Arctic Corsair
Hull's last sidewinder trawler, offering free entry and immersive tours into the city's deep-sea fishing heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Arctic Corsair
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hull's last sidewinder trawler, offering free entry and immersive tours into the city's deep-sea fishing heritage.
"An amazing effort by Hull City Council and the staff, especially the volunteer tour guides!"
🎯 Book Guided Tours Early
Tours with ex-trawlermen are highly praised but fill up fast. Arrive early or check availability!
👟 Wear Practical Shoes
You'll be climbing ladders and moving around the ship. Comfort is key!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Arctic Corsair Trawler
Dry docked museum
Hull's last surviving deep-sea trawler, offering a tangible link to the city's fishing heritage.
Ex-Trawlerman Guided Tours
Onboard the Arctic Corsair
Hear firsthand accounts of life at sea, including dramatic Cod War radio transmissions.
Maritime History Exhibits
Visitor Centre
Discover the stories behind the ship and Hull's once-great deep-sea fishing industry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Priceless Experience
Dress for the Decks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours Early
Tours with ex-trawlermen are highly praised but fill up fast. Arrive early or check availability!
👟 Wear Practical Shoes
You'll be climbing ladders and moving around the ship. Comfort is key!
👖 Dress for Deck Access
Trousers or leggings are recommended for easier movement between decks.
📸 Capture the History
The ship's interior and exterior offer great photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours Early
Tours with ex-trawlermen are highly praised but fill up fast. Arrive early or check availability!
👟 Wear Practical Shoes
You'll be climbing ladders and moving around the ship. Comfort is key!
👖 Dress for Deck Access
Trousers or leggings are recommended for easier movement between decks.
📸 Capture the History
The ship's interior and exterior offer great photo opportunities.
❤️ Engage with Staff
The guides and staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Arctic Corsair for its historical significance and the exceptional quality of its free guided tours, often led by knowledgeable ex-trawlermen. The ship offers an immersive glimpse into Hull's maritime past. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a few reviews mention inconsistent tour guide experiences.
"Amazing, informative and hands down some of the loveliest people I have ever met.
I took my two young daughters to Hull's museum quarter today. Our first stop was the Arctic Corsair. Hailing from Grimsby and having visited the Ross Tiger numerous times we were really looking forward to visiting the Arctic Corsair.
From thew outset the staff at the museum quarter were lovely and really, really nice & helpful. Our guide for the Corsair tour (I wish I had gotten his name; he was tall and skinny with dark hair) was informative, and engaged with my children especially my youngest who is obsessed with ships and the fishing industry. For me the tour was also a learning journey, neither myself or the kids wanted the tour to end and we will definitely go again, probably drag the husband along with us also.
The fact that not only is the tour of the Corsair free but that the whole of the museum quarter is free is absolutely fantastic. What an amazing effort by Hull City Council and the staff of the museum quarter and especially the volunteer tour guides.
Thank you for an amazing day, not only will we be visiting again but we will be spreading our love for the place far and wide."
Vittoriana Louisella
"The Arctic Corsair is the last Sidewinder trawler left in the country from our once great deep sea fishing fleet. It is fascinating and a privilege to be able to go around this ship. The tour guide was excellent, an ex trawlerman he explained what life was like on board ship. On the bridge he played recordings of radio communications between the Trawler Skipper and the captain of an icelandic gunboat, made during the cod war. The tour gives you an understanding of just how tough and brave these fisherman were."
Andrew Nell
"We decided to tour the Arctic Corsair as my partner had sailed on her when he was 15 and we thought it would be nice to tour the ship. Unfortunately due to the tour guide Ian's attitude and unprofessionalism this turned out to be a less than pleasureable experience and this was before we were even aboard. We met at the said point on time there was only four of us and we where we were told that we would be shown a video about the fishing history. We were stood waiting and went to the small office door and said we were here for the tour and video.Ian very begrudgingly went over put the video on as if it was too much effort. Me and my partner looked at each other frowned a little and said "He's a happy chap". The video ended then it was onto the tour. From the outset me and my partner were completely cut out of the conversation. Ian's complete focus was on the other couple that was with us. We attempted to be part of the tour and mentioned that my partner had sailed on the Corsair to which Ian's response was "Do you want to take over? ". Me and my partner looked at each other in disbelief at what he had just said. The tour carried on and we were still treat as if we were invisible. The conversation was less than informative and even ended up with Ian's boiler been mentioned along with how inept Hull City Council was and how Ian was glad they weren't too involved in the running of the Corsair. Then we reached the Captain's cabin were Jim Williams was mentioned who Ian did not speak very highly of. So my partner mentioned that he had sailed with Captain Williams. Ian back tracked a little and started talking to us a bit more by then it was near the end of the tour. We were glad to get off the ship after learning next to nothing about the history of the Corsair or the fishing industry. I was glad my partner was there so i could refer to him for info. It's a shame as I'm sure that there will be a lot of visitors to the Corsair during the up and coming City Of Culture celebrations. They will be very disappointed if they are treat the way we were ."
