Hull has always been a city shaped by the sea. Now, one of its most important cultural attractions is ready to welcome visitors once again. The highly anticipated reopening of Hull Maritime Museum marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, bringing the city's rich maritime heritage to life for a new generation of visitors. Following a major £20.4 million transformation, the museum reopens on 8 August 2026 with expanded galleries, immersive displays and more than 1,300 objects on show.
If you're planning a visit, there's no easier way to get there than with Hull Trains. With direct services from London King's Cross to Hull, you can leave the car behind and arrive in the heart of the city relaxed, refreshed and ready to explore.
A New Era for Hull Maritime Museum
Situated in the beautifully restored former Dock Offices in Queen Victoria Square, Hull Maritime Museum tells the story of the city's 800-year relationship with the sea. Visitors can explore fascinating exhibits covering merchant shipping, fishing, whaling, trade, migration and Arctic exploration.
The redevelopment has dramatically increased public exhibition space and introduced a range of new experiences. Highlights include:
- A spectacular 40-foot North Atlantic right whale skeleton
- One of the world's most significant collections of scrimshaw
- Interactive displays for visitors of all ages
- A brand-new planetarium showcasing how sailors once navigated by the stars
With free admission and a prime city centre location, the museum is set to become one of Yorkshire's must-visit attractions.
Travel Direct from London with Hull Trains
Reaching Hull Maritime Museum couldn't be simpler thanks to Hull Trains' direct service between London King's Cross and Hull.
The journey takes as little as 2 hours 30 minutes, allowing visitors from the capital to travel comfortably without changing trains. Hull Trains operates regular daily services and offers free Wi-Fi, plug sockets at every seat and First Class options for those looking to make their journey even more enjoyable.
For travellers arriving from London, the convenience starts before you even board. King's Cross is one of the UK's best-connected stations, with Underground links across the capital and easy connections from across Europe from St Pancras International.
Hull Trains Stations
Hull Trains connects communities across the east coast of England, serving:
- London King's Cross
- Stevenage
- Grantham
- Retford
- Doncaster
- Selby
- Howden
- Brough
- Hull
- Cottingham
- Beverley
This makes Hull Maritime Museum easily accessible not only from London, but also from South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Hertfordshire, North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire.
From Hull Station to Hull Maritime Museum
Once you arrive at Hull Paragon Interchange, the museum is only a short walk away.
The route takes approximately 10 minutes through the city centre, passing shops, cafés and some of Hull's best-known landmarks. The museum sits prominently in Queen Victoria Square, directly opposite Ferens Art Gallery, making it easy to find even for first-time visitors.
For those spending a full day in the city, Hull's compact centre means you can combine your museum visit with attractions such as The Deep, Hull's Museums Quarter and the city's vibrant independent shopping and food scene.
Why Visit Now?
The reopening of Hull Maritime Museum is one of the most significant cultural events in Hull for years. After six years of restoration work, visitors can experience an attraction that celebrates the city's past while creating a world-class visitor experience for the future.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, planning a family day out or simply looking for inspiration for your next rail adventure, there's never been a better time to visit.
And with direct trains from London King's Cross and stations across the Hull Trains network, discovering Hull's maritime story has never been easier.
Book your Hull Trains journey, step off the train in the heart of the city, and be among the first to experience the remarkable new Hull Maritime Museum. 🚆⚓️🌊
