be around 14 miles.  If this is not for you then you can also catch a bus out to the bridge.  The views from the bridge of the Humber Estuary are expansive and if you get lovely weather then it is a gorgeous expanse of blue when you get to the middle.  Standing almost a mile on to the bridge, you appreciate the engineering that allows this incredible structure, currently the 12th longest in the world, to stand.  When you arrive across the river, in North Lincolnshire, there is a wonderful cafe, The Old Tile Works Restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious slice of cake and rehydrate before heading back.