Things to do in Hull

Things to do in Hull before your Ferry Crossing

If you’re travelling to Hull for a trip across the North Sea and are hoping to have some spare time before you need to check-in, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are plenty of things to do in Hull to keep you occupied.

From stepping back in time to exploring under the sea, you’ll find activities for couples, families, and solo travellers in Hull.

See the Humber Bridge

Things to do in Hull - Humber Bridge
Drive, cycle, walk, or run across the Humber Bridge.

A Grade II listed building, and the longest suspension bridge in the UK, you just can’t miss the impressive Humber Bridge when you head to Hull. Boasting a length of 2.2km, you can drive, cycle, walk, or run over the bridge, and you’ll be treated to views of the city and its waterfront below.

To give your legs a good stretch before your ferry crossing, head to the Humber Bridge Country Park where you will find walking trails of varying lengths, lakes, meadows, plenty of wildlife, and even an original mill. A great place to settle down with a picnic, this park is surrounded by chalk cliffs on three sides making it even more unique.

Visit The Deep

Things to do in Hull - The Deep
Explore underwater at The Deep.

Hull’s awesome aquarium, The Deep, is home to a whole variety of wonderful creatures from under the sea, and a trip here will teach you lots about conservation too. Home to everything from tropical fish and jellyfish to Gentoo penguins and a pair of loggerhead turtles, you’re sure to spot your favourite sea critter during your visit, making it one of the top things to do in Hull.

Head to the underwater tunnel to experience sharks and stingrays swimming above you, watch the penguins being fed at different points throughout the day, and observe a dive show in which the aquarium’s divers will be either feeding the animals or cleaning the tanks depending on when you visit.

Children and adults alike will love spending time at the touch pool, as you will have the opportunity to interact with a number of small creatures, and seeing the penguins in their Kingdom of Ice is a highlight for many.

Wander around Hull Old Town

Things to do in Hull - Old Town
Wander around Hull Old Town’s fascinating free museums.

A walk around Hull’s beautiful Old Town will take you through different periods in history due to its original features, cobbled streets, and traditional pubs, all of which will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the past.

Stop off at an independent café for a delicious coffee, browse the rails in a selection of vintage shops, or peruse one of the art galleries before heading to the Museum Quarter. Here, you will find the area’s free museums, including Wilberforce House which teaches visitors about transatlantic slave trade.

Anyone with an interest in vehicles will be amazed by the Streetlife Museum of Transport which brings the sights and sounds of the past back to life, whereas others might prefer the Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology where you will come face to face with a life-size woolly mammoth!

With so many great things to do in Hull before your ferry crossing, you might even want to spend a whole day here before you set sail on your adventure to Rotterdam or Zeebrugge!