Hull Lot of Nonsense: Britain’s Most Misunderstood City

Kingston upon Hull – a port city in East Yorkshire – has long carried a less than satisfactory reputation. In 2003 it ranked first place in Crap Towns earning it, briefly, the title “Britain’s crappest town”. In 2019, a ‘Briefing Report‘ commissioned by Hull City Council ranked the city as the fourth most deprived area in the UK out of 317. This ranking, combined with persistent headlines about high crime rates, teenage pregnancy and poverty, has led many across the country to avoid Hull or warn others against visiting. Constantly portrayed in the media as a ‘land of hell’, Hull’s image has suffered for years. Yet, home to around 250,000 residents, this city deserves far more credit — for Hull is, in truth, a w-hull-some (no groaning) and surprisingly attractive place.

It’s true that Hull contains some of the country’s most deprived council estates – Orchard Park and Bransholme, for instance – where crime and antisocial behaviour have long been central concerns. Both areas struggle with high levels of child and fuel poverty and low resident satisfaction. Local shops and youth centres are often targeted by abusive youths, with some businesses even falling victim to ram-raiding. It’s no surprise that many residents feel intimidated walking through their own neighbourhoods, where groups of hooded teenagers or young adults on stolen motorbikes gather. Moreover, citywide statistics reveal that Hull’s under-18 conception rate in 2022 was more than twice the national average, and its under-18 birth rate almost four times higher.

However, Hull is far from unique in facing such challenges. It’s nearly impossible to find an area in the UK untouched by similar social issues. London, for instance, has seen its recorded crime increase by 31.5% over the past decade, with violent crime up by 40%. Its poverty rate, at 26% after housing costs, is the highest in England. Yet London continues to attract millions of visitors each year, buoyed by its iconic landmarks and favourable media coverage. Hull could do the same if only we cast off the stigma and stereotypes that have long clouded its image. As a proud resident, I can assure you: there is far more to Hull than its reputation suggests.

Fortunately, Hull is finally being recognised for its potential. The National Geographic’s ‘2026 Best in the World’ list named Hull among the top 25 cities in the world to visit – our most remarkable achievement since being crowned UK City of Culture in 2017, an honour that brought in £32 million investment.

And why wouldn’t you want to visit Hull? The city boasts the Maritime Museum, home to nationally significant collections and one of the world’s finest displays of maritime artefacts, including an exceptional scrimshaw collection. Just a five-minute walk away lies the marina — a peaceful oasis amid the busy Humber Estuary. To one side stands the Humber Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, watching over waters once central to Britain’s fishing and trade industries. To the other stands The Deep, a stunning blue aquarium and museum of sea life. Surrounding these attractions, Humber Street buzzes with life, lined with independent restaurants, pubs, cafés and shops that showcase Hull’s vibrant modern culture. Areas around Hull are some of the most affluent in the region, with Beverly, Swanland and Ferriby home to some of the most expensive mansions and restaurants.

Hull has also been successful in terms of music. The Adelphi Club, a popular local venue for alternative music, has achieved notability outside of Hull, having hosted some of the most famous bands such as Green Day, the Stone Roses, Radiohead and Oasis. And Fatboy Slim and the indie rock band Housemartins – one of the members being Paul Heaton, who later reinvented the band as the Beautiful South – originated from Hull.

Hull has also produced some of Britain’s most notable figures: Amy Johnson, the pioneering aviator who became the first woman to fly solo from London to Australia; William Wilberforce, the politician and philanthropist who led the movement to abolish the Atlantic slave trade; Philip Larkin, the acclaimed poet and novelist, who spent 30 years in Hull, producing some of his best poetry while working at the University of Hull; and John Venn, the mathematician who gave us the Venn diagram. And of course, Hull has its own unique culinary claim to fame – chip spice – a locally invented seasoning beloved by residents and visitors alike. 

Plus, one could not omit to mention the sporting culture. Two Rugby League sides (Hull FC and Hull KR), one of which (Hull KR) has recently had significant sporting success winning the Challenge Cup, League Cup and the Grand Final. We also have a football club (Hull City AFC) which had fame and success in the early 2000s getting promoted to the Premier League. We are currently in the League below. The most prestigious memory for the club was when they found themselves in the FA Cup final in 2014, when Arsenal defeated us 3-2. Hull City has not had the most significant success out of these three sporting clubs, but it is the most notable club, adding to our rich sporting history. 

The small issues in Hull should not detract from the wonders of my great hometown. Deep down in Hull, there are many remarkable aspects to uncover. You just must visit to see.

Jack Watson is a 17 year-old schoolboy in Year 12. You can read his Substack about following Hull City FC here. Follow him on X here.