What’s going for it? “It’s never dull in Hull”, says the mug I picked up at the museum. Indeed, it isn’t. But it’s time we ditched the ’ull and revelled in the polysyllabic glory of its proper name – Kiiiings-ston upon Hull. For Hull was, and is, glorious. It’s had – is having – rough times. When JB Priestley popped by on his English Journey during the Great Depression, he marvelled at its civic culture and prosperity. Fast-forward 80 years and while the former is very much in evidence, it could do with a hefty dose of the latter. The rest of the country has deigned to pop by this year while it is UK City of Culture. Visitors will see its minster, its beautiful (yes, beautiful) streets and excellent art; they will pay their respects to Philip Larkin and Throbbing Gristle; and stand on the banks of the Humber, marvelling at the views. I just hope that, come 2018, when the limelight fades, this wonderful place gets the future it deserves.
The case against A big city that needs investment to turn it around. The recent arrival of Siemens is a boon, but social and economic stats are troubling.
Well connected? Trains: three an hour to Doncaster (50-70 mins); hourly to Leeds (an hour) and Manchester (two hours); and an unforgivable 70 mins, every two hours, to York; a great service to London (two hours 30 mins, hourly). Driving: the coast in 40 mins; over an hour to York, Leeds and Doncaster. My, Hull buses are good.
Schools Many good primaries; while Bricknell, Thoresby, Collingwood, Clifton are “outstanding”. Secondaries: The Boulevard Academy, Sirius Academy West, Kelvin Hall and St Mary’s Catholic are all “outstanding”.
Hang out at… With students and the hipperati on Newland or Princes Avenues. East Park Chippy for a bag of chips and a patty sitting in the park. Or if you’re posh, 1884 on the marina is blooming good.
Where to buy Second world war bombing did for much of the inner-city housing, but the old town around the minster is full of gems. Follow Beverley Road north for in-demand areas such as Pearson Park and Princes Avenue. Also around East Park, Pickering Park, Anlaby Park and the Garden Village. Large detacheds and town houses, £300,000-£600,000. Detacheds and smaller town houses, £90,000-£300,000. Semis, £70,000-£300,000. Terraces and cottages, £40,000-£250,000. Flats, £30,000-£220,000. Rentals: a one-bed flat, £275-£750pcm; a three-bed house, £400-£800pcm.
Bargain of the week Lots. And lots of doer-uppers. I wouldn’t say no to this three-bed Victorian terrace, £170,000, with beercocks.com.
From the streets
Laura Martin “Best place to eat – Thieving Harrys. Great coffee at Two Gingers in Paragon Arcade. Sunday afternoons are best spent by the marina.”
Julie Marrow “The Maritime Museum is free, a beautiful building and well worth a visit.”
Jane Bennett-Powell “The huge minster and the square in front of it is like being in Bruges.”
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