For much of this series we are using York and Leeds as our base stations owing to these cities being central hubs on the rail network. Today we are in York once again to travel between York and Hull to explore the Humber Bridge and the city of Kingston Upon Hull.

You might be expecting one of the nice swanky new trains as we are travelling between two of Yorkshire’s prominent cities. Instead we are treated to a ride on Annie and Clarabel for some eighties nostalgia. This is a class 155 Sprinter train, but to be fair, reconditioned with some comfy seats and a lick of fresh paint displaying the Northern livery. Underneath all the gloss, she’s still an 1980’s workhorse with the ability to get us from A to B with breathtaking speeds.

Our journey ventures through some flat agricultural land before we reach Selby that was once known as a coal mining town.

It is now known for its historical significance and picturesque surroundings. The town is centred around Selby Abbey, a large medieval church with impressive architecture dating back to the 11th century. Selby has a rich history connected to the Viking era and later developed as an industrial town during the 19th century. Today, it's a vibrant community with a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, offering a range of cultural and recreational activities. The town is also well-connected, making it a popular place for commuters working in nearby cities like Leeds and York.

We merge with another line that comes in from Doncaster often frequented by Hull Trains from London Kings Cross.

The current station building, constructed in 1840, showcases traditional Victorian architecture and has been a significant part of the town's history.

The station has multiple platforms and serves a variety of train services, including local, regional, and some intercity routes. It was once an important junction on the East Coast Main Line before the Selby Diversion was built in the 1980s to prevent the line from running over the Selby coalfield, which posed a subsidence risk. This change reduced its status as a major station, but it remains a well-used facility.

On departure, we cross over a rather interesting bridge. The Selby Railway Swing Bridge is an iconic structure that spans the River Ouse. It was originally constructed in 1889 by the North Eastern Railway to facilitate rail traffic on the line between Hull and York while allowing river traffic to pass underneath. The bridge is a swing bridge, which means it can rotate horizontally around a central pivot to allow boats and barges to navigate the river.

Today, the Selby region is quite industrialised, but it is also known for its historic coal fields and there are still power stations that are operational. These days, you often see the enormous turbines that capture the wind and generate renewable energy.

Shortly after arriving, one of Hull Trains Class 802 Paragon trains enters the station behind us.

These are a series of bi-mode multiple unit trains designed for both electric and diesel operation. They are part of the Hitachi A-train family, similar to the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) trains used by other UK operators. Hull Trains uses these trains on its services between London King’s Cross and Hull, providing a vital link for passengers traveling between the East Riding of Yorkshire and the capital.

As I have some time to wait for the next train that stops at Hessle, I’m going to find the nearest seat. Ahhhh. It’s alright for the bedding plants, at least they have somewhere to sit.

Oh well, time to be a nerd and capture some trains coming in and out of the station, and to be honest there was a fair few, such as this Class 158 Express train. They used to operate on the Transpennine route before the Class 185 Desiro trains took over their duties. They were then relocated elsewhere.

We became acquainted with the Class 170 Turbostars in our previous Scarborough episode. This is the same train that is heading to Scarborough from Sheffield. They call at Hull, Beverley, Bridlington and Filey en-route.

The Class 155 Sprinter trains were constructed by British Leyland at their Workington plant between 1987 and 1988. Initially, they were part of a broader modernisation effort to replace older rolling stock and improve reliability and comfort on regional rail services. However, there are just a small number of these still in operation as they have been replaced by the new Class 195’s.

If you require food and drink, there is a small outlet at Brough Station as well as a waiting room. The problem is that they are on the opposite platform!

Fortunately, my train to Hessle is on time and its a nice cosy reconditioned 158, one of my favourite diesel multiple units. They were built by British Rail Engineering between 1989 and 1992, and for me, I think they are still as good today than they were in their heyday.

There are two footbridges over the tracks and it is important to get the correct one. One footbridge simply takes you over the tracks to the adjacent platform. The one we need is out of the station and walking Hull-wards and crossing the bridge that takes us over to a road.

