Hull is in line for a major tourism boost after securing a spot on National Geographic’s annual list of the world’s 25 must-visit destinations.
The East Yorkshire city is the only place in Britain featured on the magazine’s “Best of the World” list – and appears alongside world capitals Manila, Beijing and natural wonders like the North Dakota Badlands.
Nat Geo hails Kingston-upon-Hull’s “defiant spirit” and the “mighty” Humber Estuary’s role in the North Sea’s Hanseatic League.
It also praises its “most famous son”, anti-slavery pioneer William Wilberforce, and talks up its full English breakfasts, pubs and more.
“There was a sense of surprise for some,” said Mike Ross, the city council’s Liberal Democrat leader. “But why shouldn’t Hull be one of the top 25 places? It has got so much going for it.
“This is a place that can do things and we want more people to see that.”
The recognition comes as Hull nears completion of an ambitious £70million-valued city-wide transformation – with the £30million Hull Maritime project at its heart.
A restored deep-sea trawler called the Arctic Corsair, often dubbed Hull’s Cutty Sark, will be the main attraction.
Built in 1960, the 57-metre vessel once broke world records for landing the largest haul of cod and haddock in a single year.
The ship operated during Britain’s cod wars with Iceland and has been closed to visitors since 2018 for restoration work.
Hull is the only place in Britain featured on National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World’ list
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A floating lighthouse called the Spurn Lightship will also reopen following refurbishment.
For half a century, this vessel guided ships through the dangerous waters of the Humber Estuary.
Queen’s Gardens, a former dock, is also receiving a £21million makeover as part of wider improvements to Hull’s public spaces.
Dunston Ship Repairs carried out the restoration, with the firm widely praised for going above and beyond.
“People need to be on it, it needs to be seen,” said Dave Clark, the company’s technical director.
“People need to hear the stories, to see the working conditions… men working 16 hours a day.
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The Register Office is just one of the city’s impressive Regency buildings
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“We are all from Hull and most of the people who work for us have been involved in the fishing industry their whole life and you can see the pride that has been put into it.”
Former crew members have also contributed their expertise.
Cliff Gledhill, a retired maritime engineer, first boarded the Arctic Corsair 52 years ago.
“It was a very successful ship with quite a history. It was the pride of the fleet. This is going to be a massive attraction.”
The Maritime Museum will welcome visitors again following a five-year closure.
Ferens Art Gallery is among Hull’s main attractions
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Housed in former dock offices, the grade II*-listed building required significant roof repairs.
Curator Robin Diaper said the team aimed for world-class standards comparable to museums in New York, Paris or London.
“But we also want a young mother from the Orchard Park estate to be able to just walk in and for it to be hers as well.”
A stuffed polar bear named Erik, on loan from Dundee, remains a popular attraction.
Hull also boasts the Ferens Art Gallery, Wilberforce House Museum, The Deep aquarium – and many more besides.