Hull Fair 2026
One of Europe's largest travelling fairs returns to Walton Street from 9–17 October, with more than 250 rides and an array of attractions. Entry is free; rides and stalls are individually priced.
Hull Fair 2026 Map
Hull Fair 2026 Map
109 POIsWith over 250 rides and an array of stalls and attractions, Hull City Council describes Hull Fair as one of Europe’s largest travelling funfairs. With a history stretching back more than 700 years, this annual spectacle transforms West Hull into an electric carnival of neon, laughter, screams, and the aroma of hot patties, roasted nuts, and spun sugar.
When is Hull Fair 2026?
Hull Fair 2026 runs from Friday 9 October to Saturday 17 October 2026. Gates open at 4:00 PM on Friday 9 October, 12:00 PM on Saturdays, and 2:00 PM Monday to Friday, operating until 11:00 PM. The fair is closed on Sunday 11 October.
| Day & Date | Opening Time | Closing Time | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday 9 Oct | 4:00 PM | 11:00 PM | Official Opening Bell & Carnival |
| Saturday 10 Oct | 12:00 PM (Noon) | 11:00 PM | Peak Weekend Crowds |
| Sunday 11 Oct | CLOSED | CLOSED | No Sunday Trading by Charter |
| Monday 12 Oct | 2:00 PM | 11:00 PM | Family & Toddler Afternoon |
| Tuesday 13 Oct | 2:00 PM | 11:00 PM | Quieter Afternoon Queues |
| Wednesday 14 Oct | 2:00 PM | 11:00 PM | Midweek Thrills |
| Thursday 15 Oct | 2:00 PM | 11:00 PM | Pre-Weekend Rush |
| Friday 16 Oct | 2:00 PM | 11:00 PM | Electric Big Friday Night |
| Saturday 17 Oct | 12:00 PM (Noon) | 11:00 PM | Grand Finale Saturday |
Getting to Hull Fair: Walk, Bus, Taxi or Drive
Walton Street and surrounding residential roads are closed to general traffic. Whether you are arriving by train at Hull Paragon Interchange, catching a dedicated fair bus, taking a cab, or driving to a Park & Ride, here is how to reach Walton Street smoothly.
Walking Route from Hull Paragon Interchange
Arriving in Hull by train or coach? Walking from Hull Paragon Interchange down to the MKM Stadium and Walton Street is completely flat, well-lit, and very often faster than sitting in gridlocked Anlaby Road traffic.
- Step 1: Exit StationExit main station entrance onto Ferensway, turn right and head toward Anlaby Road (A1105).
- Step 2: Head WestWalk west straight along Anlaby Road past Hull Royal Infirmary and under the railway arches.
- Step 3: Enter West ParkTurn right into West Park through the stadium gates, which leads directly onto Walton Street.
Buses from the Interchange
Both major bus operators run high-frequency services between Hull Paragon Interchange and the fairground:
- East Yorkshire Buses: Runs frequent special Hull Fair shuttles from the Interchange, plus regular services 56, 57, and 66 dropping on Anlaby Road.
- Stagecoach: Frequent services 2, 3, 4, and 5 along Anlaby Road directly to the West Park gates.
- Late Departures: Return buses run regularly until after the fair shuts at 11:00 PM.
Taxis & Drop-Off Zones
Road closures change access near Walton Street. We have not verified dedicated fairground taxi drop-off points for 2026; agree a safe legal stop with your driver.
- Hull Paragon: A taxi rank is available at the interchange.
- Before travelling: Check the council's current road-closure information and allow extra time.
- Pick-up: Arrange a location with your driver that does not block residential access or a temporary closure.
Official Park & Ride and Car Parking
Priory Park & Ride
Located off the A63 at Henry Boot Way (HU4 7DY), with more than 650 free parking spaces and frequent Hull Fair bus services.
- Frequency: Buses every 10–15 mins
- Fare: Parking is free; bus fares apply
- Postcode: HU4 7DY
Humber Bridge Park & Ride
Located at Ferriby Road, Hessle (HU13 0JG). Ideal for visitors travelling across the Humber Bridge or from the West.
