Visit Streetlife Museum Hull — explore 200 years of transport history through vintage cars, trams, bicycles, and recreated historic streets.

Visit Streetlife Museum of Transport Hull

Step into the past at the Streetlife Museum of Transport in Hull, where the story of travel and innovation unfolds across two centuries. From horse-drawn carriages to motorcars, trams, and bicycles, this immersive museum lets you experience how transport has shaped daily life — in Hull and beyond.

Set within Hull’s charming Museum Quarter, Streetlife is one of the city’s most popular free attractions, offering a fun and educational day out for all ages.

A Journey Through Time

Opened in 1989, the Streetlife Museum was created to preserve and showcase the region’s transport heritage. Its interactive galleries recreate the sights, sounds, and spirit of bygone eras — inviting visitors to walk, ride, and even smell history as it rolls by.

From Victorian streets to Edwardian motorcars, the museum captures the evolution of mobility and design, while celebrating the inventors, engineers, and everyday people who made progress possible.

Recreated Historic Streets

One of the museum’s highlights is its Victorian Street, complete with cobblestones, gas lamps, shopfronts, and a real sense of atmosphere. Step through the doors and you’ll find:

Traditional grocers and sweet shops filled with period packaging.

A horse-drawn carriage waiting on the cobbles.

Sounds and scents that bring history to life.

It’s an immersive experience that transports visitors straight into the 19th century — perfect for families, photographers, and history lovers alike.

Classic Vehicles and Trams

The museum’s collection includes a fascinating array of vehicles from across the ages:

Early bicycles and penny-farthings from the dawn of cycling.

Steam-powered trams and electric trolleys that once ran through Hull’s streets.

Classic motorcars and motorcycles from the early 20th century.

Horse-drawn carriages and wagons, each lovingly restored.

Visitors can step aboard a 1900s tram, peek inside elegant carriages, and admire gleaming engines that defined the golden age of travel.

Interactive Experiences

Streetlife Museum brings history alive through hands-on exhibits and sensory experiences. You can:

Hear the sounds of engines, hooves, and tram bells.

Explore a 1950s street scene complete with period cars and neon signs.

Watch films and digital projections showing the evolution of transport in Hull.

The museum also runs special events and educational programmes, offering children and families an exciting way to learn through play and discovery.

Architecture and Setting

Streetlife Museum sits within Hull’s Museum Quarter, a cluster of free museums along the River Hull. Its modern brick and glass architecture blends seamlessly with the city’s historic Old Town, making it a striking gateway to Hull’s cultural heart.

The area is pedestrian-friendly and filled with greenery, benches, and cafés — ideal for a relaxed day exploring Hull’s history on foot.

Family Fun and Accessibility

Designed with families in mind, the museum offers:

Interactive displays for children.

Pushchair and wheelchair access throughout.

Picnic areas and outdoor seating.

A welcoming, hands-on approach that encourages curiosity.

Whether you’re visiting with children, students, or simply young-at-heart, Streetlife delivers a memorable, engaging experience for everyone.

Things to Do Nearby

Located in Hull’s Old Town, the museum is surrounded by some of the city’s top attractions:

Hull Maritime Museum – Explore Hull’s seafaring story.

Wilberforce House Museum – Learn about Hull’s connection to William Wilberforce and the abolition of slavery.

Hull and East Riding Museum – Step further back into prehistory.

Ferens Art Gallery – Fine art and modern exhibitions.

The Deep – A world-class aquarium on the Humber estuary.

Plan Your Visit

Managed by: Hull City Council (Hull Museums)

Entry: Free.

Location: High Street, Hull HU1 1PS.

Transport: 10-minute walk from Hull Paragon Interchange; public car parks nearby.

Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–4:30pm; Sunday 11am–4pm.

Facilities: Restrooms, picnic area, baby changing, and full accessibility.

For more information, please visit Official Streetlife Museum of Transport website

Why Visit Streetlife Museum of Transport Hull?

The Streetlife Museum of Transport Hull experience brings history to life through movement, sound, and imagination. It’s not just about vehicles — it’s about people, progress, and the stories that connect them.

From the clatter of hooves to the hum of engines, every exhibit captures the excitement of travel and the evolution of human ingenuity.

Step inside — and take a journey through 200 years of transport history at the Streetlife Museum of Transport Hull.