Hull – a northern hub for sports fans

Hull – a northern hub for sports fans

Most British cities have one or even two half-decent football teams. Top-flight rugby is focused on a few more select cities and towns. Horse racing is still more select. For the more active sports fan, golf courses and marathons are dotted liberally around the country. But where can you go to enjoy a bonanza of sport, all within easy access? When it comes to the north of England, you can’t do much better than Hull.

Spectacular sports

If rugby league is your sport, you’re in for a real treat. Forget Liverpool-Everton, Rangers and Celtic or AC Milan v Inter. Hull is home to the mother of all local derbies. At least when it comes to the summer months when rugby league rules the roost! Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers have a fierce rivalry going back more than a century. And they divide Hull as surely as the river that gives the city its name. (And that runs between their grounds.)

Granted, the local round-ball team Hull City are not so stellar. But the Tigers are a solid Championship side, and have had their moments as a yo-yo club! The city is also home to an ice hockey team, the Hull Seahawks. And even an American football team, the Humber Warhawks. Meanwhile, Beverley Racecourse is just a 20-minute drive away. The lovely town was the birthplace of the Jockey Club in 1752. Making it a must-visit venue for racing fans. So Hull has something for just about everyone when it comes to spectator sports.

Get active

If you’re looking to work up a sweat of your own, you’re still in the right place. Hull has its own 10k in June. And it’s a fine way to see the city centre, as well as attractions like Hull Marina and Hull Minster. More ambitious runners might like to take on the Humber Bridge Half Marathon. As the name suggests, it takes runners over the UK’s longest single-span suspension bridge. At 30 metres over the water, the views are stunning. We would say breath-taking, but you’ll need your puff to make it over!

If you prefer to burst your lungs by bike, though, never fear. The 2023 Tour of Britain finished in nearby Beverley. So why not ride the same course and see if you can beat the competitors’ times? Alternatively, get some more gentle exercise on one of the local golf courses. The historic Hull Golf Club is especially nice, and welcoming to visitors.

Relax and unwind

After all that excitement, why not unwind over a drink? The Hull Waterside and Marina is the perfect spot for a glass and a bite with gorgeous views. And from there, it’s a short walk to the Old Dutch Embassy, managed by Guestz. This grade II listed building was originally built in 1664 by the sheriff of Hull. And now you can stay in your own one or two-bedroom apartment there. Why not give us a call to discuss your visit to Hull? Whether you’re here for the rugby, the 10k or just a few rounds, we’ll make you very comfortable.