When you picture the world’s top travel destinations, chances are your mind drifts to palm-fringed beaches or far-flung cities with bustling street markets. But in a surprising twist, one very British port city has just joined the ranks of the Dolomites, Dominica and Rio de Janeiro on National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World 2026’ list – and it’s under three hours away from London.
Hull – National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World 2026’ list
Hull – yes, Kingston upon Hull – has officially made it onto the global travel map. Long mocked as one of Britain’s underdogs, the city is being celebrated by National Geographic for its “laid-back charm that’s hard to resist.”
At the heart of this revival is a £39.8 million regeneration project breathing new life into its maritime landmarks, museums and public spaces – all part of an ambitious plan to bring 800 years of seafaring history back to life.
A wave of re-openings in Hull
Next summer sees the long-awaited reopening of the Hull Maritime Museum after a six-year transformation. Set inside a grand Grade II-listed former docks office, the museum will unveil immersive new exhibitions, thousands of freshly-displayed artefacts and, for the first time ever, public access to one of its magnificent domes.
Just down the waterfront, two beloved Hull icons are also returning to grace the Humber. The Arctic Corsair, a restored 1960s fishing trawler dubbed Hull’s answer to the Cutty Sark, will take permanent dock in spring. Meanwhile, the Spurn Lightship – once a guiding beacon for ships navigating the estuary, will reopen to visitors after decades of service at sea.
Hull – home to culture, cocktails, and coastal charm
But Hull isn’t just about its history. Its new heritage trail links three buzzing districts – Princes Dock Street, Humber Street and High Street now alive with indie galleries, terrace bars and boutique shops.
If you’ve time to spare, pop into The Deep, one of the UK’s best aquariums, home to nurse sharks and sea turtles; browse modern art at the Ferens Art Gallery; or catch an evening performance at Stage@TheDock, a striking open-air amphitheatre by the water.
And if you prefer your nights loud and nostalgic, the legendary New Adelphi Club, which once hosted Radiohead and Oasis, still keeps Hull’s live music spirit strong.
Between its maritime makeovers, thriving food and art scene, and newly polished waterfront, this Northern gem might just be the UK’s most unexpected seaside escape of 2026.