It once topped the list for the 50 Worst Places to Live in the UK over a decade ago.
A book titled Crap Town described Hull as a ‘sad story of unemployment, teenage pregnancy, heroin addiction, crime, violence and rampant self-neglect.’
But now, it has skyrocketed to landing a spot on the National Geographic’s top 25 best global destinations in the world.
In the last ten years, the city has ‘significant[ly]’ improved, according to the publication.
And in 2017 ‘underrated’ city was named the UK City of Culture, and has been recognised for its cultural site such as the Spurn Lightship and the Arctic Corsair.
Elsewhere its Maritime Museum has been granted a £27.5million renovation to highlight the city’s 800-year seaside heritage – and is due to open its doors in 2026.
Resident Susan Hogan, who has travelled 79 countries and has visited the likes of Vancouver, Rio de Janeiro and Hawaii think the city ‘holds its town’.
Susan Hogan is enjoying an autumnal stroll around Hull Marina – and her Disney T-shirt is apt.
She told The BBC: ‘The only thing the city is missing is a big, yellow ball in the sky!’
In 2025, a book titled Crap Town described Hull as a ‘sad story of unemployment, teenage pregnancy, heroin addiction, crime , violence and rampant self-neglect.’
But now, it has skyrocketed to landing a spot on the National Geographic’s top 25 best global destinations in the world
Elsewhere council leader Mike Ross has been left thrilled by the city’s recent accolade, branding it a ‘powerful recognition of how far’ the city has come.
He added the recognition highlights the ‘incredible work’ taking place across Hull, including the revitalisation of museums, historic ship and the Marina.
‘It’s a testament to the passion and dedication of our communities, cultural partners and everyone working to make Hull a place people want to visit, explore, and return to,’ he added.
However, some residents have been left ‘shocked’ by the recent tile bestowed on to the northern city, with local Terry Cook, 66, saying he wouldn’t have been so blown away had it only been a list for the UK or England.
And while fellow residents Doreen Barnes and her husband Ken were both surprised were also shocked, they spoke of how their home has ‘so much to offer.
‘The museums are fantastic – and free. It has beautiful buildings. Where we are now is beautiful,’ Mrs Barnes said while looking out across the sea.
Sixty-year-old Sean was left ‘baffled’ by Hull’s place on the worldwide list, describing the town he has lived in for nearly four decades as ‘not intimidating’.
‘That may not sound like praise but some larger cities, like Leeds and Manchester, can feel quite intimidating. Hull has a big town feel rather than a big city vibe,’ he said.
Sitting near the Murdoch’s Connection, a footbridge extending from the A63, said Hull had a real sense of community.
Recalling how the place has transformed in the 25-years he has lived there, he noted how the nearby award-winning aquarium was a great place to take children.
His partner Danielle Mullan added: ‘This is my favourite place in Hull. On a day like today, the sun shining, looking out at the boats, you could be anywhere.’
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How Hull went from being named ‘UK’s worst town’ to one of the top destinations to visit in the WORLD
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