Hull Marina facts for kids
The Hull Marina is a special place in the English city of Kingston upon Hull where boats can park safely. It's like a big parking lot, but for boats! This marina opened in 1983. Before it became a marina, this area was part of the old Port of Hull, specifically the Railway Dock and Humber Dock. Today, a company called British Waterways Marinas Limited (BWML) takes care of the marina.
What is Hull Marina?
Hull Marina has 270 spots for boats to dock, which are called berths. These berths are spread across two main areas: the Humber Dock and the Railway Dock. The marina also has a boatyard. This is a place where boats can be repaired or stored out of the water. A huge machine called a boat hoist, which can lift boats weighing up to 50 tonnes, helps move the boats in and out of the water.
How Boats Get In and Out
To get from the marina to the wider River Humber, boats use a special gate system called a lock. This lock helps boats move between different water levels. Boats can usually go through the lock around high tide, which is when the water level is highest. There's also a "waiting wall" outside the lock. Boats can tie up here while they wait for their turn to enter the lock. However, this wall can be dry when the water level is very low.
The Railway Dock and Humber Dock are separated by a special bridge. This is a lifting pedestrian bridge, meaning it can lift up. When boats need to pass between the two docks, the bridge lifts to let them through.
Fun Things to See and Do
The Hull Marina area is not just for boats! You can visit the Spurn Lightship, which is a old ship that used to guide other ships. Now, it's a cool museum where you can learn about its history. The area around the marina is also a popular spot for events. It has hosted fun gatherings like the City's Folk & Maritime Festival and the Humber Street Sesh, which are great for families and friends.
