
Hepworth Arcade
A stunning Victorian L-shaped arcade in Hull, boasting Grade II listed architecture, unique independent shops, and a vibrant community feel.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed browsing

Hepworth Arcade
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed browsing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Victorian L-shaped arcade in Hull, boasting Grade II listed architecture, unique independent shops, and a vibrant community feel.
"It's a very interesting place to visit and I very much enjoy visiting here on my days off."

🎯 Explore Every Nook
Don't miss the smaller passages leading to the indoor market and pubs!
🧥 Military Surplus Finds
Beasley's Clothing is the spot for ex-military wear in Hull.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinsdales Joke Shop
Between Lowgate and Silver Street
A legendary institution for over 90 years, this joke shop is a must-visit for its quirky charm and novelty items.

Victorian Architecture
Throughout the arcade
Marvel at the original glass roof and intricate architectural details of this L-shaped Victorian gem.

Independent Boutiques
Various units
Explore unique shops like JE Books, Beasley's Clothing, and Fanthorpes Hi-Fi, offering a curated selection of goods.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Victorian Charm
Discover Hidden Gems
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore Every Nook
Don't miss the smaller passages leading to the indoor market and pubs!
🧥 Military Surplus Finds
Beasley's Clothing is the spot for ex-military wear in Hull.
📚 Bookworm's Paradise
JE Books offers a fantastic selection of new and secondhand reads.
🎶 Audiophile's Dream
Fanthorpes Hi-Fi has top-quality audio equipment at the Silver Street entrance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore Every Nook
Don't miss the smaller passages leading to the indoor market and pubs!
🧥 Military Surplus Finds
Beasley's Clothing is the spot for ex-military wear in Hull.
📚 Bookworm's Paradise
JE Books offers a fantastic selection of new and secondhand reads.
🎶 Audiophile's Dream
Fanthorpes Hi-Fi has top-quality audio equipment at the Silver Street entrance.
🎟️ Arcade Ticket Fun
Redeem your arcade tickets for prizes – just be mindful of the ticket-to-prize ratio!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Hepworth Arcade for its stunning Victorian architecture and the charm of its independent shops, particularly Dinsdales Joke Shop. It's seen as a well-preserved historical gem and a pleasant place to explore, though some note a few empty units. The arcade's connection to Trinity Market adds to its appeal as a community hub.
"I love hepworths arcade, it's asthetically pleasing as you see the historical architecture to it. It's lovely seeing an over 100 year old building being preserved and still part of the community by housing a variety of shops and a market place in its midsts. It's a very interesting place to visit and I very much enjoy visiting here on my days off."
Sophie Hill
"A few empty units in this historical and most attractive shopping arcade. Grade 2 listed, this is the only Victorian L shaped arcade in the country. Glass roof and gorgeous architectural detailing. Some interesting retailers within, not least the renowned family shop of Dinsdales Joke Shop, been here over 90 years, quite an institution. Worth a visit. Recommended."
Photos Only as G Maps deletes reviews
"Hepworth's Arcade is a stunning Victorian shopping centre with a wide range of independent shops. At the entrance on Silver Street is fanthorps hi fi shop selling top quality audio equipment. At the other end is the famous dinsdales joke shop. It is a fantastic stunning arcade in original condition well worth visiting,"
Andrew Nell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hepworth Arcade is located in Hull's Old Town, running between Lowgate and Silver Street. It's easily accessible on foot if you're exploring the city center. Public transport options include local buses that stop nearby.
While there isn't direct parking within the arcade, several car parks are available in Hull city center, a short walk away. Consider the multi-storey car parks at St Stephen's or Princes Quay.
Walking is the best way to experience Hull's Old Town. Combine your visit to Hepworth Arcade with nearby attractions like Trinity Market and Hull Minster.
The arcade has a relatively flat floor, but some of the older passages might be narrow. It's generally accessible, but it's always good to be mindful of space.
Yes, Hepworth Arcade connects to Trinity Market and is surrounded by other shops and historical sites in Hull's Old Town, making it part of a vibrant shopping district.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hepworth Arcade is a public shopping arcade and entry is free. You only pay for purchases made within the individual shops.
