The Arctic Corsair is a majestic deep-sea fishing ship that has been converted into an intriguing museum on the River Hull. The boat’s displays piece together the rich history of this magnificent trawler and Hull’s fishing industry. Make your way through the myriad displays and consider the important role that deep-sea fishing has played in the development of this historic city.
Capture photos of the impressive boat, which was constructed in 1960. It is 187 feet (57 meters) long. Watch the 10-minute Life at Sea film in the Arctic Corsair visitor center nearby, before taking the guided tour of the boat. Listen to the volunteer docents retelling intriguing tales of seafaring voyages. See the crew’s lodging quarters, descend into the mess and galley and stand on the foredeck of this old vessel.
The ship’s exhibits describe the varied dangers of deep-sea trawling. Hear about the boat’s collision off the coast of Scotland in 1967 and how the Arctic Corsair broke the record for picking up cod and haddock in the White Sea 6 years later. The vessel played a part in the so-called Cod Wars of the 1970s, before eventually being moored in the River Hull in 1993 and being inaugurated as a museum 6 years later.
Note that entrance to the museum is free. Opening times may vary by season check before you visit. Be careful aboard the ship on the steep stairs and narrow passageways, which may prove to be restrictive for those with limited mobility.
Find the Arctic Corsair between the Drypool Bridge and the Myton Bridge on the River Hull in the heart of the city. Arrive at the Hull railway station and walk east for about 15 minutes to get here. Plan extra time to see other nearby landmarks, such as the Statue of Ghandi, the Museum of Club Culture and the Streetlife Museum of Transport.