Hull Embraces Whimsy with ‘Second Star on the Right’ Address

Hull has recently garnered international attention as one of the world’s top destinations for 2026, according to a feature by National Geographic. In a delightful twist, the city claims a uniquely whimsical address: Second Star on the Right and Straight on ’til Morning, located in the evocatively named Land of Green Ginger in the heart of Hull’s historic old town.

Owen Pinder, a 27-year-old resident and employee at the pharmaceutical firm Reckitt, finds the character of his home captivating. “This place has so much character,” he explains. His friends often joke about the address, asking if he lives next to fictional characters like Gandalf or if it is close to “Over the Hill and Far Away.” When confirming his address during the last election, a poll worker expressed admiration, saying, “That’s now my favourite place name.”

The intriguing name is an homage to J. M. Barrie’s beloved story, Peter and Wendy, published in 1911 and more widely known as Peter Pan. The phrase “Second Star on the Right and Straight on ’til Morning” refers to the directions leading to the enchanting realm of Neverland. “I doubt there will be a place anywhere in the world with a more magical name than this,” adds Pinder.

A Unique Address in Historic Surroundings

The building housing this whimsical address features eight apartments and boasts Victorian architectural charm. It shares its cobbled street with The George, a historic 17th-century pub reputed to have the smallest window in England, which served as a lookout during its days as a coaching inn. Residents and visitors alike appreciate these quirks, contributing to the area’s charm.

Andrew Garfield, 63, who works in a call centre, has pondered the practicalities of living in such an imaginative location. “How would you even fit that on an envelope?” he muses. He reflects on the confusion this name might cause for those unfamiliar with Hull. The Land of Green Ginger is situated at the end of Whitefriargate, a location that has recently become a point of curiosity for many.

Lisa Hall, owner of Lili & Mila’s Empawrium, a pet shop adjacent to the building, notes that the area has transformed into a tourist attraction. “Hardly a day goes by without school groups or visitors stopping to marvel at the street signs and plaques,” she says. Within the Land of Green Ginger, Hall highlights three notable features: England’s smallest window, the enchanting address itself, and a location humorously dubbed The Secret House.

Curiosities and Historical Theories

Despite the whimsical nature of the address, Paul Schofield, a tour guide in Hull since 1988, reveals that the name was established over 20 years ago when it served as the headquarters for a design and marketing firm. “People love to have their photo taken next to the sign,” he explains.

As for the origins of the name Land of Green Ginger, Schofield shares that its history is ambiguous. The name has been recorded since the 1600s, with various theories surrounding its origin. Some suggest it refers to an old English term for a foul-smelling ditch, while others speculate it could be derived from a local merchant named Moses Greenhinger. There is also a theory that a Dutch company, difficult to pronounce, influenced the anglicized name. The most straightforward explanation is that the area may have been used for growing ginger.

Visitor numbers to Hull have increased significantly since the city was named the UK City of Culture in 2017. “Getting this recognition was massive for Hull,” Schofield remarks. Earlier this month, National Geographic proclaimed Hull one of the Top 25 places to visit in 2026, highlighting the reopening of the Hull Maritime Museum following a substantial restoration.

“I’m not surprised,” Schofield adds. “But everyone is shocked when they see what Hull has to offer. I wish I had a pound for every time someone said, ‘I didn’t know Hull would be like this.’”

Reflecting on the whimsical nature of his city, he humorously notes a missed opportunity for the address to be even longer: “That developer should have insisted on using Hull’s full name—Kingston upon Hull. That would have made it an even longer address.”

Hull, with its rich history and whimsical charm, continues to enchant both residents and visitors, proving that a name can indeed carry a bit of magic.