Hull and East Riding Museum
Explore 235 million years of history with Iron Age villages, Roman mosaics, and Viking treasures. Free entry!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Hull and East Riding Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore 235 million years of history with Iron Age villages, Roman mosaics, and Viking treasures. Free entry!
"Excellent considering it's free to enter! Lots of interactive stuff so great for kids."
🎯 Free Entry, Big Value
Admission is free, making it a perfect budget-friendly outing. Donations are greatly appreciated!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the extensive exhibits across different time periods.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iron Age Village Recreation
Ground Floor
Step back in time with a remarkably recreated Iron Age village, offering a glimpse into ancient daily life.

Roman Bathhouse & Mosaics
Roman Gallery
Marvel at intricate mosaic pavements and explore the remains of a Roman bathhouse, showcasing Roman life in the region.

Viking Treasures & Warriors
Viking Gallery
Discover fascinating Viking artifacts, including wooden warriors, that tell tales of their presence in East Yorkshire.

Mammoth Replica
Main Hall
A life-sized mammoth replica stands as a striking centerpiece, captivating visitors of all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Rewards
Accessibility & Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry, Big Value
Admission is free, making it a perfect budget-friendly outing. Donations are greatly appreciated!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the extensive exhibits across different time periods.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the vast collection without feeling rushed.
🧒 Interactive Fun for Kids
Many interactive displays and the mammoth replica will keep younger visitors engaged and entertained.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry, Big Value
Admission is free, making it a perfect budget-friendly outing. Donations are greatly appreciated!
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the extensive exhibits across different time periods.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the vast collection without feeling rushed.
🧒 Interactive Fun for Kids
Many interactive displays and the mammoth replica will keep younger visitors engaged and entertained.
📸 Capture the History
While photography is generally allowed, be mindful of lighting conditions in some galleries.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hull and East Riding Museum for its extensive collection and free admission, making it a highly recommended stop in Hull. While some find the lighting dim and the gift shop limited, the engaging exhibits, especially the Roman mosaics and Iron Age village, offer a fun and educational experience for all ages.
"This is a huge museum in the Old Town of Hull and part of the Museum Quarter.
Usually when I am doing the museums this would be my third stops and I would be flagging; today I made a point of this being first. The exhibition is extensive and chock full of artefacts from the local area. Lighting is dim but there is a footpath trail around the site. There are steps and changes of level throughout but there are lifts available.
At the front of the museum there is a small gift shop.
Entrance is free but donations are invited.
Lots of interactive stuff so great for kids.
PS It’s free!"
Anne Marie Stagg
"I really like how the museum is set out in time periods from pre-historic to medieval. The finds in the local area were eye opening and insightful.
There's a lot of reading, if you're onto that. A bit too much for me. But plenty to look at, including stuff for the kids. Excellent considering it's free to enter."
Deborah Hoult
"Highly recommended and free! Lovely gardens with pond, outdoor games. The museum is much larger than I thought and covered a lot. A very fun educational trip out"
Melanie Brett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Hull's Old Town, part of the Museum Quarter. It's easily accessible by public transport, with bus and train stations nearby. Parking is available in the city center, though it can be busy.
While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the museum, several city center car parks are within walking distance. Consider using public transport to avoid parking hassles.
Absolutely! The Hull and East Riding Museum is a key attraction in Hull, perfect for a day trip. Combine it with other free museums like the Streetlife Museum.
Hull is a walkable city, especially the Old Town area where the museum is located. Public buses are also a convenient option for longer distances.
The museum has lifts to navigate different levels, but some areas may have steps or changes in level. It's advisable to check accessibility details if you have specific concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Hull and East Riding Museum is completely free! Donations are gratefully accepted to help support the museum's collections and operations.
No, advance booking is not required for general admission as entry is free. You can simply turn up during opening hours.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Hull Museums website before your visit. Typically, they are open Tuesday to Sunday.