Opening hours can vary as it houses independent shops. Generally, shops are open during standard retail hours, typically from around 10 AM to 5 PM, with some variations on Sundays. It's best to check individual shop hours if you have a specific destination in mind.
There are no admission fees for the arcade itself or most of the shops. However, if there are any special events or exhibitions, they might have separate ticketing.
Most shops will observe public holidays, so hours may be reduced or the arcade may be closed on certain days. It's advisable to check ahead, especially around Christmas and Easter.
While some videos mention arcade games, Hepworth Arcade is primarily a shopping destination. If there's an arcade, its hours would be independent of the main arcade's.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Retail
You'll find a diverse range of independent retailers, including Dinsdales Joke Shop, JE Books, Beasley's Clothing (military surplus), Fanthorpes Hi-Fi, and various gift and craft stalls.
Absolutely! Hepworth Arcade is known for its bespoke and independent retailers, offering unique products you won't find in high street chains.
Dinsdales Joke Shop offers novelty gifts, JE Books has a great selection for readers, and other independent stalls often have unique crafts and homeware perfect for gifts.
JE Books has a large selection of secondhand books, and Beasley's Clothing specializes in ex-military wear, which can offer a vintage feel.
Dinsdales Joke Shop is a long-standing favorite, and JE Books is highly recommended for book lovers. Beasley's Clothing is also a notable mention for its unique offerings.
📸 📸 Photography & Atmosphere
Yes, the Victorian architecture, glass roof, and unique shopfronts make it a very photogenic spot.
Daytime offers the best natural light through the glass roof. Early mornings or late afternoons can provide interesting light and fewer crowds.
It's the blend of historical architecture, the charm of independent shops, and the sense of community that creates a unique and inviting atmosphere.
Definitely focus on the ornate glass ceiling, the L-shaped layout, and the detailed facades of the older buildings.
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask shop owners if you plan to take close-ups or spend a lot of time photographing their merchandise.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Hepworth Arcade itself is primarily a shopping space, it's connected to Trinity Market, which offers a variety of food stalls and a food hall.
The adjacent Trinity Market provides diverse options, from local treats to international cuisine. There are also cafes and pubs in the surrounding Old Town area.
Historically, there have been cafes, and the connection to Trinity Market means food options are readily available nearby.
You might find small cafes or stalls within the arcade or easily access them through the connecting passages to Trinity Market.
Yes, the 'mysterious Blue Bell pub' is mentioned as being accessible via passages from the arcade, offering a traditional pub experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Trinity Market for a wider variety of snacks and treats. While the arcade itself might not have dedicated play areas, its unique shops and the novelty of exploring a Victorian space can keep younger visitors entertained. Remember to keep an eye on little ones, as some passages can be narrow.
📚 Book Lovers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Victorian Hull
The arcade's charm lies in its ability to house a diverse array of independent businesses within its historic walls. From the long-standing Dinsdales Joke Shop, a beloved institution for generations, to specialized retailers like Fanthorpes Hi-Fi and JE Books, Hepworth Arcade offers a unique shopping experience that celebrates local enterprise. This blend of historical architecture and vibrant commerce makes it a truly special place to explore.
Discovering Independent Retailers
Beyond books and apparel, the arcade is home to specialists like Fanthorpes Hi-Fi, renowned for its high-quality audio equipment, and various other independent stalls that often feature handmade crafts and unique gifts. While some units may be vacant, the presence of these dedicated retailers ensures that Hepworth Arcade remains a dynamic and interesting place to shop, offering a refreshing alternative to mainstream retail.
The Community Hub
The arcade frequently hosts pop-up events and showcases local artists and businesses, further cementing its role as a community focal point. Whether it's a Christmas market or a local artisan's exhibition, these events add an extra layer of vibrancy, making Hepworth Arcade a place where history, commerce, and community converge.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit