Kingston upon Hull has had a long, ugly past of being deemed one of the UK’s worst cities, which I believe is totally undeserved. The recent capital of culture investment has only added to the changing perception of this rising city and it really isn’t as bad as you probably think it is. Here’s why you should go and visit good old Hull.
See penguins, stingrays and sharks at Hull’s aquarium, The Deep. Hull may only be a small city, yet it houses one of the UK’s largest aquariums. What’s even better is that all money from sales go towards the conservation charity itself so it’s a double win. The glass elevator that runs up one of the tanks is also a great addition.
“The most I ever pay for a ticket for a night out in Hull is £5”
Nightlife is cheap, cheap, cheap. I think the most I ever pay for a ticket for a night out in Hull is £5 and that even feels a bit steep. You might not get the night out you expect though, Hull has a huge Indie music scene with more clubs opting for alternative nights than regular ones.
If you’re feeling brave take a trip to Spider’s Nightclub, the club that hasn’t changed since my step-dad used to go in his teens. This is one truly bizarre club and is the only place where you can order a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster’s (cocktail from The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy) whilst dancing to the likes of The Clash. The club rules hold that absolutely no pop music is allowed. I’m not kidding when I say the club hasn’t changed since the eighties except fresh black paint on the walls. There’s even a book by Andy Roe that’s recently been published that provides photos of nightclub goers going back to the eighties – you can’t say that about many clubs.
“Did I mention there is also a human skull on display?”
If clubs aren’t your thing and you prefer a quiet drink, Ye Olde White Hart is the place for you. The old historical pub homes the infamous plotting parlour rumoured to have been the start place of the plots to bar King Charles from the city in 1642, one of the movements that set off the English Civil War. Oh, and did I mention there is also a human skull on display? The mystery of the skull provoking a whole number of theories as to how it came to be there.
Wander down to Hull’s marina for a beautiful view out across the harbour and onto the River Humber. Here you’ll also find the up and coming Humber Street which is attracting all manner of edgy restaurants and gin bars, as well as Humber Street art gallery with its rooftop terrace bar.
It’s never dull in ‘Ull. So, if you’re passing by the city or have a friend who lives there, maybe you should consider seeing this underrated northern city. Finally, if you happen to be passing whilst one of the city’s arts events are taking place, they’re always worth a visit. This year’s Freedom Festival saw dancers abseiling off the side of Hull College, whilst last January the whole city was lit up in a display of moving illuminations of the city’s history to the present day. Check Visit Hull online for updates on events taking place in the city.
Miriam Thompson
Featured image courtesy of John Lord via Flickr.
Article image courtesy of Miriam Thompson.
