Hull is packed with brilliant attractions that won’t cost you a penny. Whether you’re a history lover, art fan, or simply exploring the city, there is plenty to keep you busy.
We’ve compiled a list of just some of the many FREE activities and places to visit with the family and to keep everyone entertained.
Museums & Galleries:
Learn about our city’s history and heritage in one of Hull’s fabulous FREE museums, starting in the Museums Quarter.
Streetlife Museum of Transport
Step back through 200 years of transport history at the Streetlife Museum. Wander down a recreated 1940s high street, hop aboard a vintage tram, and explore everything from early motor cars to horse‑drawn carriages. Situated in Hull’s Museums Quarter on High Street.
Hull and East Riding Museum of Archaeology
Travel 235 million years into the past at the Hull and East Riding Museum. From mammoths to Roman mosaics, the galleries bring the region’s ancient history to life. Located in the Museums Quarter, it offers a fascinating journey through time—at no cost.
The Museums Quarter also houses Wilberforce House, the birthplace of William Wilberforce—one of Britain’s most significant figures in the abolition of slavery. Visitors can learn about Wilberforce’s life, his political campaigns, and the wider history of the abolition movement within the walls of this elegant 17th‑century townhouse. Meanwhile, the Hands on History Museum, housed in Hull’s old Grammar School, offers an engaging look at the Story of Hull. It includes a remarkable Egyptian gallery and the chance to experience aspects of Victorian childhood through interactive displays—perfect for families and curious minds alike.
Ferens Art Gallery
The oldest art gallery in the city, Ferens stands proudly in Queen Victoria Square, housing one of the best and most accessible collections in the North of England. Its permanent collection includes art from the 14th century to present day, by artists such as Lorenzetti, Frans Hals, Antonio Canaletto, Helen Chadwick and Gillian Wearing, as well as an interactive children’s gallery.
Home to an impressive collection spanning 700 years of art, Ferens Art Gallery showcases everything from medieval masterpieces to modern works. This much‑loved gallery hosts free exhibitions throughout the year and sits right in the heart of Hull city centre.
New for 2026 the Spurn Light Ship, which played a key role in Hull’s maritime industries by guiding vessels as they navigated the Humber estuary, reopens to the public after a 14th month restoration. Now berthed in its new home, close to Murdoch's Connection bridge the ship is available to tour.
Humber Street Gallery
Located in the vibrant Fruit Market area, Humber Street Gallery is Hull’s contemporary arts hub. It features a rotating programme of exhibitions, installations, and events—many of which are free to enter—making it an essential stop for anyone interested in modern creativity.
Visit this vibrant, high-quality contemporary art space in Humber Street to experience a free programme of exhibitions, talks, performances, screenings and workshops. An Absolutely Cultured project and legacy of Hull’s year as the UK City of Culture 2017, permanent displays include Dead Bod, the city’s legendary graffiti that was saved from demolition by campaigners.
Trails and Walks:
No rods or nets required for the fabulous The Fish Trail, which weaves its way through Hull’s Old Town – simply find the 41 fish in the pavements, from the Warty Doris and Lumpsucker, to the wonderful Brill. The FREE accompanying Sammy’s Fish Trail and Activity Book can be collected from the Welcome Information Centre, Paragon Interchange.
It’s lights, camera, action as you walk in the steps of the stars on the Hullywood Trail. Explore Hull’s star-studded streets. Visit the sets of the blockbusters, Netflix originals, BBC icons and award-winning TV shows and walk in the footsteps of the stars.
Still can’t decide? Why not pick up a copy of one of our many other trails, in person from the Welcome Information Centre at Paragon Interchange, including:
- Look Up, Look Down Look All Around Trail
- The Blue Plaque Trail.
- The Wilberforce Trail
- The Statue Trail.
- The Lord Mayor’s Centenary Plaque Trail.
If a guided walk’s more your thing, learn about our rich maritime history with a FREE guided tour of the city centre on a Maritime City Guided Walk, a group of dedicated volunteers, who are accredited White Badge tours guides are offering guided tours for you to learn more about Hull and how the city has been shaped by its past, present and future. The tours will take place every Thursday and Saturday at 10.30am. Walks also take place on a Sunday at 11.30am and 1.30pm (these tours run from Spring through until Autumn)
Parks and Green Spaces:
Hull has an abundance of beautiful parks and green spaces. Fun galore can be found at all the parks throughout the city, including;
East Park
There is something for everyone in East Park from a children’s water play area to enjoying a game of bowls, banging and bashing with a selection of musical instruments made from reclaimed materials to riding the Splash Boat and Swan Boats. Take a well earned break at the Central Pavillion Café before visiting the free outdoor gym then rounding off your day at the Animal Education Centre.
West Park
West Park, next to the MKM Stadium, features a wildlife aviary, a children’s playground, outdoor gym, skatepark and outdoor table tennis as well as wide open green spaces. Other facilities include three bowling greens, a model railway and a paddling pool (open during the summer holidays).
Pickering Park
Come and join the fun at Pickering Park, home to a fishing lake, playgrounds, outdoor gym and a paddling pool (currently undergoing refurbishment). The park also has beautiful ornamental gardens and a wildlife pond. The Aviary is now open and a must see with collections of African birds, small mammals such as meerkats, porcupines and reptiles including tortoises.
Pearson Park
As the first public park in Hull, Pearson Park is a key part of the city’s heritage and still retains many of its historic features including the original perimeter carriage drive, a serpentine lake and seven Grade 2 listed structures. Not only is Pearson Park one of our most beautiful parks in the city, but it is also a great location to get active. With an outdoor gym on the park grounds, as well as the paths and carriage road acting as simple routes for jogging and running, Pearson Park meets all your fitness needs helping you to stay active and stay healthy while enjoying the outdoors.