Beech Marine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Arctic Corsair is located in Hull's Museum Quarter. It's easily accessible by public transport, with bus stops nearby. If driving, there are several car parks in the city centre.
Yes, there are multiple city centre car parks within walking distance of the Museum Quarter where the Arctic Corsair is located. Some may have charges.
Absolutely! Hull city centre is well-served by buses, and the Museum Quarter is a short walk from many central bus stops.
Due to its nature as a historic ship, full accessibility can be challenging. The main decks are generally accessible, but access to lower levels may be restricted. It's best to contact them directly for specific accessibility queries.
Many visitors enjoy walking between the attractions in the Museum Quarter, including the Arctic Corsair, to soak in the atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Arctic Corsair and the wider Hull Museum Quarter is free! This makes it a fantastic value visit.
While entry is free, guided tours are highly recommended and may require booking or arriving early as they can fill up.
Opening hours can vary, especially as the visitor centre is still being finalized. It's best to check the official Hull Maritime Museum website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
There are no specific age restrictions, but the ship's layout with ladders and confined spaces might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.
Yes, you can explore parts of the ship independently, but the guided tours offer invaluable insights from ex-trawlermen.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect to hear fascinating stories from ex-trawlermen about life at sea, the Cod War, and the ship's history. You'll see the bridge, engine room, and crew quarters. +1
Children often love exploring the ship, especially with the engaging stories from the guides. However, be mindful of safety with ladders and tight spaces.
A self-guided visit might take around an hour, but a guided tour can extend this to 1.5-2 hours, depending on questions and engagement.
Capture the ship's imposing exterior from the quayside and the atmospheric details inside, like the bridge and engine room.
As a historic ship, facilities are limited. Restrooms are typically available in the nearby Museum Quarter.
📸 📸 Photography
The bridge with its controls, the engine room, and the exterior of the ship against the Hull skyline are popular.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash in sensitive areas.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and permissions. Check with the venue and local authorities before flying.
Focus on the textures of the metal, the intricate machinery, and the narrow passageways for an authentic feel.
While generally permitted, always be respectful of the historic nature of the ship and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Top tip: Encourage your children to ask questions! The guides are usually very patient and happy to share more details, making the visit even more interactive and memorable for the little ones. It’s a great way to spark an interest in maritime history and the lives of seafarers.
💰 Budget Travelers
Recommendation: Pack your own snacks and drinks to save money, as onboard facilities are limited. Focus your visit on the ship itself and the free Museum Quarter attractions to maximize your savings while still having a rich cultural experience.
🚢 History Buffs & Maritime Enthusiasts
Don't miss: The chance to explore the ship's operational areas, such as the bridge and engine room, and to hear the actual radio communications from the Cod War. This provides a visceral connection to the past that textbooks can't replicate.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Arctic Corsair: A Living Piece of History
Visitors can explore various parts of the ship, from the bustling bridge to the cramped crew quarters and the impressive engine room. The ongoing development of a new visitor centre aims to further enhance the storytelling, providing context and deeper insights into the ship's operational life and the broader history of Hull's fishing heritage. This restoration and development project ensures the Arctic Corsair will continue to educate and inspire for generations to come.
+1Key takeaway: The Arctic Corsair provides a tangible connection to Hull's maritime past, offering a glimpse into the demanding lives of its fishermen and the historical significance of its fishing industry. The free admission and the option for insightful guided tours make it a must-visit attraction.
Guided Tours: The Heart of the Experience
One particularly memorable aspect mentioned is the playback of radio communications between trawler skippers and Icelandic gunboats during the Cod War. This adds a dramatic and historical dimension to the tour, illustrating the tense international relations of the time. The guides are often praised for their patience and ability to engage all visitors, including children, making the experience educational and enjoyable for everyone.
Pro-tip: While the tours are free, they are incredibly popular. Arriving early or inquiring about booking options is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. The passion and knowledge of the guides truly elevate the visit from a simple ship tour to an immersive historical journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit