Have a lovely day out or holiday at Withernsea Sands. Find out more about the beach and seafront here. Let the Unofficial Guide tell you what you need to know...
The beach at Withernsea is wide and sandy - a lovely place to enjoy the seaside...
On the day we went, it was a breezy Tuesday in early May - so there weren't many seaside trippers while we were there - but this seaside does get very popular in the school holidays and summer months. It is never, though, quite so crowded as the main tourist hot spots of Scarborough and Bridlington.
Withernsea is a good spot for friendly and quieter traditional seaside British holidays...
Withernsea Sands - The Beach
Along the central part of Withernsea sands beach, dogs are not allowed between May 1 and 30 September.
There is a specific 'Dog Exercise Area' to the north and south of this central area of the beach, where dogs are allowed at all times.
We took our dog, Ginger, a retired ex-racing greyhound, onto the northern part of Withernsea sands beach...
The steps down to the beach are high and quite steep, so do take care descending. This does mean, however, that it is a safe place for dogs to run...
The beach alternates between pebbly areas and soft sand, so we didn't let our dog off the lead, as he has already lost one toenail running on a beach (in Northumbria - a gory incident, with much blood! - and one we don't wish to repeat in a hurry!)
It is a lovely long beach - a great place to walk. We walked northwards along the beach, and then returned along the seafront promenade, with fantastic views across the beach and the sea.
Withernsea Seafront and Pier
Commemorative plaques mark the sites out to sea (around 800 yards and 1 mile away) where old churches were lost to the sea in the 15th and 19th Centuries. This just shows how eroded the coastline has always been here. It is also a dangerous coast, with many shipwrecks and loss of life throughout history.
Probably the most striking characteristic of Withernsea seafront has got to be the entrance to the original Withernsea Pier. The pier itself has long gone, but the impressive towers - nicknamed 'The Sandcastle' - and it's easy to see why!
The Valley Gardens
Also on the seafront are the Valley Gardens. These were originally a freshwater mere, but were able to become attractive gardens once the sturdy sea defences were erected in the early years of the 20th Century.
In the Summer months, the Valley Gardens are used to host free entertainment and music shows. For more details see what's on...
The public toilets are also situated here (entrance along the seafront, almost opposite the Sandcastle). At the time we used them, it cost 15p.
Withernsea sands and seafront are a very pleasant place to stroll, or relax and soak up the sunshine (weather permitting, of course!) We enjoyed our day out here, and hope we can return soon.
