In partnership with Yorkshire and Humber Relocation, we’ve created a guide to helping new families get settled in Hull and North Lincolnshire. From finding the perfect home to exploring the best local attractions and choosing the right school, this guide covers everything you need to know about making Hull or North Lincolshire your new home.
Over the years, we have welcomed many families to Tranby who have relocated to Hull, East Yorkshire or North Lincolnshire from different cities and countries. The thing they each have in common was the feeling of not quite knowing where to start when it came to relocating to a city they had never visited.
To support our families, we partner with a brilliant local relocation specialist, Yorkshire and Humber Relocation who provide an expert, bespoke relocation service to individuals and businesses alike. Amongst other things, Yorkshire and The Humber Relocation will be your eyes and ears in the local area when it comes to finding a property that is perfect for you and your family, whether renting or buying.
Before you reach that stage though, you might be wondering what it’s like to live in Hull/East Yorkshire/North Lincolnshire and what you can expect if you decide to join the local community.
We’ve created this page with the view to helping relocating families to make informed decisions on where they want to live, how they can expect to spend their down time, and the best school for their child or children in the region. Whether you are considering independent education or not, we hope this guide is helpful to you.
What is it like to live in Hull?
Hull’s transformation in recent years has been nothing short of remarkable. Once known for its industrial past, the city has become a vibrant cultural and economic hub. This regeneration began in 2017 when Hull was named the UK City of Culture, attracting investment, new businesses, and a surge in tourism.
Cultural and Economic Growth: Hull’s cultural calendar has expanded dramatically, with major events like the Freedom Festival and Hull Jazz Festival drawing visitors from all over the UK. The city’s regeneration includes new shopping districts, improved public spaces, and modern residential developments.
The Fruit Market: Hull’s Fruit Market area has been redeveloped into a trendy hub for dining, arts, and independent businesses. It’s one of the city’s most exciting spots for nightlife, with bars, restaurants, and galleries breathing new life into the old industrial area.
Friendly Communities: Hull and North Lincolnshire are known for their welcoming, down-to-earth communities. With active local groups, friendly neighbours, and a strong sense of community spirit, it’s a great region for families and professionals to put down roots.
If you're relocating to Hull or North Lincolnshire for work or a fresh start with your family, you're moving to an area that combines vibrant city living with the charm of idyllic countryside villages. This region offers excellent transport links, thriving communities, and access to both local amenities and stunning landscapes, making it a fantastic place to live!
What are the Nicest Places to Live in Hull & South Humberside?
The villages surrounding Hull and across North Lincolnshire are known for their beauty, tranquillity, and community spirit. West Hull is considered the most sought-after area of Hull and there are several villages within this area, all offering something different. Here are some of the most desirable locations:
Swanland
A tranquil village known for its lovely duck pond and a strong sense of community. Swanland has a small number of amenities such as Morrisons Daily (which is like Sainsburys Local), and lovely small fashion boutique and an inviting village pub serving homemade meals, making it a perfect location for those seeking peace and quiet whilst still being able to nip out for essentials.
North Ferriby
Nestled on the Humber, North Ferriby offers stunning riverside views, a friendly community, and easy access to Hull. With a local sailing club, a great pub with a large function room, plenty of amenities and access to several schools (including Tranby), it’s ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Kirk Ella
A leafy village popular with professionals and families, Kirk Ella offers large, elegant homes, a golf course, and a collection of high-end restaurants and bars. Its friendly community vibe and local amenities make it one of the most sought-after areas for young couples and growing families, whilst still having the safety and community feel the older generation prefer.
Hessle
Located near the iconic Humber Bridge, Hessle has a bustling village centre with shops, cafes, and parks. Families will love the vibrant atmosphere, annual festivals and scenic walks around the Humber Bridge Country Park. Hessle is a large village; it actually has the feel of a small town. As such, there are some beautiful and highly sought after areas and some that are less desirable.
Cottingham
The largest village in East Yorkshire, Cottingham combines a lively community atmosphere with great schools, farmers' markets, and plenty of local shops. It’s perfect for those who want a village feel with an abundance of amenities right on their doorstep. Cottingham is a little further out and as such doesn’t have the same easy access to the main motorway in and out of Hull – something to consider if you need somewhere that has good out of town commuter access.
North Lincolnshire Villages
Barton-Upon-Humber
This historic market town is known for its impressive Humber Bridge views and proximity to Hull. With its charming Georgian architecture, local shops, and schools, Barton offers a picturesque lifestyle just a short drive (approx. 10 – 15 minutes) or train ride away from Hull. House prices in this area are considerably lower than across the bridge so if you want a little more living space whilst still having easy access to the city centre, Barton is a great option.
