Withernsea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Withernsea |
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|---|---|
| Town and civil parish | |
 Pier Towers, Withernsea |
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 Withernsea
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| Population | 6,159 (2011 census) |
| OS grid reference | TA344277 |
| • London | 150 mi (240 km) S |
| Civil parish |
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| Unitary authority | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | WITHERNSEA |
| Postcode district | HU19 |
| Dialling code | 01964 |
| Police | Humberside |
| Fire | Humberside |
| Ambulance | Yorkshire |
| EU Parliament | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| UK Parliament |
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Withernsea is a lively seaside resort town. It is located in Holderness, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. A tall, white lighthouse stands inland from the coast. It is about 127 meters (417 feet) tall. This lighthouse now has a museum inside. The museum celebrates the 1950s actress Kay Kendall, who was born in Withernsea.
The Prime Meridian line crosses the coast just north-west of the town. This imaginary line divides the Earth into eastern and western halves. In 2011, Withernsea had a population of 6,159 people. This was a small increase from 5,980 people in 2001. The town has two main schools: Withernsea High School and Withernsea Primary School.
Contents
A Look Back: Withernsea's History
Like many seaside towns, Withernsea has a long promenade. This walkway stretches north and south along the coast. It starts from the historic Pier Towers. These towers were once the entrance to the Withernsea Pier. The pier was built in 1877 and cost £12,000. It was originally 399 meters (1,309 feet) long.
The Pier's Adventures
The pier faced many challenges over the years. Several ships accidentally crashed into it. The first crash was by a ship called the Saffron in 1880. More collisions happened in 1888 and 1893. One ship was the Henry Parr. These crashes slowly damaged the pier. By 1903, only a small, damaged part of it was left. This last section was then removed. Today, only the Pier Towers remain. They have been nicely restored.
The Railway Connection
In the mid-1800s, the Hull and Holderness Railway was built. This railway connected Withernsea to the city of Hull. It made it easy and cheap for Victorian families to visit for holidays. This also helped Withernsea's economy grow. The railway closed in 1964. Now, the old track is an overgrown footpath.
Withernsea's Airfield
In 1916, a flying field was set up in Withernsea. It was called Owthorne. This area is now where Withernsea High School stands. From 1918 to 1919, a special air force unit used the field. They had hangars for their aircraft. The flying activities stopped in June 1919.
What's Happening in Withernsea Today?
Withernsea has a few supermarkets for shopping. There is a Tesco store and an Aldi. The town council bought an old pub and nightclub. They turned it into a community center called the Meridian Centre. This center opened in 2013. It has a cinema and a place for performances.
Fun and Games
Withernsea also has a 9-hole golf course. There is a leisure center with a gym and an indoor swimming pool. You can find many pubs and restaurants in the town center. These places offer food and drinks for everyone.
Cool Places to Visit in Withernsea
Withernsea has some great places that tourists love to see:
- The Withernsea Lighthouse: This tall lighthouse on Hull Road has a museum. It's dedicated to the famous actress Kay Kendall.
- The Pier Towers: These historic towers lead to a Blue Flag beach. A Blue Flag means the beach is clean and safe.
- Valley Gardens: This area has a large open space. It has an outdoor stage for local events and celebrations.
- Amusement Arcades: You'll find several fun arcades near the Valley Gardens. They are sometimes called 'muggies' by locals.
- RNLI Lifeboat Museum: Learn about the brave work of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
- St Nicholas Church: This is the local parish church. It's a very old and important building.
- The Greenwich Meridian: This famous line passes just outside the town.
News and Entertainment
Local news and TV shows for Withernsea come from BBC Yorkshire and ITV Yorkshire. Radio stations like BBC Radio Humberside and Hits Radio East Yorkshire play music and news. Seaside FM used to broadcast from the town but stopped in 2022. The local newspaper, The Holderness Gazette, also has offices in Withernsea.
Learning in Withernsea
Withernsea has several primary schools for younger students. Withernsea High School is the main secondary school. It was updated in 2015. The high school focuses on technology.
Important Services
Withernsea has its own hospital. It is part of the NHS. It is now a community hospital. The town also has five emergency service stations. These include the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, and Humberside Police. There is also Her Majesty's Coastguard and the Withernsea Lifeboat Station. These services help keep everyone safe.
Famous People from Withernsea
Many interesting people have connections to Withernsea:
- Kenny Baker (1921–1999): A famous jazz musician, born here.
- Dick Davis: A poet and translator of Persian poetry. He grew up in Withernsea in the 1950s.
- Stuart Gray: A professional footballer, born in the town.
- Charles Hotham: He was the vicar (a type of priest) of Withernsea from 1640 to 1644.
- Kay Kendall: The famous actress was born in Withernsea in 1927.
- The Ruby Red Performers: This group of dancers is from Withernsea. They appeared on Britain's Got Talent in 2015.
Images for kids
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Withernsea Bus Depot
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Teddy's Amusements
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Valley Gardens
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Withernsea Bowling Club
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Withernsea beach, south promenade.
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Withernsea lighthouse at night.
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Coastal erosion to the south of Withernsea.
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South of Withernsea at low tide.
See also
In Spanish: Withernsea para niños
