Once known for its fishing fleet the city of Hull has in recent years undergone a revitalization that has made it among the UKs most vibrant cities. First chartered more than 700 years ago by Edward I, Hull combines the best features of a bustling port with the amenities of a cosmopolitan city. In the forefront of British defence during World War II, Hull suffered widespread damage and has since undergone extensive rebuilding. A visitor choosing to holiday here will find museums, nightlife, sport and venues to rival any town.

Travellers new to the area may be surprised by the size and variety of the museums and historical sites Hull has to offer. Many are world class and boast renowned exhibits and respected educational facilities.

The Deep. In little more than four years of existence this superb aquarium has seen in excess of two million visitors. Thousands of schools have logged visits as well. Thirty exhibits examine life in the water from streams to the ocean depths. Hundreds of varieties of sea creatures including fourteen species of shark are on display via the deepest marine viewing bay in Europe. With its metal and glass clad point jutting into the harbour, The Deep is unlikely to be overlooked and impossible to forget. Admission is reasonable with family tickets available.

Ferens Art Gallery. Considered one of the best galleries in the provinces, Ferens houses a large collection of Old Masters in addition to a well regarded overview of contemporary British Art. Families will be interested in its childrens gallery. The best of the art worlds travelling exhibits make it here as well.

Hands on History Museum. A delight for the family and history buffs of all ages, this museum is a fine introduction to Victorian times with a specific emphasis on the homes and lives of the people of Hull.

Streetlife Museum. One of the four museums which make up the Museum Quarter on High Street. Travel through two centuries of Hull transportation in this museum whose mission is to document the evolution of Hull transport. Realistic climb about exhibits will both entertain and educate. Wilberforce House, birthplace and home to Hull son, slavery opponent and member of Parliament William Wilberforce, sits adjacent to the Streetlife Museum. Currently undergoing a massive renovation, it will re-open in 2007.

Arctic Corsair. Christened in 1960 and retired in 1987, the Arctic Corsair is the last of a proud tradition of fishing vessels that for centuries were the lifeblood of Hulls economy. Known as a side winder, this proud ship was opened for visitation in 1999 and has logged thousands of eager boarders. Kept as she was when a working fishing trawler, the Artic Corsair is not suitable for disabled visitors or small children. Contact in advance for a guided tour.

After a day of museum exploration a little shopping, easy going sight seeing and just plain relaxation may be in order.

The Princess Quay. Located in Hulls harbour, this unusual shopping centre has a multitude of shops and entertainment spanning three decks. Dining is also available on the quay proper as well as in dockside restaurants.

One World Trading. Shopping with a conscience is the idea behind this fair trade market. Its wide eclectic range of imported goods based on the concept of fair trade offers many one-of-a-kind items.
The Humber Bridge. At one time the longest single span suspension bridge in the world, The Humber Bridge toll way is travelled by more than 100,000 cars a week.

Hull New Theatre. Home to plays, musicals, ballet and spectacular Christmas entertainment, the Hull New Theatre has served the area since 1939.

East Park, West Park, Queens Garden. Hull boasts a wide array of public gardens throughout the city which offer personal recreation, picnic areas, floral exhibits, animal parks and water sports.

Hull offers a fine mix of traditional and modern pubs and restaurants for both the family oriented and the young, single traveller or couple.

Ye Olde White Hart. This historic pub dating from the sixteenth century sits hidden in an alley at the juncture of Bowlalley Lane and Silver Street. Legendary amongst locals the White Hart has undergone a recent rejuvenation with an eye to preserving its roots. A popular addition is the area billed as the citys first all weather beer garden.

The Minerva Hotel. On the pier overlooking the Humber this traditional British pub and hotel offers Tetley cask, other name brand ales and a rotating menu of discriminating brew. Cribbage, dominoes, and big screen sports television make this a pleasant place to while away a few hours. The well served traditional British food, view of the river and family friendly atmosphere are additional reasons to put The Minerva on a visitors agenda.

Venn on Scale Lane. The upscale diner will enjoy this well reviewed fish restaurant which is a Michelin Guide favourite. Reservations recommended.

Old Custom House. Delectable food for a wide variety of palates along with a large and very serviceable wine list are served at this family establishment.

Jaz Caf Bar. Visit this caf in the evening for distinctive food and drink coupled with a revolving schedule of live music from jazz to salsa.