- Frequency: Buses every 10–15 mins
- Hours: Open until 11:00 PM daily
- Postcode: HU13 0JG
MKM Stadium Car Park (HU3 6HU)
Situated inside West Park directly next to Walton Street. Dedicated parking is provided on non-match days. Entry is via Walton Street / Anlaby Road.
Spaces fill quickly on Friday and Saturday evenings; check Hull City Council's event notices for current vehicle charges.
Street Permit Zones: Check Before Parking
Road closures and permit-only parking apply on Walton Street and specified nearby roads, including parts of Lowther Street, Walliker Street, Paisley Street, Lonsdale Street, Sandringham Street, Granville Street, Perry Street, Ruskin Street, Arthur Street and Little Anlaby Road. Check Hull City Council's current restriction times and signs before parking.
Hull Fair 2026 Ride Costs
Admission to the fairground is free, while rides and games are priced individually by their operators. Official 2026 prices have not been published, so treat prices seen in older guides as historic and check the displayed cost before joining a queue.
Children's Rides
Teacups, mini roller coasters, funhouses, toy carousels, inflatables, and gentle train rides.
Family Classics
Dodgems (bumper cars), Waltzers, Giant Observation Wheel, Ghost Train, Sizzler, and Helter Skelter.
Extreme Thrill Rides
Air, Reverse Bungee, Giant Booster, XXL Speed, AtmosFear, and 50-metre drop towers.
£25–£45 for rides plus £10–£15 for food
Budget £80–£130 including food, games, and rides
Hook-a-Duck, Darts, Hoopla typically £3–£5 per go
These are estimated historical benchmarks only. All prices are set by individual operators and must be confirmed at each attraction before paying.
The Legendary Hull Fair Food Bucket List
Half the magic of Hull Fair is the unmistakable smell of frying onions, hot sugar, and steaming patties. Here are the authentic Hull Fair culinary essentials you must try:
1. Bob Carver’s Patties & Chips
The quintessential Hull delicacy. A seasoned patty made from mashed potato infused with sage and onion, dipped in batter and deep-fried golden. Served piping hot with chips, salt, and lashings of chip spice.
2. Wright’s Brandy Snaps & Fresh Cream
Crisp, golden-brown rolled ginger-molasses wafer cylinders filled on the spot with sweet whipped fresh dairy cream. A cherished staple for generations of fairgoers.
3. Pomegranates with Pins & Spoons
A unique Hull Fair tradition dating back to when exotic Mediterranean fruits were unloaded at Hull Docks each autumn. Fairgoers pick ruby-red seeds straight from the cut fruit using pins or small plastic spoons.
4. Hot Roasted Chestnuts & Toffee Apples
Roasted over open coal drums and served in paper bags to warm your hands against the autumn evening chill.
Family, Dogs, Toilets & Practical Tips
🕒 Quieter Times for Families
Weekday afternoons (Monday to Thursday, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM) are significantly quieter than Friday and Saturday evenings. Pushchairs are manageable along Walton Street, though expect a crowd at peak hours regardless of day.
🪪 If a Child Gets Separated
Agree a fixed meeting point before entering — a recognisable landmark works better than trying to phone in a noisy crowd. Tell children to find a uniformed event steward or police officer, and keep a current photo of them on your phone. Write your mobile number on a child's wrist with a marker pen or ask a steward for a child ID wristband on arrival.
💳 Cash, Cards & Mobile Signal
Many operators accept contactless payment, but mobile network congestion across Walton Street (100,000+ visitors) regularly causes card terminals to buffer or fail. On-site temporary ATMs carry a £2.50 to £3.50 withdrawal fee and queue badly on Friday and Saturday nights. Withdraw cash from a high-street bank or ATM before you arrive.
🚻 Toilets & Baby Changing
The official 2026 layout shows two public toilet blocks: one on the Walton Street side of the fairground, and one on the north-east perimeter by the railway boundary. Ask an event steward on site for accessible and baby-changing facilities.
🐕 Dogs at Hull Fair
Pet dogs are strongly discouraged. The fairground creates serious hazards for animals — extreme noise levels, strobe lighting, dense crowds, discarded wooden food skewers on the ground, and hot cooking grease. Registered assistance and guide dogs are of course permitted. All other dog owners should leave their pets safely at home.