The museum occasionally hosts special exhibitions and events. Check their website or social media for the latest information on what's happening during your visit.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally understood that you can exit and re-enter if needed, especially if you're taking a break for lunch nearby. However, it's always good practice to confirm with staff.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include a recreated Iron Age village, a Roman bathhouse with mosaics, Viking treasures, and a life-sized mammoth replica.
Yes, the museum is very family-friendly with many interactive exhibits, touch-and-smell stations, and the impressive mammoth replica that children love.
Most visitors find that 2-3 hours is sufficient to explore the museum thoroughly, but you could easily spend longer if you're particularly interested in archaeology.
Yes, the museum has restrooms available. There is also a small gift shop at the front, though some visitors found it a bit limited.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect artifacts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not have a cafe. However, there are numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the surrounding Old Town area of Hull.
The Old Town and nearby city center offer a wide variety of dining options, from casual cafes to traditional pubs and international cuisine.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's generally best practice to consume outside food and drinks before entering or to find a designated area if available. It's advisable to check with museum staff.
📸 📸 Photography
The recreated Iron Age village, the Roman mosaics, the Viking displays, and the mammoth replica offer excellent photo opportunities.
Flash photography is usually not permitted inside museums to protect delicate artifacts from light damage. Always look for signage or ask staff.
The lighting in some galleries can be dim to preserve artifacts, which might make photography challenging. Tripods are often not allowed in busy areas.
The Roman bathhouse area with its mosaics and the detailed reconstruction of the Iron Age settlement are particularly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to allow children to explore at their own pace. While the museum is large, the variety of exhibits and interactive elements should keep them entertained. It's a wonderful opportunity for a fun and educational day out that won't cost a fortune.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with other free attractions in Hull, like the nearby Streetlife Museum, to create a full day of exploration. Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of Hull's parks, or find affordable local eateries to keep costs down. It's a fantastic way to experience a significant cultural attraction on a shoestring budget.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
Take your time to delve into the chronological displays, from the Iron Age village reconstructions to the insights into Roman and Viking life. The museum provides a deep understanding of the civilizations that shaped East Yorkshire, making it a rewarding visit for anyone with a keen interest in the subject.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Journey Through Time: The Museum's Layout
One of the standout features is the recreated Iron Age village, offering an immersive experience of what life might have been like over 2,000 years ago. Nearby, the Roman gallery showcases impressive mosaics and the remnants of a Roman bathhouse, providing a glimpse into the sophistication of Roman settlements in Britain. The Viking section is equally captivating, featuring wooden warriors and other treasures that speak to the era's rich culture and seafaring prowess.
Beyond these specific eras, the museum also houses a remarkable mammoth replica, a popular draw for all ages. The displays are designed to be engaging, with many interactive elements that encourage hands-on learning. While the lighting can be dim in some areas to protect the artifacts, the overall presentation is informative and captivating, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in local history and archaeology.
Family Fun and Educational Value
Children are particularly drawn to the interactive exhibits, which often include 'touch and smell' stations, making history tangible. The life-sized mammoth replica is a definite highlight, sparking imagination and providing a memorable photo opportunity. The recreated Iron Age village and Roman bathhouse also offer visually engaging experiences that can capture a child's attention.
While the museum is extensive, the variety of displays and interactive elements helps keep younger visitors engaged. It's a great place for kids to learn about local history in a fun and accessible way, making it a valuable educational outing.
Exploring Hull's Archaeological Treasures
Visitors can expect to see a wide array of objects, including pottery, tools, and personal items that tell stories of daily life in ancient times. The Roman mosaics are particularly noteworthy, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the period. The Viking artifacts also offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these Norse settlers and their impact on the region.
The museum's commitment to displaying local finds makes it an invaluable resource for understanding the area's heritage. It's an opportunity to connect with the past on a very personal level, seeing the tangible remnants of civilizations that once thrived on this very land.
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