Hull Hotels & accommodation

Pub side hotels, self cater establishments, fine lodgings and estate accommodations are abundant in the area. As is increasingly true throughout the island it is best not to arrive without reservations. Students, business people and world travellers gobble up available rooming spaces well in advance.

The Dorchester
Quality Hotel Royal Hull
Campanile Hotel – Hull
Ramada Hull
Portland Hotel
Best Western Willerby Manor Hotel
Kingston Theatre Hotel

Sport fans and music enthusiasts will not be disappointed in Hull. Hull Arena is the home ice of the Hulls ice hockey team the Stingrays and also plays host to a variety of world name music acts. The 25,000 seat Kingston Communications Centre houses both the League 1 Champion Hull City Football Club and the rugby league club Hull FC as well as numerous other sporting and entertainment events. A second excellent rugby league team, Hull Kingston Rovers, calls Craven Park Home.

True to its history of energy and resilience, Hull has rebounded from the difficult demise of its fishing industry to become a lively port and a thriving centre of commerce and tourism. Take an unusual break from the everyday holiday, visit Hull.

Most industry insiders are predicting that this year more people will be jetting off on city breaks, inter-railing round Europe and generally heading off traveling in greater numbers than ever before. And they’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the sheer range of excellent accommodation options out there.

Hostels

The number of backpackers hostels and independent youth hostels has surged in response to increased demand for cheap accommodation, as a result of a radical overhaul from the travel industry in the last five years, or so.

The package holiday for so long a staple of summer holidays has become chronically unfashionable, as people increasingly looked to move away from the uniformity that they promoted. And the conventional high street travel agent is feeling the pinch, as people increasingly found they could cut out the middle man and make their own arrangements online.

In light of this, people had to find some form of affordable accommodation on their holidays. And the answer came increasingly from the ranks of the independent youth hostels and backpackers hostels.

Hardly a new concept youth hostels have been around for years now the necessary tweaks really started to be made back in the late 90s. In retrospect, it’s hard to see which came first, the great accommodation or the booking sites that drive them. It goes without saying that there couldn’t be one without the other.

But with the internet, and a series of sites who allowed their customers to ‘rate’ hostels came a greater awareness of what travelers actually wanted and needed. Now well-stocked kitchens or cool communal areas boasting libraries filled with travel guides and DVDs, prove the rule rather than the exception.

And just as the hostels have gained in popularity (and quality), so too has the rest of the budget accommodation sector begun to take notice of the numbers of people, and offering an ever-improving service for less than you’d think.

Cheap hotels

The cheap hotel market, so long, seemingly, a slightly complacent force reluctant to really compete on price and relying on their hotel status, has started to really square up to its competitors. Increasingly, owners of small hotels are setting aside a quota of rooms online for the budget traveler, safe in the knowledge that they will be snapped up.

What’s more many small hotels have realized that they can turn their size into a significant advantage. Global travelers are increasingly looking for a sense of uniqueness, of individuality. It’s this desire that has inspired the rise of the boutique hotel, a concept which the cheaper end of the hotel market has embraced.

And there are times when even the most ardent backpacker or roving student traveler wants freshly pressed sheets, a hot shower to themselves and a good night’s sleep. Oh, and perhaps a mini bar

Bed & Breakfasts

Bed & breakfasts and guesthouses have also experienced a real resurgence in popularity in recent years. Both generally define themselves as ‘homey’ and comfortable with an emphasis on personal service rather than luxury. And their renewed popularity has come as a result of these values being increasingly in demand by footsore travelers.

Like the cheap hotel market they have responded well to a shift in the market, and the recent rise of boutique hotels by radically improving their service.

Apartments

Hovering somewhere between the service provided by a backpackers hostel (with a kitchen and lounge area as a general rule) and a hotel (you don’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else) renting an apartment has become a viable alternative to the usual cheap hotelB&Bhostel options. The hotels sector has even responded to the demand for apartment-style accommodation with the growth of aparthotels.

The apartment concept can be a winning one, particularly for those traveling in groups or those looking to stay in a town or city for more than a few days. Groups can really fill out an apartment and make it somewhere that they’ll genuinely look forward to coming back to at the end of a long day’s sightseeing, whilst long-stayers can settle in and spread out more than they could in a cheap hotel or hostel.

All in all, things have rarely looked as rosy for travelers with a budget.