Hidden Gems in Hull: Your Summer 2026 Guide
Hull is one of those cities that rewards people who are willing to have a look around. There's a lot going on here that doesn't always make it onto the obvious lists, and we're in a pretty good spot to tell you about it. Based right in the Old Town, we're surrounded by some of the best independent businesses in the city.
Here's what we'd point you towards this summer…
Start With Paragon Arcade (Seriously, Don't Skip It)
Paragon Arcade is one of the hidden gems in Hull that locals already know about, but visitors tend to walk straight past. It's a Victorian arcade sitting just off the city centre, and it's packed with independent businesses that are well worth your time.
For food, Norma Sicilian Pasta Kitchen is a newer addition from the team behind Santi's. Fresh pasta, cannoli, gelato, and Southern Italian flavours done properly. Salt & Pepper Club takes inspiration from Chinese street food, with small dishes of sticky, sweet, salty chicken, beef, tofu, and chips. Oishii Ne changes their sushi and ramen offerings regularly, so it's always worth a look to see what's on that day.
For a browse, Out of the Attic is a record shop with five decades of music and memorabilia behind it. Record Store Day here is not to be missed if you're around for it. Segal's Jewellers has been operating in Hull for over a century, with new, second-hand, and antique pieces across the board. And Artisan Flowers is worth a wander through (their dried arrangements are dotted around Hideout, so you've probably already seen their work).
See all of our Paragon Arcade food picks and shopping recommendations on the site.
Humber Street: Hull's Creative Quarter
Humber Street sits in the Fruit Market area, which has grown a lot over the last decade and continues to be one of the more interesting parts of the city to spend an afternoon in. It's one of those things to do in Hull that tends to turn into a full day out without much planning.
Plant & Paint sells houseplants, ceramics, gifts, and homeware, and runs workshops and repotting events throughout the year. Form is a print and stationery shop with a solid range of homeware, books, and ceramics, and they run a Sketch Club on selected Saturdays too. For vintage clothing, Chinese Laundry has been here since 2004 and now has stores in Leeds and York as well. Poorboy Boutique is another good option for a rummage through one-off vintage finds.
See the full Humber Street shopping guide for more.
Eating and Drinking Around the Old Town
There's a lot happening on the food and drink front in Hull right now, and a fair bit of it is right on our doorstep.
Hearth is just around the corner from us. Bakery downstairs during the day, and upstairs they're cooking over an open fire in the evenings with a menu built around local and seasonal ingredients. It's open Wednesday to Sunday and is well worth booking ahead for. Food For Cowboys is doing Mexican small plates in the evening and brunch and coffee during the day, Tuesday to Sunday, and it's got a lot of character.
Trinity Market next door is our go-to for a casual lunch. Greko, Tapasya Kitchen, and Falafia are all solid options in there. And if you're around this summer, Hull Street Food Nights at Zebedees Yard is two minutes from Hideout and runs across the summer months. It's a good one.
For more, take a look at where to drink in Hull and our local favourites.
Where to Stay: Our ApartHotel in Yorkshire
Hideout is an ApartHotel in Yorkshire, based in Hull's Old Town, and everything on this list is within walking distance. The apartments are set up so you've got your own space, with super king beds, smart TVs, free laundry, and weekly cleaning included. It works well for a weekend away, and equally well if you're staying for a bit longer.
Book directly with us for the best rates.