Underrated UK seaside town is completely 'overlooked' but full of charm
This seaside town in Yorkshire is home to an award-winning beach and newly rebuilt promenade, though it is unfortunately overlooked by flashier resort towns
You may not have heard of this charming seaside town, but that's exactly why it should be the setting of your next staycation. Often overlooked by Brits who beeline for destinations like Filey and Scarborough, this Yorkshire town is ideal for a quiet, cultural escape.
Withernsea has all the landmarks of a classic British seaside resort, except for the massive crowds. Travellers can peruse the local fish and chip shops and arcades without the long queues and exceptional mark-ups, and also enjoy an award-winning beach in peace.
Withernsea's beach stretches for miles along the clear waters of the North Sea. The beach has managed to keep its Blue Flag status by maintaining exceptional water quality standards and shore cleanliness, going above and beyond to ensure its facilities are well managed.
The seaside town also recently redesigned and rebuilt its promenade and now boasts garden and play areas, as well as an open-air stage for summer entertainment. On the promenade, the Pier Towers are now the last surviving parts of the once-thriving 19th century pier.
Withernsea's wide promenade reaches north and south from Pier Towers, the historic entrance to a once 1,200-foot long pier, built in 1877. The pier was continually reduced in length after consistent damage from ships before it was eventually removed in full.
While the pier is no longer there, the Pier Towers mark the place where it once stood and a model of the pier stands on the promenade close to the towers with plaques that describe its gradual demise. The Towers were fully restored in 2019 and are currently operated by the Withernsea Pier and Promenade Association.
The new Towers were opened to the public in June 2020 and contain several exhibitions and art and craft stalls. Within the structure, visitors can read the plans for the new Withernsea Pier, the Coastal Change Observatory, Windmills of Holderness and historic pictures of Withernsea.
Today, the Towers also represent the town's maritime history, which can be explored at the museum located in the inland lighthouse. The famous lighthouse towers 127 feet above the beach and is the home of the Lighthouse Museum.
The distinct serenity of the area has made the town particularly popular with retirees looking to escape the chaos of the city. Though there are growing concerns among residents about the local economy with a high turnover of independent businesses on the high street.
Valley Gardens is a must-visit spot, defined by its beautifully landscaped open space with ample seating. The Valley Gardens is the venue for the popular annual Summertime Special, and throughout the season its a hub for events in Withernsea.
Another annual event to keep an eye out for is Withernsea's Blue Light Weekend. The event pays tribute to the emergency services and safety forces with a host of demonstrations from emergency teams.
The festival also has live entertainment, interactive exhibitions, games and food stalls. In 2025, the festival will run from August 2 to August 3.
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