♿ Accessibility & Blue Badges
Walton Street is largely paved. Individual rides and stalls have their own boarding arrangements; ask staff at each attraction. Blue Badge holders should check Hull City Council's current parking guidance before travelling, as standard arrangements may not apply during road closures.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Hull Fair 2026?
Hull Fair 2026 opens on Friday 9 October and runs through Saturday 17 October at Walton Street. It opens from 4:00 PM on the first Friday, 12 noon on both Saturdays, and 2:00 PM Monday to Friday, closing at 11:00 PM each night. It is closed on Sunday 11 October.
Is Hull Fair open on Sunday?
No. Hull City Council's official 2026 schedule lists Sunday 11 October as closed. The fair reopens at 2:00 PM on Monday 12 October.
Is admission to Hull Fair free?
Yes, admission to the Walton Street fairground is completely free of charge. Visitors only pay for individual rides, games, and food stalls.
How much are rides at Hull Fair 2026?
Admission is free, but rides and games are priced individually by their operators. There is no single official 2026 ride-price list; check the displayed price before joining a queue.
Can you pay by card at Hull Fair, or is it cash only?
Payment methods vary between operators. Check before joining a ride queue or ordering food, and consider carrying both a card and some cash as alternatives.
Can you walk to Hull Fair from Hull Paragon Interchange train station?
Yes, walking is often faster than sitting in Anlaby Road traffic. It is a straightforward 1.3-mile walk (approx. 20–25 minutes). Exit Paragon Station onto Anlaby Road (A1105), walk directly west past Hull Royal Infirmary, and enter West Park via the MKM Stadium gates, which leads directly to Walton Street.
Which buses run to Hull Fair from Hull Paragon Interchange?
Additional bus services operate during Hull Fair, but routes, boarding points and last departures can change. Check the current Stagecoach and East Yorkshire Buses journey planners before travelling.
Where can taxis drop off and pick up for Hull Fair?
Ask your taxi operator to check the current road closures and agree a safe legal drop-off away from Walton Street. Hull Paragon Interchange has a taxi rank, but we have not verified a dedicated fairground drop-off point for 2026.
Where is the best place to park for Hull Fair?
Hull City Council lists two park-and-ride sites: Priory Park, Henry Boot Way (HU4 7DY), and Humber Bridge, Ferriby Road, Hessle (HU13 0JG). Buses run every 10 to 15 minutes and both sites are open until 11:00 PM each day. The council also lists public parking at MKM Stadium; check availability and charges before travelling.
Can I park on streets near Walton Street?
Temporary access and permit-parking restrictions apply on Walton Street and specified nearby roads. Check Hull City Council's current road-closure and parking-restriction list before travelling.
Are dogs allowed at Hull Fair?
Pet dogs are strongly discouraged and not recommended at Hull Fair due to extreme noise, dense crowds, flashing lights, and the hazard of discarded wooden food skewers and hot grease on the ground. Legitimate assistance and guide dogs are permitted, but general pet owners should leave dogs safely at home.
Where are the toilets and baby-changing facilities?
The official 2026 layout shows two public toilet blocks: one on the Walton Street side of the fairground, and one on the north-east perimeter by the railway boundary. Both are marked on our interactive Hull Fair Map. Ask an event steward on site for accessible and baby-changing facilities.
What happens if a child gets lost at Hull Fair?
Agree a meeting point before entering and notify a nearby event steward or police officer immediately. They can direct you to the first aid and lost children point on site.
What are the must-eat traditional foods at Hull Fair?
Traditional Hull Fair favourites include Bob Carver's famous sage-and-onion patties with chips and chip spice, Wright's brandy snaps filled with fresh whipped dairy cream, hot roasted chestnuts in paper bags, toffee apples, and fresh pomegranates eaten with pins.
What are the quietest times to visit Hull Fair with toddlers?
Weekday afternoons may be a better choice than Friday and Saturday evenings for families, but crowd and queue levels cannot be guaranteed.
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