The UK City Everyone's Talking About: Why National Geographic Predicts It's Going to Boom Next Year!

WHEN Brits think about the best cities in the UK, the ones that come to mind are probably the likes of York, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, Brighton or London.

But according to National Geographic , one of ‘best places in the world to travel to in 2026’ is – all thanks to its lively bar scene, award-winning aquarium, and completion of a huge project costing millions.

The city of Hull is full of museums and Dutch architectureCredit: GETTY Hull has a very rich maritime history and has put money into conserving itCredit: ALAMY

Hull, is a port city in East that sits on the north bank of the river Humber.

National Geographic has named it as one of the best places in the entire world to visit next year, but it’s not always been so up and coming.

For example in Hull took top spot in the book Crap Towns: The 50 Worst Places to Live in the UK back in 2003.

However, it’s set to become more popular in 2026, and National Geographic mentioned that one of the reasons why is Hull’s investment into conserving its rich maritime .

Hull was a very important trade route during the 13th and 14th centuries.

Thanks to this, you can see Dutch-influenced buildings that line the streets of the quaint Old Town.

Since 2020, the Maritime Museum has been undergoing a huge revamp worth £11million, but it will finally reopen to the public next year.

This has been part of a wider £27.5 million project to promote Hull’s maritime history which has gone into restoring the museum and ships.

Another reason is the city’s new leisure spots that have transformed warehouses and the old waterside Fruit Market to become bars, , and art galleries.

The publication added: “There’s also a spectacular performance amphitheater, called Stage@TheDock, overlooking River Hull where it meets the Humber Estuary.”

The Deep is one of the country’s best aquariums and looks over the HumberCredit: Getty You’ll be spoiled for choice trying when looking for a pubCredit: Alamy

It continued: “And a former shipyard has for over 20 years been the base for The Deep , one of the United Kingdom’s most highly respected aquariums and marine conservation centers.”

The Deep is one of the country’s best , and the attraction is listed as one of top thing to do on Hull’s .

Inside, visitors will be able to see , turtles, penguins, and the UK’s only Green sawfish.

Head into the city and you’ll find the towering Hull Minster, the largest parish church in (by floor area), it’s over 700 years old and is known to have some of the finest medieval brickwork in the country.

If visitors want to get a panoramic view of Hull, they can choose to climb the 180 steps up the spiral staircase.

It’s not just all about , as Hull is a star of the screen having been used in the backdrop of lots of well-known TV shows and movies.

It even has its own showbiz trail called ‘ It Must Be Hullywood ‘, a walking route designed for tourists to see sites of their favourite shows.

And they’re big shows too like , Bodies, and ‘s Victoria starring .

Visitors to Hull can download a guide or grab a leaflet to follow the trail at their own pace.

It’s not the first time Hull has been revealed to be a city on the rise, it was even named one of . In 2017, Hull was named the UK City of Culture.

Hull Minster is one of England’s biggest churchesCredit: Alamy Hope Brotherton visited Hull last year where she climbed Hull Minster towerCredit: Supplied

Last year, Sun Travel explored Hull as part of Sun Travel’s series, and writer , here’s what she discovered.

For shopping, Hope suggested heading to Humber Street which used to be lined with fruit and veg traders but now has cool independent clothing and shops, an art gallery and some of the city’s trendiest .

When it comes to things to do, head to Dinostar , an interactive dinosaur museum designed specifically for inquisitive kids where there’s everything from yrannosaurus Rex skull to Triceratops bones.

Other stops include the William Wilberforce House Museum and the Hull & East Riding Museum of Archaeology .

Hull has plenty of and in 2023 was crowned the last year – some of Hope’s favourite included The Minerva pub and the Lion and Key .

The city is also rightfully proud of their Hearth Restaurant & Bakery , which is even listed in the Guide.

After spending a weekend in the city, Hope said: “From its maritime history to its free walking tours and other cultural attractions, Hull has it all for a great weekend break.

After in the city, I could see why the locals I met are so proud to come from Hull – I would be, too.”

Hull in Yorkshire is set to become incredibly popular in 2026Credit: Alamy