Brigg
A quintessential English market town, Brigg is known for its independent shops, traditional markets, and community spirit. Its convenient transport links to Hull, Scunthorpe, and beyond make it a desirable location for families and professionals alike.
Wrawby
A quaint village offering a peaceful rural setting, Wrawby boasts historic windmills, charming homes, and a welcoming community. The village is close to Brigg and offers easy access to major transport routes, making it an ideal countryside retreat.
Barnetby
Known for its fantastic transport links, Barnetby is a small village that offers easy access to both Hull and Lincolnshire’s major towns. With a peaceful setting and a strong community feel, it’s perfect for families seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Schools in Hull and North Lincolnshire
Tranby is the only all through independent school in West Hull, with easy commuter access and a school bus service provided by us to and from the south side of the Humber Bridge (North Lincolnshire). Children can join us in our exceptional preschool setting from the age of two and progress through to Sixth Form where they will be supported and nurtured every step of the way. If you’re looking for the best education has to offer in the most sought-after area, we would love to welcome you for a tour of our school at a time to suit you.
If you’re not sure of the benefits of independent education and would like to know more about what we offer, our blog Unlocking Potential: The Benefits of Independent Schools will tell you all you need to know.
Looking for a state school instead? Our best advice would be to join local community groups on Facebook to ask for recommendations and opinions from members – who better to ask than other parents!
Things to Do in Hull and the Surrounding Areas
Hull and North Lincolnshire offer a wealth of activities for families and individuals, whether you’re interested in culture, outdoor pursuits, or exploring the wider region.
Local Attractions
In Hull, visit the Maritime Museum, the Deep aquarium, or explore the historic Hull Old Town with its cobbled streets and growing arts scene. Across the Humber, discover the Georgian architecture and quaint shops of Barton-upon-Humber, or visit Elsham Hall Gardens and Country Park for a day out with nature.
Outdoor Activities
The nearby Yorkshire Wolds provide an expansive area for hiking, cycling, and picnics. North Lincolnshire offers equally stunning outdoor escapes, such as Wrawby’s historic windmills and the peaceful parks in Brigg.
Further Afield
The historic city of York is just over an hour’s drive from Hull, offering a wealth of attractions, including York Minster and The Shambles. If you’re after a coastal retreat, Bridlington and Cleethorpes provide traditional seaside experiences with beaches, promenades, and family activities.
The Deep
Hull’s famous aquarium (and the world’s ONLY submarium) is one of the UK’s most impressive, offering an unforgettable day out for families. Home to thousands of sea creatures, it’s a must-see for new residents.
Barton-upon-Humber’s Waterside
Offering stunning views of the Humber Bridge, Barton’s riverside paths are perfect for leisurely walks or bike rides. Visit the town’s historic St Peter's Church, which dates back over 1,000 years.
The Humber Bridge
Crossing the iconic Humber Bridge, which connects Hull to the South Bank, offers breathtaking views of the Humber Estuary. The Humber Bridge Country Park on the north side is a scenic spot for family walks and outdoor adventures.
We love the local Mumbler website which is constantly updated with all the things for families to do and see in our local area.
Excellent Transport Links
Hull and North Lincolnshire are well-connected, making travel for work or pleasure easy and convenient.
By Train: Hull and Barnetby Station in North Lincolnshire offer direct trains to London Kings Cross, reaching the capital in under three hours. The region also has excellent links to Leeds, Manchester, and Sheffield, making commuting or exploring other cities easy.
By Car: The M62 and A15 motorways provide quick access to the rest of the UK, with major hubs like Leeds, Sheffield, and Lincoln all within 1.5 hours’ drive. The Humber Bridge connects Hull with North Lincolnshire, offering fast routes to the Lincolnshire countryside and beyond.
By Air: Humberside Airport provides international flights to various European destinations. For more extensive international travel, Leeds Bradford Airport and Manchester Airport are both easily accessible by car or train. Doncaster airport is also set to reopen in the near future!
Make Hull or North Lincolnshire Your Home
Relocating to Hull or North Lincolnshire offers a unique opportunity to enjoy both city and countryside living. With excellent schools, strong transport links, a rich cultural scene, and some of the most picturesque villages in the region, this area provides an exceptional quality of life for families and professionals alike. Explore the best of both worlds in this vibrant corner of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.