According to National Geographic's Best of the World list, Hull is up there with the likes of Rio de Janeiro, Beijing and the Black Sea Coast in the top destinations to visit in 2026.
Trust us, we're just as surprised as you are.
The list features destinations hand-picked by National Geographic's editors and photographers and aims to inspire the reader's next adventure across the world.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
So, what did they have to say about Hull then?
The list praises Hull for its rich maritime history and 'significant revitalisation'. The guide says: "A $53 million project to promote Hull’s many-layered maritime heritage wraps up in 2026, transforming this underrated northern England port city. A network of new interpretive sites brings some 800 years of seafaring history to life.
"Among them are the Hull Maritime Museum, the North End Shipyard two-story visitors center, and two permanently docked museum ships: the 1960s Arctic Corsair cod trawler and the Spurn lightship, which once guided boats through the treacherous waters of the Humber Estuary near the city of Hull (Kingston upon Hull). The phased openings will be complete by summer 2026, making it the perfect time to discover the city’s laid-back charm."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
High praise for Hull indeed, and we'd have to agree that it most definitely does have a 'laid-back' charm.
The guide continues: "At the edge of the North Sea, Hull was one of the world’s busiest whaling ports in the 19th century and a fishing and shipping hub until the 20th, before falling on hard times.
"Over the past decade, the city has undergone significant revitalization. Warehouses around Humber Street’s old waterside Fruit Market are now lively independent bars, restaurants, and art galleries.
"There’s also a spectacular performance amphitheater, called Stage@TheDock, overlooking River Hull where it meets the Humber Estuary; and a former shipyard has for over 20 years been the base for The Deep, one of the United Kingdom’s most highly respected aquariums and marine conservation centers."
So cancel your flights to Vancouver or Japan, because Hull is where it's at.
You can read the full Nation Geographic list here.
The Leadmill has launched a relocation Crowdfunder after leaving its original home.
You may remember last year the trials and tribulations The Leadmill endured to try stay on Eyre Street where it had been stood since 1980.
From absolutely legendary gigs to unforgettable moments, The Leadmill provided some of the best nights in Sheffield for over 45 years, before the team unfortunately had to vacate the premises.
There is now hope though, as The Leadmill has set up a Crowdfunder and is asking the people of Sheffield to help hit a £30,000 goal to relocate to a new premises.
You can donate as little or as much as you’re able to, and all donations will go towards securing a new venue, building infrastructure, ensuring full accessibility, and even preserving the legendary neon sign.
Posting to their social media, The Leadmill wrote: "Following the departure from our original home, we’re working towards securing a new permanent venue - a space where The Leadmill can continue to grow and bring people together.
"We’re still presenting live music, comedy, club nights, cinema and talks, in various other venues but what we’re wanting to build now is our long-term future. To help make that happen, we’ve launched a public crowdfunding campaign which you can access using the link in our bio.
"This isn’t about starting over from scratch. It’s about continuing something that matters to people. If The Leadmill has ever meant something to you, we’d love you to be part of what comes next.
"Whether you’re able to donate, share the campaign, or simply send support we really appreciate the help and will not forget it. With love always, Team Leadmill ❤️"
If you want to bring The Leadmill back just as much as we do, you can donate here.
The factory shop in Batley where you can get your favourite biscuits for £2 or less
Thomas Melia
Just outside of Leeds in Batley, there’s a factory shop selling all of your favourite biscuit varieties for less than £2.
Sweet treat suppliers Fox’s Biscuits have been operating in Batley over 160 years with its family run business serving families across Europe, North America and of course, West Yorkshire.
These cookie creators are known for producing some of the biggest names in the confectionery industry including Maryland, Paterson’s, and all the brands above.
Whether you’re Jammie Dodger obsessed, a Party Ring preacher or a Wagon Wheel warrior, you’ll find all this and more at this biscuit factory shop - for cheaper than it is on the shelves.
If you’re after a biscuit bargain, look no further. You can get your hands on retail-ready and pre-packaged milk chocolate or millionaire’s cookies for only 85p.
Those much-loved bickies we were talking about before are all up for grabs: packs of Wagon Wheels for £1, Jammie Dodgers priced at 60p and even party rings at 50p, yes please.
You can also pick up their assorted biscuit trays that you’d usually expect to see on supermarket shelves like Fox’s classic biscuit selection, chocolatey biscuit selection and more.
Or if you have a sweet spot for a particular biscuit from one of their many boxed varieties you can get bags of individual flavours like the white chocolate rounds and triple chocolate cookies all for £1.50.
There’s even an opportunity for you to grab some Fox’s branded items like a reusable water bottle, tote bag and even sticky notes for when you plan your shopping list for your next visit.
The factory shop’s opening hours are quite limited with this vendor only opening four days a week from 9am to 3pm and 2pm on a Saturday.
Fox’s Biscuits factory shop is open four days a week from 9am to 3pm on Tuesday to Friday and 9am to 2pm on a Saturday, if you’re after sorting out your biscuit fix.
Clementine Hall -
4th November 2025 