Turning right, we follow the path until we come to Cliff Road on the left hand side. This takes us right up to the estuary as the road bends to the right.

The estuary is approximately 62 kilometres (39 miles) long and up to 14 kilometres (9 miles) wide at its broadest point, making it one of the largest estuaries in the United Kingdom.

The Humber Estuary drains a significant portion of the landmass of England, encompassing much of the Midlands, South Yorkshire, and parts of Lincolnshire. Its tidal nature creates a unique mix of saline and freshwater habitats.

The Humber Bridge is a remarkable suspension bridge that spans the Humber Estuary connecting the East Riding of Yorkshire with North Lincolnshire. It is one of the longest and highest suspension bridges in the world and serves as a vital transportation link for the region.

Construction of the Humber Bridge began in 1973 and was completed in 1981. It was designed by architect Sir Terry Farrell and engineers Walter Marshall and Gordon S. M. Lee. The bridge was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on July 17, 1981.

The main span of the bridge measures 1,410 meters (4,626 feet), making it one of the longest suspension spans in the world at the time of its completion. The total length of the bridge is about 2,220 meters (7,300 feet), with towers reaching a height of 155 meters (509 feet).

The bridge features a cable-stayed design, with two main towers supporting a network of cables that hold the roadway.

Before the existence of Humber Bridge, a ferry crossing existed. Therefore, the Humber Bridge is a key route for commuters traveling between Hull and Grimsby and other areas of North Lincolnshire. It serves not only as a transportation link but also as an important route for freight traffic.

The bridge has significantly improved access between the two banks of the Humber, stimulating economic growth and development in the surrounding areas. It has facilitated trade and tourism, enhancing the connectivity of the region.

The Humber Bridge is an iconic landmark in the region and has featured in various cultural references, including television shows and films. It is often celebrated for its engineering achievement and aesthetic appeal. Overall, the Humber Bridge stands as a testament to modern engineering and continues to play a crucial role in the transportation infrastructure of the UK.

The Whiting Mill, also known as the Humber Bridge Whiting Mill, is a historic mill located near the Humber Bridge, and also the location of the public conveniences that I had apparently forgotten about.

The Whiting Mill dates back to the 19th century, during a period of significant industrial development in the region. It was used primarily for the production of whiting, a type of calcium carbonate that was used as a pigment and filler in various products. The mill was involved in the processing of whiting, which is derived from chalk or limestone. This material was crucial for various industries, including paint and paper production.

The Chalk Walk at the Humber Bridge is a scenic walking route that offers stunning views of the Humber Estuary and the Humber Bridge itself. The walk is named after the chalk geology of the area and provides a unique way to experience the natural beauty and industrial heritage of the region.

You can find a compelling country park at the Humber Bridge with its woodland and open green spaces. There is also a large car park here too.

You can also see the old drying mill that was used in the whiting process. The Old Drying Mill was used primarily for drying and forming whiting, a form of calcium carbonate derived from chalk or limestone. The mill is built in traditional industrial style, reflecting the architectural practices of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It typically features robust brick construction, with functional design elements suited for industrial use.

Running parallel with it is the Tadpole Walking Trail. The trail is part of the broader range of walking routes available around the Humber Bridge and the surrounding countryside.

If you are into gardening, you might want to head into the Humber Bridge Garden Centre. Obviously, don’t purchase anything that you can’t get through the train doors, there is only so much luggage space!

Hull Paragon is an interchange station with the adjoining bus station beside it. The station first opened in 1847 and has undergone several renovations and expansions since then. The current station building, completed in 1960, features a modern design with an emphasis on functionality and accessibility. Hull Paragon Station is situated in the city centre of Hull, making it easily accessible for both local and visiting passengers. It is well-connected to other parts of the city and region through local bus services and taxi ranks.

You can say hello to Philip Larkin who was a Librarian, novelist, jazz critic and and poet from Hull. He was originally from Coventry.

