Local Area
Withernsea is a seaside resort town and civil parish in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and forms the focal point for a wider community of small villages in Holderness. Withernsea has a population of approximately 6000.
The resort offers plenty of entertainment for everyone on and off the beach. A thriving market is held several days a week and the newly refurbished Valley Gardens, a beautifully landscaped open space with seating, children’s play equipment and a stage, presents open air concerts, events and activities during the main season.
Its most famous landmark is the white inland lighthouse, rising around 127 feet (39 m) above Hull Road. The lighthouse — no longer active — now houses a museum to 1950s actress Kay Kendall, who was born in the town.
Like many seaside resorts, Withernsea has a wide promenade which reaches north and south from Pier Towers. A variety of pubs and restaurants are situated around the centre of the town, along with a a wide variety of local shops and cafes.
The surrounding villages also offer some traditional country pubs with exceptional food.
Only a couple of hours drive from West Yorkshire it is very popular with people from this area.
Withernsea History
Like many seaside resorts, Withernsea has a wide promenade which reaches north and south from Pier Towers, the historic entrance to a 364 metre (nearly 1200 feet) long pier, built in 1877 at a cost of £12,000. The pier was gradually reduced in length through consecutive impacts by local seacraft, starting with the Saffron in 1880 before being collided into by an unnamed ship in 1888, again by a Grimsby fishing boat and again by the Henry Parr in 1903, leaving the once-grand pier with a mere 15 metres (about 50 feet) of damaged wood and steel. Town planners decided to remove the final section during construction of coastal defences in the 1930s. The Pier Towers have been refurbished.
During the mid 19th century the Hull and Holderness Railway was constructed, connecting the nearby city of Kingston upon Hull with Withernsea (via Keyingham and Patrington) and providing a cheap and convenient holiday for Victorian workers and their families, as well as boosting Withernsea's economy. It closed in 1964 and all that remains of it is an overgrown footpath where the track used to be.
Withernsea Lighthouse
Withernsea’s Lighthouse is one of only a handful of lighthouses built inland, standing 127 feet (38m) high in the middle of the seaside town.
The base of the lighthouse features RNLI and HM Coastguard exhibits, displays and old photographs.
There is also a local history room with photo’s documents and models from Withernsea’s past including the Queens Hotel and the train station.
Standing only a few houses away from the very spot where 1950’s film star Kay Kendall was born makes the lighthouse the perfect place for a memorial to the glamorous star!
The lighthouse is no longer active and means that visitors are able to climb the 144 steps to the top for the most breath taking views over Withernsea and East Yorkshire – on a clear day you can even see the towers of the Humber Bridge.
For further information please visit their website.
Withernsea Town
This cosy coastal haven, with its relaxed seaside atmosphere, is the perfect location for a short family break. The flat rural landscape surrounding the town offers some magnificent sweeping views; ideal for getting away from it all. The town also boasts some surprising historical landmarks, including a Napoleonic fortress and a huge nuclear bunker which runs award-winning tours.
Withernsea has it's own purpose built stage located in the Valley Gardens which hosts various concerts throughtout the summer months. Highlights include The Summertime Special and Bike Fest which attracts people from all over the area for this fantastic two day event, The Pirate Festival and the Water Safety Day.
Withernsea Carnival week consists of nine days of fun and entertainment for all ages.
Withernsea Golf Club
Withernsea Golf Club extends a warm welcome to members, visitors, societies and corporate clients of all ages and abilities!
It is a links course situated on the edge of the seaside town of Withernsea and set within the stunning low lying, rural plains of Holderness. The course, with it’s narrow undulating fairways, demands accuracy from the tee with small and well-guarded greens. The 9 hole course is often played as an 18 hole, which spans 5,907 yards with a par of 72.
The Club offers excellent facilities including a bar and restaurant where you can relax at your leisure.
For further information please visit their website.
