Hull City of Culture a fun visit
The city of Hull, (actually Kingston on Hull), is this year’s City of Culture
in the UK. I don’t know what I expected, but I found it a picturesque, vibrant and delightful place to visit.
The city is only a few miles from the village of Cottingham where my husband’s family lives and where we stayed. My sweet mother-in-law, Dorothy was a tour guide extraordinaire. A history buff, she gave me insights to the city and made sure I saw the hot spots. Bonus? She knew where to see all the cool stuff that doesn’t have entry fees. Most did accept donations, but there is a lot to see that won’t cost you a pence. The city has worked hard to offer a lot of free venues and numerous walking tours.
Paragon Station
We traveled like the locals, making use of the bus which meant no need to find and pay for parking. You’ll find lots to see within an easy walk of the Paragon Transport Interchange. While each bus follows its own route into the city, they all end up at the interchange. This huge center opened in 1847. Once dubbed “Hudson’s Folly” because of its gigantic scale. It has been revamped and rebuilt several times to keep up with needed changes and recover from direct bomb hits in WWII. This last year it got another update to get it ready for the tourists expected during the City of Culture events.
Paragon Station now includes 38 bus stands and 4 coach stands. On the other side of the station are six train platforms. And all of it undercover.
Don’t dash out of the station, there is much to see here
Food stands, gift shops, and florists vie for your attention. Want a break
and maybe a brew? Visit the Tigers Lair pub. This setting is the original emigrant waiting room used to keep these guests separated from the locals to minimize the risk of disease spreading.
Visit the huge statue of Philip Larkin beloved poet. In the flooring around him are slate plaques commemorating some of his poems.
You’ll also find a dimensional video commemorating William Wilberforce
who headed the movement to abolish slavery. And look up – you’ll find a full-size repleca of the Jason, the plane Amy Johnson flew solo to Australia.
On the path…
There are lots of must sees. Ferens Art Galery, Hull Minster, the Deep, Queens Gardens, the marina and so much more. The best thing you can do is stop by one of the numerous Visitor booths and friendly volunteers will be happy to share. They have walking maps based on your interests.
You can follow the Hull Firsts Trail to learn about the people and their accomplishments. Or take the Hull Blitz Trail if you
want to learn about the people and the city enduring 86 bombing raids in WWII.
Go on a quest for Larkin’s Toads. Many of the original 40 giant fiberglass based toads created as a commemorative fund raiser are still visible around the city. You will find them in a wide array of colorful artwork.
Those from Hull are quite proud to be able to make the claim that they
kept the king out. You can visit the spot where the famous Beverly Gate once stood. Here they refused the king entry. Thus began the Civil War.
Be sure to take your “brelly” because the weather can switch from sun to showers in a heartbeat. Thanks so much for a lovely tour Dorothy!!!!!
Schedule your trip to see touring art shows, watch an event or take in a concert. Visit the city’s website to explore your options: www.hull2017.co.uk