Over the road is something almost as important as coffee, and that is St Stephens Shopping Centre. St Stephen’s features a diverse selection of retailers, including major high-street brands, fashion stores, electronics shops, and specialty stores. However, Hull offers a wide variety of shops down its wide shopping streets and arcades. Princes Key is another large city centre shopping mall we encounter later. There are even market stalls available selling quality produce too.

Princess Quay is a huge shopping centre with a wide range of high street stores and eateries.

Originating from York, one thing I appreciate about Hull is its spacious streets rather than the cobbled narrow streets I am more familiar with. The huge Victorian toilets in Victoria Square are actually listed with its statue of Queen Victoria.

Just astride from there is the ruins of Beverley Gate. You can use the steps down to have a closer look. Beverley Gate was one of the four main gates in the medieval city walls of Kingston upon Hull. It was historically used as a main entry point into the city from the direction of Beverley, hence its name.

When you analyse the architecture in Hull, it doesn’t take long to realise that this was once a very affluent city. It reminds me of Liverpool somewhat, both being affluent ports.

One hugely impressive building in the old town is the Hull Guildhall but it might not be as historic as you might think. Hull Guildhall was constructed between 1890 and 1916 and officially opened in 1916. It was designed to serve as the administrative headquarters of the Corporation of Kingston upon Hull. The building reflects the city’s growth and development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Walking through the old town brings me to two sizeable museums I want to visit in the Museum Quarter. The Museums Quarter is kind of tucked away in a quiet corner and is surrounded by some attractive gardens.

My first port of call, if you pardon the pun, is the Street Life Museum. The museum is dedicated to the history of transportation and street life, showcasing how these aspects have evolved over time. It includes exhibits on various modes of transport, including horse-drawn vehicles, early motor cars, buses, and bicycles, oh and a tram! It includes detailed displays on the development of public transport, private vehicles, and the impact of transportation on urban development. What is more is that this amazing museum is free admission. Speaking as a Yorkshireman, this museum has free admission. Using a handheld camera in low lighting produces some grainy footage at times.

You obviously don’t need to have a keen interest in history but it helps! Just simply enjoying the exhibits is more than enough. In any case, it gives you a clearer understanding on how transport has evolved over time, as well as how we live as the human species.

Just twenty years ago, we wouldn’t have known what a smartphone was, but these days they are in every pocket. The way we live our lives can change dramatically over time and this museum reflects this fact.

Downstairs is where we find the larger vehicles such as the cars, tram, buses, and even a train.  You can also discover shop fronts that have been constructed in the museum. There are some cars that to me looked more like enormous prams, an early form of soft top. These vehicles obviously required a good wind up before they get going, not that dissimilar to myself.

The Street Life Museum also blends in nicely with our travelogue as it has a railway section. With my dress sense, I am hoping that nobody mistakes me for an exhibit. On the other hand, I have at least found a train that is considerably older than the Sprinter I was on this morning to Brough.

For interactive entertainment, the museum has an arcade with various amusements on offer. This, to me, had more of a Victorian seaside resort feel.

With all these incredibly vintage vehicles, its hard not to consider Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but they are so well preserved by the museum, its kind of astonishing.

Upstairs are vehicles of the two-wheeled variety, all manner of bicycles including tandems.

I doubt I’d be able to get on “something like this” anyway. Penny Farthings were common in the late 1800’s and the front wheel was often 4 to 5 feet (120 to 150 cm) in diameter, allowing for greater speed. The larger the wheel, the farther the bicycle would travel with each pedal rotation. The rear wheel provided balance.

There are also some vintage motorbikes that undoubtedly fragile in their preserved state. What hits me the most about this museum is that the exhibits are engaging and present a wow factor. Considering the museum is admission free, it really is quite something. It’s very similar to the National Railway Museum in York.

We can time travel even further when we encounter some of the horse drawn vehicles that still look as appealing as they did in their heyday.

