Hull's Ferry Boat Dock: A Comprehensive Guide

The Port of Hull is a port at the confluence of the River Hull and the Humber Estuary in Kingston upon Hull, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The port offers a major gateway between Yorkshire and Europe, with around 1 million passengers using it to get to the Netherlands. Ferries from Hull port travel to Rotterdam in the Netherlands and are operated by P&O Ferries. The ferry crossing between Hull and Rotterdam lasts from 11 to 11.5 hours.

Ferries operate from terminal 1 at King George Dock, off Hedon Road, about 5 km east of the centre. The port is located on the A63 and can also be reached by bus from the bus stand near the St Stephen's shopping centre and Hull Paragon Interchange rail station. The bus ride takes about 15 minutes.

The Port of Hull has a rich history, with seaborne trade traced back to at least the 13th century. The Hull Dock Company was formed in 1773, and Hull's first dock was built on land previously occupied by Hull town walls. In the following decades, a series of docks were constructed around the Old Town, including The Dock (1778), Humber Dock (1809), Junction Dock (1829), and Victoria Dock (1850). The port continued to expand in the 19th and 20th centuries, with the construction of additional docks, such as Albert Dock, St Andrew's Dock, and King George Dock.

Today, the Port of Hull is a significant ferry port, offering amenities such as a café, a small store, accessible restrooms, and paid parking spaces. It is also known for its impressive construction, including a 12-deck ferry with a capacity of about 546 cabins and a crew of 141 members.

The Port of Hull is located on the north bank of the Humber Estuary

The Port of Hull is strategically located on the north bank of the Humber Estuary, where the River Hull meets the Humber. This position offers a natural advantage for a port, with deeper waters west of a bend in the river. The Port of Hull has a long history, with seaborne trade in the area dating back to at least the 13th century.

The Port of Hull has been integral to the region's economy, with wool being exported from Hull as early as the 13th century. By the 14th century, Hull was a major English port for wool exports, particularly to Flanders, and wine imports. In the 15th century, trade with the Hanseatic League became significant, and Hull's export of cloth increased while wool exports decreased.

The Port of Hull continued to develop and expand over the centuries, with the construction of docks and improvements to infrastructure. Today, the Port of Hull remains a significant gateway between Yorkshire and Europe, with around one million passengers using the port annually. It is the main softwood timber importation port for the UK.

The Port of Hull is easily accessible by various modes of transport. For those travelling by car, the port is located on the A63. A bus service from the bus stand near the St Stephen's shopping centre and Hull Paragon Interchange rail station in the city centre also connects to the ferry terminal.

The Port of Hull is a major gateway between Yorkshire and Europe

The Port of Hull: A Major Gateway Between Yorkshire and Europe

The Port of Hull is a port located at the confluence of the River Hull and the Humber Estuary in Kingston upon Hull, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. With a rich history of seaborne trade dating back to the 13th century, the Port of Hull has played a significant role in the region's economic development and cultural exchange with Europe. Today, it continues to be a bustling gateway between Yorkshire and the continent, offering ferry services to the Netherlands and handling a significant volume of passenger and cargo traffic.

A Historical Perspective

The Port of Hull's history can be traced back to the 13th century, when seaborne trade was conducted at the outfall of the River Hull, known as The Haven or the Old Harbour. In 1773, the Hull Dock Company was formed, and the city's first dock was constructed on land previously occupied by the town's fortifications. Over the next century, a ring of docks, known as the Town Docks, was built around the Old Town, including the Humber Dock, Junction Dock, and Victoria Dock.

A Major Gateway

Accessibility and Amenities

The Port of Hull is easily accessible by various means of transportation. For those travelling by car, the port is located on the A63, and there is ample parking available near the terminal. Alternatively, a bus service from the city centre, with a bus stand near the St Stephen's shopping centre, provides a convenient connection to the ferry terminal. The port also offers essential amenities such as a café, a small store, and accessible restrooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for travellers.

Connecting Yorkshire and the Netherlands

The Port of Hull primarily connects Yorkshire to Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The ferry route is operated by P&O Ferries, with up to seven weekly crossings throughout the year. The crossing usually takes between 11 to 11.5 hours, making it a convenient option for those travelling between the two regions.

A Cultural Hub

In addition to its role as a gateway, the Port of Hull is situated in a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. Hull has been voted the UK City of Culture and boasts a range of museums, architectural landmarks, and a thriving culinary scene. The city's Old Town, with its quaint cobbled streets, and the impressive Hull Marina are particular attractions for visitors.

In Conclusion

The Port of Hull, with its historical significance, modern amenities, and efficient transportation links, serves as a vital link between Yorkshire and Europe. Its accessibility and range of services cater to a diverse range of travellers, from those seeking leisure and cultural experiences to those conducting business and trade. The port's connection to the Netherlands, particularly Rotterdam, underscores its importance as a gateway facilitating exchange and connectivity between the two regions.

The Humber Dock was built in 1809

The Humber Dock was built to address the issues with the previous dock, The Old Dock, which had experienced issues with its walls displacing due to weak ground. The new dock was constructed with more substantial foundations, with the dock walls standing on angled piled foundations. The Humber Dock was completed in 1809 at a cost of £220,000.

The dock was filled with water for the first time on 3 December 1808 and was formally opened on 30 June 1809. The Humber Dock remained in use until 1968, when it was closed. However, it was reopened in 1983 as the Hull Marina. Today, the dock, lock, and swing bridge are listed structures.

The Port of Hull has a rich industrial past

The River Hull was made navigable as far as the then-important town of Beverley in 1269, and roads were built to connect Hull to Beverley, Holderness, and the via regia between Hessle and Beverley. By the 15th century, trade with the Hanseatic League had become important, and the export of cloth from Hull increased.

In the 16th century, the amount of cloth traded through the port decreased, but the export of lead increased. By the late 17th century, Hull was the third port in the realm, after London and Bristol, with the export of lead and cloth, and imports of flax, hemp, iron, and tar from the Baltic.

In the mid-1700s, overcrowding on the River Hull had become so severe that vessels were being damaged. In 1773, the Hull Dock Company was formed, and Hull's first dock was built on land previously occupied by Hull's town walls. In the next half-century, a ring of docks was built around the Old Town, known as the Town Docks.

The Port of Hull continued to expand and develop over the following centuries, with new docks being constructed to accommodate increasing trade and the growing size of steamships. Today, the Port of Hull is a significant ferry port for travel between the UK and Europe, with around one million passengers using the port each year.

The Port of Hull offers a café, a small store and accessible restrooms

The Port of Hull is a bustling ferry port, offering a range of amenities to cater to the one million passengers who pass through each year.

The port offers a café, a small store, and accessible restrooms, ensuring that travellers can grab a bite to eat, purchase any last-minute essentials, and use the facilities before embarking on their journey.

In addition to these conveniences, the port also provides ample parking options for those travelling by car. Paid parking spaces are available directly in front of the terminal, offering convenience for those who prefer to park close to the departure point. This option can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel times, so it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot.

For those seeking more affordable parking alternatives, there are a few free parking spots within walking distance of the terminal, although these are limited and not as secure. Additionally, long-term parking options can be found at off-site locations, such as the Fruit Market Multi-Storey Car Park, which offers daily and weekly rates.

The Port of Hull is easily accessible by car, with clear signage leading to the King George Dock from the A63. For those travelling by bus or train, there are convenient connections to the port from the city centre, making it a straightforward journey for all passengers.

Frequently asked questions