HULL FAIR 2026
The definitive, evergreen guide to Europe’s premier travelling fair at Walton Street. Official dates, daily opening hours, ride prices, parking and shuttle buses, and the legendary food bucket list.
With over 800,000 visitors, 250 thrilling rides, and stalls stretching as far as the eye can see, Hull Fair is Europe’s largest travelling funfair. Tracing its royal charter back over seven centuries to 1278 AD, this week-long 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 2:00 PM daily (and from 12:00 PM on Saturdays), operating until 11:00 PM.
| 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 |
Where to Park for Hull Fair 2026
Walton Street and the immediate residential terraces are closed to public traffic. Here are the official, stress-free ways to get to the fair without receiving a parking ticket.
Priory Park & Ride
Located just off the A63 Clive Sullivan Way in Hessle (HU4 7DY). Over 650 free parking spaces with high-frequency direct shuttle buses dropping right at the Walton Street gates.
- • Frequency: Buses every 10–15 mins
- • Fare: Low-cost return bus fare (parking free)
- • Postcode: HU4 7DY
MKM Stadium Parking
On non-match days, paid parking is operated inside West Park via the Walton Street / Anlaby Road entrance for £5.00–£6.00 per vehicle.
- • Cost: Approx £5–£6 per vehicle
- • Tip: Arrive before 4:30 PM to secure a bay
- • Postcode: HU3 6HU
⚠️ Strict Street Permit Zones: Avoid Parking Fines
All streets within a one-mile radius of Walton Street (including Anlaby Road terraces, Chanterlands Avenue side streets, and Spring Bank West) are strictly controlled residents-only permit zones. Civil enforcement officers patrol continuously and issue instant penalty charge notices (PCNs) or tow unauthorised vehicles.
Hull Fair 2026 Ride Prices
Because admission to the fairground is free, visitors pay per ride. Prices are set individually by each showman operator, but follow these typical price brackets:
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.
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 Tips, Cash vs Card & Safety
🕒 Quiet Times for Families
Visiting with toddlers or pushchairs? Come between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM on Monday through Thursday. The aisles are calm, noise levels are moderate, and ride queues are virtually non-existent.
🪪 Lost Children Wristbands
Humberside Police and Hull City Council staff operate the lost children marquee on Walton Street. Pick up a free waterproof wristband upon arrival to write your mobile number on your child's wrist.
💳 Cash vs Contactless Cards
Most rides and food vendors have card readers, but 4G/5G mobile signal frequently drops due to 50,000+ people packing Walton Street simultaneously. Carry £20–£30 in cash as a backup.
♿ Accessibility & Blue Badges
Walton Street fairground has flat tarmac pathways accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Accessible toilets are stationed near the police marquee and entrance points.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Hull Fair 2026?+
Hull Fair 2026 opens on Friday 9 October and runs through Saturday 17 October 2026 at the Walton Street fairground. It operates daily from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM (opening at 12:00 PM on Saturdays), except on Sunday 11 October when the fair is strictly closed.
Why is Hull Fair closed on Sunday?+
By historic royal charter dating back to 1278 AD and local council bylaws, Hull Fair does not operate on Sundays. The fairground reopens on Monday 12 October at 2:00 PM.
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?+
Children's rides typically cost £1.50 to £2.50. Classic family rides (such as Dodgems, Waltzers, and the Giant Wheel) cost between £2.50 and £3.50. Headline extreme thrill rides (such as Air, Reverse Bungee, and Bomber) cost between £3.50 and £5.00.
Where is the best place to park for Hull Fair?+
The official Priory Park and Ride (HU4 7DY) off the A63 in Hessle is the easiest and most convenient option. It provides over 650 secure spaces and direct, frequent shuttle buses that drop you right outside the Walton Street gates.
Can I park on streets near Walton Street?+
No. All residential streets within a 1-mile radius of Walton Street have strict residents-only parking permit restrictions enforced by civil parking officers. Unauthorised vehicles face immediate penalty charge notices (PCNs) and towing.
Can you pay by card at Hull Fair, or is it cash only?+
Most major rides, food trucks, and stalls accept contactless and card payments. However, mobile phone network signals can get congested during busy evening crowds, so carrying £20–£30 in cash is strongly recommended for smaller game stalls and backup.
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, hot Wright's brandy snaps filled with fresh dairy cream, hot roasted chestnuts, toffee apples, and fresh pomegranates.
What are the quietest times to visit Hull Fair with toddlers?+
The quietest, most family-friendly times are weekday afternoons between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM (Monday to Thursday). The aisles are spacious, queues are minimal, and the atmosphere is relaxed for prams and toddlers.
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