Yes, we even have a sleigh in the museum. Sometimes its not just about the exhibits but the ambience also contributes to the over all feel of the museum. The low gas street lighting gives you a overwhelming feeling of nostalgia, as if you were actually there in reality. Obviously, the low light negatively effects your photography somewhat and you might experience some digital noise in your shots. If you have a DSLR camera with you, you might want to reduce your ISO to below 400 and widen your aperture value by using an F stop with a smaller value.

You might find that the frame rate clashes with fluorescent lightening if you are taking video clips with your smartphone, hence the flickering with handheld devices.

Literally next door is another museum with free admission I wanted to show you. This is the Hull and East Riding Museum that takes you through different eras of history although pertaining to the local area. The museum houses one of Britain’s most significant collections of prehistoric artefacts.

Visitors can explore reconstructions of early human life, including the Grimston chariot burial and a life-sized woolly mammoth, which offers a glimpse into the Ice Age environment of the region.

You may even be greeted by one of your distant ancestors. Ok, very distant ancestors.

One danger about museums is that you can simply find yourself just looking at the exhibits and not reading the associated descriptions that go hand in hand with them. So when you visit a museum, allow yourself plenty of time to delve into what the exhibits are to achieve the complete experience.

You can see rare and detailed Iron Age swords, Celtic treasures, and reconstructions of Iron Age settlements. I don’t think this one is one of my ancient ancestors.

One impressive exhibit is the Hasholme log boat that is preserved around a glass casing. It derives from the late iron age and discovered in the Hasholme area.

One of my favourites sections is the Roman era. The Roman mosaics are some of the finest exhibits, showcasing vibrant floor designs unearthed from the local area. There is a Roman settlement that you can walk around that gives you insight into how the Roman’s lived.

The more things change, the more things stay the same.

There are Roman rooms constructed to give you an idea of a roman household as well as more communal areas where the community would bathe. I think he needs a bigger sponge.

Another era that appeals to me is the medieval era. Being well acquainted with York may have some baring on this interest. There are exhibits here relating to the construction of Beverley Minster also.

The collections in this museum are substantial and really impressive. You don’t need other be an historian to enjoy them, they simply just wow.

This was the first time I had visited these museums and I was so taken back that I payed a revisit earlier this year.

Did you know Hull has a Minster? The minster, built in the 14th century, showcases stunning Gothic design, including tall arches, intricate stained glass windows, and a beautiful interior with vaulted ceilings. Hull Minster has been at the heart of the city's religious and community life for over 700 years. It played a role during the English Civil War when King Charles I was famously refused entry into Hull in 1642.

The Deep in Hull is a renowned submarium and one of the most impressive aquariums in the UK. Opened in 2002, it is both a visitor attraction and a center for marine conservation and research, situated at the confluence of the River Hull and the Humber Estuary. The Deep is home to over 3,500 creatures, including sharks, rays, turtles, and jellyfish.

This statue commemorates King William III of England, who reigned from 1689 to 1702, often referred to as King Billy.

William de la Pole (c. 1290 – 1366) was an influential merchant, financier, and later nobleman in medieval England. He is best known for his pivotal role in the economic and political development of Hull and for founding the de la Pole family, which would later become prominent in English aristocracy.

The Voyage statue in Hull is a significant public artwork that commemorates the enduring maritime connection between Hull and Iceland.

Yes, these Victorian toilets were worth a visit for all the wrong reasons. I think he’s trying to fill a swimming pool.

One of my favourite areas of Hull is undoubtedly the marina. The marina can accommodate over 250 berths for boats, making it a hub for both local and visiting sailors.  The area surrounding the marina is home to a variety of cafés, restaurants, and bars, as well as scenic walkways. It is also near Hull's Old Town and the Fruit Market, adding to its vibrant cultural and social scene.

Hull Marina often hosts events, such as maritime festivals, and has become a focal point during celebrations like Hull's UK City of Culture 2017.

One relatively new addition is the connecting footbridge over the A63, the same road we saw heading underneath the Humber Bridge. It is named after Hull’s first female doctor, Dr Mary Murdoch. The bridge takes you towards the Princess Quay Shopping Centre.