Evening in Hull often begins around the old town and the marina, where the streets between the River Hull and the Humber carry most of the city's night-time activity. Pubs and bars sit among historic buildings, and the walk between them is short enough to make on foot.
Hull's nightlife suits visitors who prefer a compact, walkable centre with a strong pub and arts culture rather than a large club district. The old town, the marina and the streets around the theatre and gallery venues give the evening its shape, and the city's growing reputation for independent art spaces adds to what is on offer.
Where to go out in Kingston upon Hull
1. The Old Town
The old town is the historic core, with narrow streets and surviving buildings that give an evening here a distinct character. It suits a night of moving between pubs on foot, with the option of extending the walk towards the marina.
Among the named venues in the sources is Ye Olde White Harte, described as a famous old pub that is slightly hidden, on the approach to the streets of Land of Green Ginger and Bowlalley Lane. The sources do not state current opening hours or prices, so check ahead.
2. The Marina and Humber Street
The marina occupies the former Humber Dock, and Humber Street runs along its southern end. This area suits an evening that mixes a waterside walk with a drink, and it connects easily to the old town.
The sources name the Minerva pub close to the dock basin, and note that the old Spurn Light Ship is moored in the marina with free entry. Redevelopment of the Humber Street area was planned at the time of the source, so the surroundings may have changed.
3. Queen's Gardens and the Dock Offices area
Queen's Gardens occupies the site of the former Queen's Dock, with the domed Dock Offices, now the Maritime Museum, at its west end. This suits a quieter start to an evening, walking the line of the old town walls before moving on.
The Wilberforce Monument stands at the east end of the gardens, and the sources describe the area as a good point from which to read the layout of the old docks.
4. Around the New Theatre and Worship Street
The area behind the New Theatre, on Worship Street, is where the Hull History Centre is found. It suits an early-evening visit before a show or a meal, rather than a late night.
The sources give no opening hours for the History Centre, so confirm times before you go.
5. Ferensway and the theatre district
Ferensway is where Hull Truck Theatre is located, described in the sources as one of the most successful local theatre companies in the country. An evening here suits a performance-led night out.
The sources give a telephone number for the theatre but no performance times or ticket prices.
6. Osborne Street and the gallery scene
Osborne Street is home to the RED Gallery, an independent exhibition space for contemporary art that has operated since 1997. This suits an evening that starts with art rather than drink.
The sources note that the gallery is run collectively by a small group of local artists and is non-profit making, with around 200 visitors attending each exhibition. Check current opening times before visiting.
7. Sports grounds on the city's edges
Match nights at the MKM Stadium on Walton Street, half a mile west of the city centre off Anlaby Road, and at Craven Park for Hull Kingston Rovers, five miles east of the centre, suit visitors timing a trip around a fixture.
The sources state that Hull City play association football and Hull FC play rugby league at the MKM Stadium, and that Hull Kingston Rovers play rugby league at Craven Park. Confirm fixtures and kick-off times locally.
8. The Ice Arena on Kingston Street
Hull Ice Arena is a public skating rink on the west side of the marina, and Hull Seahawks play ice hockey there in the National League. This suits an evening of skating or a match.
The sources state the ice hockey playing season runs from September to March.
How a night out unfolds
The sources do not set out a detailed timetable for eating and going out in Hull, so plan around what you intend to do rather than a fixed local pattern. What they do indicate is that the main draws are within walking distance of each other in the centre, that theatre performances and sports fixtures set their own times, and that the ice hockey season runs from September to March. Confirm opening hours, performance times and fixtures directly, as the sources do not give them.
Festivals and events worth timing a trip around
- Hull Shanty Festival — held in September, with the marina as its backdrop.
- Halloween — 31 October.
- Guy Fawkes Day — 5 November.
- Remembrance Sunday — 8 November.
- Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day — 24, 25 and 26 December, with a substitute bank holiday on 28 December.
- New Year's Eve and New Year's Day — 31 December and 1 January.
- Carnival, Shrove Tuesday and Pancake Day — 9 February.
- Valentine's Day — 14 February.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best area to start an evening in Hull?
The old town and the marina are the most practical starting points. They are close together, contain the named pubs and venues in the sources, and can be covered on foot.
When is the marina used for events?
The sources state that in September the marina serves as the backdrop for Hull's international Shanty Festival.
Is there a season for ice hockey in Hull?
Yes. The sources state that Hull Seahawks play at the Arena in the National League, and that the playing season runs from September to March.
Can I combine art and an evening out?
Yes. The RED Gallery on Osborne Street is an independent contemporary art space, and the sources describe Hull as having a thriving arts scene with up-and-coming indie galleries such as Ground and Artlink. Check opening times before you go.
Plan your evening around the old town and the marina, confirm opening times and fixtures in advance, and let the short distances between them shape the night.