Kingston Upon Hull, better known as ‘Hull’ sits on the banks of the river Hull, surrounded by picturesque English countryside. The city plays host to the annual Freedom Festival which includes an exhilarating programme filled with theatre, art, poetry, and music. The city also boasts the world’s largest Yorkshire pudding factory – now that’s got our tummies rumbling! It looks like there’s no better time to visit this vibrant, up and coming city.

Top accessible attractions in Hull

One of Hull’s top family friendly attractions, The Deep, is an award-winning aquarium which is home to a colony of Gentoo penguins and thousands of fish! With an awesome 5-star rating, one reviewer praised the aquarium staff for their helpfulness saying: ‘The staff were so helpful. The coffee shop by the penguins had just closed but we were after a quick drink before the penguins being fed. So I didn't have to wheel all the way up to the main café, staff accompanied my other party members to go and pick up some drinks to bring down. This was so kind and it was at their suggestion.’

Toilets and accessibility also got a thumbs up from one visitor who wrote: ‘There was a disabled entrance with a wide automatic door. Lifts take you to the top, then there is a gentle slope down. What was nice was that there were three disabled toilets each at a different level. One near the entrance, one by picnic area/cafe and one by the restaurant cafe on the top floor.’ The centre offers tunnel access within the aquarium so you really do feel like you’re swimming with the fish – over 3,500 of them! One reviewer shared their tip: ‘braille copies of the guidebook are available at reception to borrow that are free of charge.’

Continuing the aquatic theme, one reviewer visited the Hull Maritime Museum and had a whale of a time – giving it 4 stars! They said the museum was ‘a history of the maritime culture and seafaring industry within Hull and is situated within a beautiful listed building.’ The museum is free of charge but donations are welcome. This reviewer also gave the staff 5 stars saying they were ‘friendly and helpful’ and that there is ‘alternative level access available and a button for assistance is clearly identifiable.’

Another glowing 5-star review in Hull goes to the Street Life Museum of Transport. It’s fun for kids and grown-ups alike and this reviewer wrote: ‘free entry. Fantastic museum of old streets, transport and days gone by. Lots of hands on things to do. All in all a great half day out!!’ Not only is this museum great fun, but the disabled access is top notch with the toilet described as ‘immaculate!’

Unwind in Hull

If all of this exploring has tired you out, why not head to Hull’s Healthy Living Centre? You can relax in the pool, sauna, or steam room, or if you’re still feeling energetic, head to the gym or one of the adapted gym classes. The centre has awesome accessibility and has been given 5 stars by one reviewer who said it has: ‘Full disabled access to all its facilities. In the healthy living centre there is a multi gym, sports hall and hydrotherapy pool, sauna/steam room with full disabled changing facilities and hoists. Staff are really helpful as assist where appropriate. The pool can be set to certain temperatures depending on personal needs. The staff are all trained to use the hoists in and out of the pool. Gym classes are adapted for those with disabilities and the elderly and take place within the sports hall.’

If you enjoy keeping active, East Riding Leisure Haltemprice is another top rated sports centre in Hull worth checking out. With 5 stars, one reviewer told us it has: ‘a 25m swimming pool which provides a wide range of activities and session to suit all ages and abilities. The centre offers a wide range of facilities such as; fitness suite, clubs, squash, exercise classes, parties, cafe and a library.’ The car park is located near the entrance with six accessible parking bays and there are lots of accessible toilets inside. This reviewer also wrote that there was: ‘level access up to the rear entrance of the centre. Lifts available to second floor and automatic opening door to front entrance.’ Other activities at this site include a skate park, outdoor play park and Haltemprice Bowling Club.

After some relaxation or exercise why not have a bite to eat at Nibble? A reviewer states that it is a 'fantastic eatery for breakfast/brunch/lunch' and they have vegetarian options. They are also dog friendly and the staff have been described as friendly and welcoming. 

Explore the outdoors

Now, if it’s a beautiful day outside you don’t want to be stuck indoors. One reviewer has the perfect outdoor experience to recommend! East Park is a 5-star attraction described as a ‘lovely venue which can easily fill a day for all ages and abilities!’ One reviewer said: ‘the animals are all friendly and visitors can interact with most’, and described the enclosures as being ‘all at a level so that everyone can see through the gaps in the fencing.’

‘The play park is interactive with climbing frames, trampolines, swings (including one for wheelchair users), a zip wire and much more.’ There is also a huge range of bikes available for all ages and abilities. The great thing about this place is it’s free of charge! Don’t forget to pack a picnic and enjoy the sun in the beautiful surroundings.

Get cultured

If you’re looking for evening entertainment, why not try Hull Truck Theatre? The theatre was closely involved in the bid for the UK City of Culture and is listed on Euan’s Guide describing their facilities a:'accessible with: level access from the street to the Box Office, lower foyer, Main Theatre and Studio Theatre, wheelchair lift access to all public areas.’

Hull Truck Theatre is yet to be reviewed on Euan's Guide, could you be the first to write about your experience of their disabled access and facilities? 

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Last Updated – January 2020