Back in the Easter holidays, we decided to go on yet another impromptu break – read all about our trip to Weston-Super-Mare and the Cheddar Gorge here. We couldn’t decide where to go and there wasn’t much choice left as everywhere was booked – until we thought of Hull.
My Uncle used to have a flat and a chip shop in Hull before he passed – I’m not sure if my aunt still has possession of it – and I grew up hearing all about it, the good and the bad. I wanted to see what it was like for myself so off we trotted for a weekend away.
Our Accommodation
We opted for a Premier Inn again – they are super affordable, spacious and comfy; the kids get free breakfast and we get an affordable breakfast too. They truly can’t be beaten on price for a weekend away, we always choose them. Olivia is always excited to go back to ‘The Moon and Stars’ as you can see by the look on her face below.
As we tend to use our hotel room as a base and not spend much time there, we didn’t really get any photos of it. However, it was very much your standard Premier Inn family room.
We took a walk around Hull the first evening we were there to take in our surroundings and see what it had to offer. Olivia took a liking to this statue and Jack just had to get a picture.
The Deep
We noticed the spectacular building of The Deep on our first evening there and had to find out what it was. When we found out that it was one of the UK’s biggest and best aquariums and one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world, we penciled in a visit for the next day. We booked online to save a little money and the kids were very excited to visit!
The Deep certainly lives up to the description of being spectacular. There are over 50 displays with over 5000 species. An education charity, all money made is re-invested into pioneering research, conservation activities and new exhibits. They are fully accessible to all and have a variety of interactive displays, shows and presentations to get involved with.
We spent a good few hours looking around The Deep and the kids really enjoyed themselves. We took plenty of photos although the quality of some aren’t that great due to the lighting however I am sure you will agree that The Deep is home to some truly beautiful species.
The ticket prices are affordable although I would advise you book online to save some money. Adults cost £14 on the door or £12.60 online, children aged 3-15 cost £11 on the door or £9.90 online with children under 3 and carers going free. Students and seniors (60+) cost £13 on the door or £11.70 online. Car parking is available at a cost of £3 for six hours – but beware, the car park machines only take cash however you can go in to the main desk and pay by card for your parking if you do not have any cash with you.
The experience we had at The Deep was great and we’d definitely visit again if we were ever in the area again.
The Dinosaur Museum
The wonderful Steph mentioned Dinostar – The Dinosaur Experience when I picked her brains about stuff to do in Hull so after leaving The Deep and with some time to spare, we popped in. Dinostar is Yorkshire’s only dinosaur attraction and is interactive, fun and suitable for children of all ages.
The attraction is quite small so it didn’t take us too long to get around but the kids had great fun – especially Jack who is dinosaur mad.
Admission costs £3 for adults and £1.50 for children or senior citizens. It is open every Saturday and Sunday and some school holidays.
A Little Walk & The Other Bits
Before heading off to Withernsea to the beach, we took another little walk around and took some photos. I also took this super cute photo of Olivia at breakfast and these cool milkshakes we found in Asda which I wanted to share here.
The Beach at Withernsea
When you are on holiday, you want to pop to the beach – right? So we drove a little way to Withernsea and spent a little time on the beach as a family before heading for ice cream – how good does it look?
The kids really enjoyed their paddle in the sea, they can be right little water babies!
After a busy, busy day, we headed to Gino’s restaurant in Hull for dinner. The food was good and more affordable than I expected however the restaurant was super hot and we couldn’t wait to get out into the cool night air and head back to our room to sleep.
A Stop At The Humber Bridge
After a wonderful weekend, we headed home – with a quick stop at Steve’s cousin’s in Lincolnshire for her birthday BBQ. We’d driven over the Humber Bridge to get into Hull and of course, were driving over it to get out but we wanted to see it’s magnificence for ourselves so we did a little research and found a fab little place to stop and get some photos.
Isn’t it wonderful? It always amazes me that people can design and build such things that withstand so much weight and last so many years! Seeing the Humber Bridge for myself really topped off a wonderful weekend.
I really enjoyed my weekend in Hull and would definitely consider going back in the future – is there anything you’d suggest I check out? Don’t forget to check out this post from Travelling With Boys for more things to do in Hull.
Pin the below image:
We’ve never been over this way before and it’s not somewhere I’ve considered but it sounds like it’s well worth a visit!
Sounds like you had a lovely weekend away, the aquarium sounds amazing.
Looks like you had a lovely impromptu weekend away in Hull. It’s years since I’ve been to Hull. I remember going to The Deep and having a great time there. Never been to Dinostar but it looks like a great place for kids and my Dino mad kids would love it. Really should visit Hull again sometime soon as the kids have never been.
Looks like you all had a great time in Hull. I’ve been to The Deep a few times and always think its a great place for a family day out.
The Deep sure is a distinctive looking building! I love aquariums so I’d definitely be down for spending a day there.
I love aquariums and The Deep looks fab. Looks like you had a fabulous day out
I’ve never been to Hull or around that area, but my friend used to live there and said it was a lovely place x
I’ve wanted to visit The Deep for SO long! It looks like such a fab place to go to with the kids 🙂
Louise x
I’ve only ever visited Hull to watch the rugby, we’ve never been and explored. It sounds like you had a great time.
What a fun family day out. I can see the kids had a lovely time.
I remember the brilliant Humber bridge. I would love to visit Hull again.. it was voted the city of culture recently too I think. Sounds like a great day out
Ohh the beach looks lovely and the The Deep is perfect for a fun day out with the kids – look like your really enjoyed themselves
Laura x
The Deep looks like a great day out, sounds like you all had a fab time.
I like to take a walk around the area when I first get to a destination. Then you can really sort out you plans for what you want to do. The deep looks awesome – I want to go!
Premier Inns are our go to budget option for accommodation in the UK. The beaches look great around that part of the UK!
We have visited The Deep a few times and last year my son jad a sleepover next to the big tank with Beavers which was pretty cool. It’s one of the best aquariums i have been to.
We love the Deep. We used to go a lot because once you’ve paid you can return as many times as you like for free for the next 12 months. We never like paying to park so used to walk down. The Premier inn is certainly handy
Brings back memories! I used to go to college near Hull and we did a few trips to the deep! The dinos look fun too. My two would like that.
Sounds like you had a great weekend, we love premier inns and travelodges, so convenient for visiting places. The Deep looks great and reasonably priced, my boys would love the dinosaur place too.
The Deep and that dinosaur look amazing places to visit!
All the council owned museums in Hull are free and there’s plenty to see – maritime museum, street life museum, Wilberforce House (Hull was home to the MP who fought for the abolishment of slavery, William Wilberforce) and the East Yorkshire museum. There are two good theatres – Hull Truck and the New theatre – both usually have decent and varied events on. After Hull there is nearby Beverley which is a bit like a mini York with a magnificent minster.
Hull has lots of free museums in the Old Town, in the museum quarter – cross the foot bridge from the Premier Inn and turn right to walk down cobbled streets (where Victoria was filmed) and you’ll find Street Life – great for kids.
https://www.hcandl.co.uk/museums-and-galleries/streetlife-museum/streetlife-museum
There’s also the East Riding Museum with a mammoth next door! Hull Minster, and Trinity Square is a good place to visit – food places are around the square and there are water features in the paving stones to splash in. Trinity Market has lots of great stalls, from traditional market stalls to street food. There’s the Maritime Museum in the centre, as well as the Wilberforce Museum – all free!