Exploring Hull’s Hidden Gems
Coming to Hull for a relaxed getaway? You’ve picked the perfect destination!
Hull is a city that boasts a vibrant culture, rich history and a plethora of hidden gems. There are endless places to discover and explore in Hull, and even better, it’s all on our doorstep here at Hideout Hotel. Here are some of our favourite hidden gems around Hull.
Fruit Market, Hull
It may not be considered a hidden gem anymore - it’s one of the most popular spots in Hull now but we couldn’t write a list of our favourite places in Hull and not include Fruit Market!
Packed with independent bars, restaurants, cafes, arts, culture and retail stores - there’s something down Fruit Market for everyone no matter the time of day (or night). Formally a hub for Hull’s fruit and veg trade, the Fruit Market has undergone heavy investment over the past decade and has fast become one of Hull’s favourite spots for everything from galleries and gyms to bars and restaurants.
Hepworth Arcade & Trinity Market
Two of Hull’s independent and oldest hidden gems, Hepworth Arcade and Trinity Market, are just around the corner from each other and around the corner from Hideout Hotel!
Hepworth Arcade is a Victorian arcade that is home to several iconic independent Hull shops, including the famous and wonderfully weird Dinsdale’s Joke Shop. In its early years, Hepworth Arcade was home to chemists, milliners and confectioners after Joseph Hepworth set out to build his dream arcade, completion of the arcade is believed to be 1897.
Hepworth Arcade was also where Mr Marks and Mr Spencer opened one of their first penny bazaars.
Trinity Market is Hull’s second market hall, originally for fruit, flowers and vegetable trade. Its doors were opened in 1904 and by 1928, the market contained 74 stalls. During the Second World War, the market was damaged by bombing, as was a lot of Hull. Thankfully, by 1950, the market hall was further extended. Now, Trinity Market has undergone a recent refurbishment and redesign creating a vibrant and inviting shopping atmosphere.
England’s Smallest Window
If you’re looking for something quirky to spot on your walks around the city, England’s smallest window is worth a visit - it may even be a contender for the world’s smallest window although this isn’t officially confirmed.
Originally used by a porter to keep a lookout for any stage coaches that needed immediate attention, the window is located in Hull’s oldest surviving pub, The George Hotel, dating back to 1683 - Here’s how to find England’s smallest window!
Beverley Gate
If you were to walk down Whitefrigate towards Princes Quay, you may walk past the remains of the Beverley Gate without even knowing what the site is and the significance it holds.
The first talk of the Beverley Gate was in 1321 when King Edward II issued a Charter to the port of Hull which allowed the town’s Burgessess the right to fortify and enclose Hull with moats and a wall of stone and lime. An estimated 4.7 million bricks were used to encircle the town with walls, gateways and towers.
From sieges to hangings, the Gate saw everything. Fast forward over 300 years, to 1642, and the Beverley Gate encountered one of its most historic events.
Upon King Charles I’s visit to Hull, Sir John Hotham refused the king’s entry to the city. This act of defiance has since widely been acknowledged as the spark of the English Civil War.
A lot of history for something you may have otherwise missed - definitely worth checking out, especially after the redevelopment projects!
Hull’s High Street
High Street is the oldest street in Hull dating back centuries and is a street that essentially built the city into what it is today. Without High Street and its easy access streets running down to the River Hull, the city certainly wouldn’t have as much historical significance and wouldn’t have benefitted from the same amount of investment.
Now, High Street is home to independent pubs and businesses and still proudly boasts its historical features, including cobbled streets and Victorian buildings. More recently, High Street has transformed the city into ‘Hullywood’, providing a filming location for films and shows including:
Enola Holmes
Victoria
The Personal History of David Copperfield
A Royal Night Out
Hull’s Old Town Hotel
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel to stay whilst you explore everything Hull has to offer, including the hidden gems, Hideout Hotel is the perfect place. Located in the heart of the Old Town, we’re incredibly close to everything Hull has to offer, and we’re on hand if you need any suggestions! If you’re ever looking for inspiration for your Hull getaway, take a look at our Instagram!