Wilberforce Monument - Image 1
1 / 3

Wilberforce Monument

4.7
·15 reviews·Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom

An imposing monument in Hull honoring William Wilberforce, a pivotal figure in the abolition of the slave trade. Paired with a free museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Wilberforce Monument - Image 1

Wilberforce Monument

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An imposing monument in Hull honoring William Wilberforce, a pivotal figure in the abolition of the slave trade. Paired with a free museum.

4.7
(15 reviews)

"Epic-sized monument to anti-slave trade campaigner William Wilberforce."

Vertical photo
TIP

Visit Wilberforce House

Don't miss the free museum for deep historical context on William Wilberforce's life and work. :informationdeskperson:

Check University Schedule

The monument is near university buildings; term times may mean more visitors. :mortar_board:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 15 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Monument Itself

The Monument Itself

Queen's Gardens, Hull

An imposing 100 ft plinth topped with a statue, commemorating the abolitionist leader. Its sheer size is a testament to his significance.

Wilberforce House Museum

Wilberforce House Museum

High Street, Hull

Explore the birthplace of William Wilberforce and delve into the history of the abolitionist movement. Free admission.

Queen's Gardens Fountain

Queen's Gardens Fountain

Queen's Gardens, Hull

A large, 60-foot diameter fountain designed to visually balance the relocated Wilberforce Monument.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Understand Wilberforce's Legacy

The Wilberforce Monument honors William Wilberforce, a key figure in the abolition of the slave trade. While the monument itself is imposing, much of the detailed history is found at the nearby Wilberforce House Museum. Consider visiting both for a comprehensive understanding of his impact.

Location and Context

Situated in Hull, the monument is near university buildings, so expect crowds during term times. It's part of the city's landscape, with a fountain designed to complement its presence. Researching Wilberforce beforehand enhances the visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Museums are open, good for history buffs
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🥁🎺 One band. One sound. There's nothing like an HBCU band! 🔥 Much respect to our own Central State and Wilberforce in Ohio. Special shout out to North Carolina A&T (nation's largest HBCU) for this "My Life" rendition with a Roy Ayers sample. Rest in power. 💙💛 ------- Don't miss our BlackExpollence Kick-Off Parade 🎉 5/24 featuring premier HS bands, drumlines, dance teams, HBCU alumni chapters, D9 g...
@blackexpollence
47.7K likes • 234.2K views

Visit Wilberforce House

Don't miss the free museum for deep historical context on William Wilberforce's life and work. :informationdeskperson:

Check University Schedule

The monument is near university buildings; term times may mean more visitors. :mortar_board:

#fyp #relatable #college #wilberforceuniversity
@mycolemae
14.4K likes • 57.3K views
You won’t know these 3 facts about Hull’s Wilberforce Monument, from a secret buried underneath to it moving! 🤯 First up, the statue on top wasn’t actually part of the original design. When plans for the monument were drawn up in the 1830s, it was only meant to be a tall column! Only later did they decide to crown it with the figure of William Wilberforce that we see today, standing proudly with ...
hullwhatson
95 likes • 5.1K views

Understand the History

Learn about Wilberforce's role in abolishing slavery before your visit for a richer experience. 📜

Explore Queen's Gardens

Enjoy the surrounding gardens and the fountain, designed to complement the monument. 🏞️

Quick, what’s this fountain called in Hull’s Queen’s Gardens? 🤔 The 60-foot diameter fountain was designed as a corresponding feature to the relocated Wilberforce Monument on the opposite side of the gardens, and included a beautiful terrazzo floor created by local artists Messrs Toffolo and Son. The state-of-the-art electrical system powering the fountain and coloured lighting effects made the ...
hullwhatson
181 likes • 10.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Visit Wilberforce House

Don't miss the free museum for deep historical context on William Wilberforce's life and work. :informationdeskperson:

Check University Schedule

The monument is near university buildings; term times may mean more visitors. :mortar_board:

Understand the History

Learn about Wilberforce's role in abolishing slavery before your visit for a richer experience. 📜

Explore Queen's Gardens

Enjoy the surrounding gardens and the fountain, designed to complement the monument. 🏞️

What Travellers Say

4.7
(15 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Wilberforce Monument to be an imposing and significant landmark, recognizing its importance in commemorating a key figure in the abolition of the slave trade. While the monument itself is striking, many recommend visiting the free Wilberforce House Museum for a deeper understanding of his life and legacy. Its location near university buildings means it can be busy during term times.

"This is a very tall Monument to the famous abolitionist. There isn't much information about him at the Monument, but it is only a short walk to the free museum at Wilberforce House if you want to learn about him.
It is right by University buildings so it may be busy during term times."

Karen B

"I was in Hull for work and toured the compact city on foot. I noticed an imposing plinth topped with a figure. It reminded me of a notable statue in Rome, and I wondered who could have been afforded this honor - a King or Queen perhaps?

To my amazement, the 100 ft plinth and statue were raised to Hull’s favored son, Wilberforce, a leader in efforts to abolish slavery in the 19th century."

Paul Brown

"The greatest monument ever, reviewed by its size."

Chun Mak

What People Like

Imposing size and scale
Commemorates abolitionist leader
Free museum nearby

What People Dislike

Limited historical info at monument

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Wilberforce Monument is located in Hull's Queen's Gardens. It's easily accessible by public transport within the city. Many visitors find it convenient to walk around the compact city center to reach it. 🚌 🚶

There are several car parks in Hull city center, a short walk from Queen's Gardens. Consider checking local parking apps for availability and pricing. 🚗

Hull Paragon Interchange is the main train station, located about a 15-20 minute walk from Queen's Gardens. Taxis and local buses are also available from the station. 🚂

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Wilberforce Monument itself is an outdoor public monument and is free to view. 🎟️

As an outdoor monument, it is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience. :sunriseovermountains:

No, Wilberforce House Museum, which provides extensive information about William Wilberforce, offers free admission. :moneywithwings:

Visiting on weekday mornings, especially outside of university term times, generally offers a more peaceful experience. :clock1:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The monument features a tall plinth topped with a statue of William Wilberforce, commemorating his role in the abolition of the slave trade. The surrounding Queen's Gardens also offer pleasant surroundings. :statueofliberty:

The monument is an outdoor landmark. While children can see the statue, the historical context might be more engaging for older children or those with an interest in history. The nearby museum offers more interactive elements. :child:

Viewing the monument itself takes only a few minutes. However, to fully appreciate its significance, consider combining it with a visit to Wilberforce House Museum, which could take 1-2 hours. :stopwatch:

Queen's Gardens and the surrounding city center offer various amenities, including cafes, restrooms, and shops. ☕

📸 📸 Photography

Try capturing the monument from different distances to show its scale. Including the fountain in Queen's Gardens can add context and visual interest to your shots. :camerawithflash:

Yes, you can walk around the base of the monument and the surrounding gardens to get various perspectives for your photographs. :iphone:

You may also like

1 of 2
Wilberforce Monument (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide