The East Yorkshire city of Hull has secured a remarkable spot on the global tourism map, being named as one of the world's top 25 must-visit destinations for 2026 by National Geographic. It stands as the sole UK representative on the prestigious annual list, which also features locations such as Manila, Beijing, and the North Dakota Badlands.
A £70m Maritime Transformation
This international recognition comes as Hull nears the completion of an ambitious £70m regeneration project focused on its rich seafaring heritage. City leaders believe this investment will firmly establish Hull as a destination for international visitors, building on the momentum from its successful tenure as the UK City of Culture in 2017.
The centrepiece of the Hull Maritime project is the meticulous restoration of the Arctic Corsair, a deep-sea trawler launched in 1960. The vessel, often called Hull's Cutty Sark, has a storied history: it operated during the Cod Wars with Iceland and once broke world records for its annual catch of cod and haddock. After being closed to the public in 2018, the 57-metre trawler has been returned to its former glory by local firm Dunston Ship Repairs.
"People need to be on it, it needs to be seen," said Dave Clark, technical director at Dunston. "People need to hear the stories, to see the working conditions… men working 16 hours a day." The trawler's eventual move to a permanent dry-dock home will be a complex operation involving dredging.
Key Attractions Set for 2026 Opening
The project encompasses several major attractions all scheduled to open in 2026. Alongside the Arctic Corsair, the Spurn Lightship—which for five decades guided vessels through the perilous Humber estuary—will reopen following a significant refurbishment.
Meanwhile, the city's Maritime Museum, housed in grand former dock offices, is preparing to welcome visitors again after a five-year closure. The restoration has addressed urgent issues, such as fixing a roof that once required plastic sheeting to protect whale skeletons from rain. Curators plan to display a far greater portion of the collection, including the popular stuffed polar bear named Erik.
"We wanted to make the whole project world-class," explained curator Robin Diaper. "It's of a standard you might see in New York or Paris or London. But we also want a young mother from the Orchard Park estate to be able to just walk in and for it to be hers as well."
Overcoming a Historic Reputation
The inclusion of Hull in the global list has pleasantly surprised some, given the city's long-standing battle with perception, humorously encapsulated in a 17th-century rhyme: "From Hell, Hull and Halifax, good Lord deliver us." However, Mike Ross, the Liberal Democrat leader of Hull City Council, expressed no such surprise.
"There was a sense of surprise for some," Ross admitted. "But why shouldn't Hull be one of the top 25 places? It has got so much going for it… The challenge is for people not to be surprised they might have a great time in Hull, but to know in advance that they will. If we can do that, we've made it."
With additional draws like the Ferens Art Gallery, Wilberforce House Museum, and The Deep aquarium, Hull is poised for a significant tourism boost. The 2026 openings mark the culmination of a project that has faced delays, finally positioning this resilient port city as a world-class heritage destination.
