Kingston upon Hull, a busy port at the confluence of the River Hull and the Humber Estuary has acted as the gateway to the heart of England since Roman times.

The original town of Hull was conceived after King Edward I (1272-1307) decided he needed a secure port from which to supply his armies who were fighting the Scots. This haven on the River Hull fitted the role perfectly, as well as having a flourishing import/export trade. Edward's new town, Kyngestone-upon-Hull, was quickly established. Successive monarchs used Hull as their main east coast port, as a base for expeditions against the Scots, also for the assembly and dispatch of supplies to France. Ships were fitted out here and the town yielded a sizable tax revenue to the Royal Exchequer.

The Modern City of Hull is large and busy, shopping is made easy with a compact layout, car parking facilities and traffic-free streets, which are also the setting for live open-air entertainment during the spring and summer. One of the country's most exciting and scenic shopping centres is the impressive, glass-covered Princes Quay, which literally rose from the water to hover above Prince's Dock. As the area's largest shopping centre, it cleverly links the old and new parts of the town, leading to the heart of this historic city with sweeping views of the rejuvenated docklands.

Below is just a sample of the attractions you can visit...

The Deep

The Deep, one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world. This award-winning Yorkshire family attraction is home to 40 sharks and over 3,500 fish. The Deep is operated as a charity dedicated to increasing enjoyment and understanding of the world's oceans Visit The Deep website

Wilberforce House

Wilberforce, an MP for Hull and Yorkshire and a devout Christian, was horrified by the plight of slaves and was responsible for leading the fight that led to the abolition of slavery and subsequently, the bill that freed slaves in British colonies Visit the Wilberforce House website

Humber Bridge Country Park, Nature Reserve

The Humber Bridge Country Park Local Nature Reserve is a haven for people and wildlife set amongst woods, meadows, ponds and cliffs. The tree covered chalk terraces of the old chalk quarry offer dramatic views over the River Humber and towering Humber Bridge Visit the Country Park website

Fort Paull

Fort Paull is the only fully intact Napoleonic Fortress in the North. Covering 10 acres of land this Museum is full of Underground tunnels and rooms, fantastic exhibits and on most weekends throughout the Summer, fantastic displays and events. The Fort is also the home of the worlds only surviving Blackburn Beverley Aircraft. Visit the Fort Paull website