Withernsea Lighthouse Information Find out about the unusual inland lighthouse at Withernsea. History of the lighthouse and details for visiting the lighthouse now...
Withernsea is a very unusual lighthouse - as it is not on the coast! No! Withernsea is an inland lighthouse...!
If you are thinking that this is a bit strange, you are right - and I will explain it all... later...
The Withernsea lighthouse is not currently operational - but is open to the public during the summer months, as a museum.
Even though it is inland, the lighthouse is still easily visible for miles around - it is very tall, and the land is very flat around here!
Learn more about the Withernsea Lighthouse
Where?
Hull Road, Withernsea
When?
Built 1892-1894, over an 18 month period
Designed by Trinity House
Built by Strattens of Edinburgh
History
The lighthouse was built here because of the large number of shipwrecks still happening in the area - which is right between the Spurn Head lighthouses and the Flamborough Lighthouses.
Today, the lighthouse is in the middle of a housing estate about 1/4 of a mile from the sea. When it was built, the lighthouse was positioned on a solid bit of land as near as possible to the coast. Sand dunes and a mere were in front of the lighthouse - and this bit of coast is very prone to coastal erosion. In later years, the promenade was extended into this area - this allowed the buildings we now see to be built.
Facts and Figures
The lighthouse is an octagonal shape, with just a staircase (with 144 steps) and a lamp room at the top.
The tower is 127ft high (the light is 120ft above sea level)
The light was visible for 17 miles
2 cottages adjoin the tower, as lighthouse keepers cottages. These now contain the museum.
The lighthouse was decommissioned 1st July 1976
Today
The lighthouse at Withernsea is now a museum about:
The lighthouse
RNLI and HM Coastguard in the area
Local History
Contains the Kay Kendall Memorial (a 1950's film star who was born in Withernsea)
Has fantastic views from the top of the lighthouse tower!
Visiting the Lighthouse Museum
The lighthouse museum is open to the public:
Easter to October: Weekend afternoons Mid June to Mid September: Weekdays and Weekends
