Hull is a port city on the Humber Estuary, built where the River Hull meets the Humber, with more than 800 years of seafaring history behind it. It is known as Yorkshire's maritime city, and its centre packs museums and galleries, a marina and a historic old town into a compact area.
For a visitor, the useful distinction is between the city centre and the areas just outside it. The old town, including its museum quarter, and the marina sit within the centre, while the main road through the centre, Ferensway, links the railway station and the main shopping area. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of trip.
Best areas to stay in Kingston upon Hull
1. City centre (around Ferensway and the Paragon Interchange)
This is the most practical base for a first visit. Ferensway is the main road through the city centre, and the railway station sits at the Paragon Interchange, so arriving and getting around on foot are both straightforward. You are close to the main shopping area of the centre, and within a short walk of the restaurants and pubs on the marina.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone without a car, since the centre's sights, the old town and the marina are all reachable on foot. Accommodation here ranges from budget through mid-range, including places right by the A63 (Castle Street), the main road into town from the motorway network.
2. Old Town and museum quarter
The old town, with its museum quarter, is one of the centre's two main areas alongside the marina. Its historic streets and buildings have made it a draw for period film and television productions, and it survived the city's wartime bombing. Staying here puts you among the historic streets rather than beside the main roads.
It suits visitors who want the historic core on their doorstep and are happy to walk to the rest of the centre. A city-centre base on this side of town is only a short walk from Queens Gardens and the old town.
3. Marina
The marina is the centre's other main area, with a concentration of popular restaurants and pubs along it. It is a short walk from the main shopping area and from the railway station, so it works as a base for eating and drinking in the evening without needing transport.
It suits visitors who want evening options close by and a waterside setting within the centre. Like the old town, it is part of the compact centre, so you can combine it with the museums and galleries on foot.
4. Beverley Road and Freetown Way area
This area sits at the corner of Beverley Road and Freetown Way, on the edge of the city centre. Budget accommodation is found here, and the centre remains walkable.
It suits budget travellers who want to be near the centre without paying centre rates. Expect simpler places with limited facilities; breakfast may be extra, and eating and drinking options are found in the surrounding streets rather than on the doorstep.
5. Prince's Avenue area
Around Prince's Avenue you find budget accommodation in a residential setting, with plenty of eating and drinking places nearby on Prince's Avenue itself. Meals are not necessarily available where you stay, but the street covers that need.
It suits budget travellers who would rather be in a quieter spot with everyday amenities close by than in the middle of the centre.
6. University of Hull area (Cottingham Road)
Cottingham Road runs directly opposite the entrance to the University of Hull, with budget accommodation along it. Rooms here are simple, breakfast is typically extra, and evening meals are available in the pub bar.
It suits visitors connected to the university, or those who prefer a location outside the centre and are comfortable travelling in. It is not the base to choose if you want the old town and marina within walking distance.
7. Priory Park (Henry Boot Way)
Priory Park is a modern commercial area within the city, home to larger hotels with leisure facilities such as a pool and health and fitness club. Rooms are more spacious and the setting is quieter than the centre.
It suits travellers with a car, families who want on-site facilities, and anyone who prefers a modern hotel over a historic setting. You will need to drive or take transport to reach the centre's sights.
8. Outside the city: South Cave, Tickton and Beverley
If you would rather stay in the countryside, there are country-house hotels west of Hull. One sits in meadow and parkland some 7 miles west of Hull, just off the M62, with an 18-hole golf course and health club. Another is a Georgian country house in gardens on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, 3 miles west of Beverley and 10 miles from Hull.
These suit visitors with a car who want grounds, golf or a rural setting, and who do not mind driving in to see the city. They are also set up for weddings and conferences.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Small hotels and pub rooms, often with a handful of rooms and no meals on site, though breakfast and evening food are usually available nearby. Some sit on the edge of the centre or in residential areas; breakfast is often extra.
- Mid-range: Modern chain hotels in the city centre and at the marina, with more rooms, on-site dining and, in some cases, free Wi-Fi and parking. Weekend deals can be available.
- Splurge: Four-star hotels, including a country club in parkland west of the city and a Georgian country house near Beverley, with grounds, golf, health clubs and function facilities. There is also a four-star hotel within the city with a pool and fitness club.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in the city centre around Ferensway and the Paragon Interchange. It puts the railway station, the main shopping area and the restaurants and pubs of the marina all within a short walk, so you can see the centre on foot from the moment you arrive. From there, the old town and its museum quarter are an easy walk away.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay in Hull without a car?
The city centre is the sensible choice. Ferensway is the main road through the centre, the railway station is at the Paragon Interchange, and the main shopping area, the marina's restaurants and pubs, and the old town are all within walking distance.
Which part of Hull is best for evening restaurants and pubs?
The marina, where the popular restaurants and pubs are a short walk from the main shopping area and the railway station. The old town is the other main area of the centre and is also walkable.
Can I stay outside Hull and still visit the city?
Yes. There are country-house hotels west of the city, one just off the M62 about 7 miles from Hull and another near Beverley, about 10 miles away. Both are aimed at visitors with a car.
Where do budget travellers tend to stay?
On the edges of the centre and in nearby residential areas, such as around Beverley Road and Freetown Way, Prince's Avenue, and Cottingham Road opposite the University of Hull. These places tend to be small, with meals often taken nearby rather than on site.
Compare live prices for these areas with the booking tools on this page before you decide.