Withernsea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 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 |
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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 lovely seaside resort town located in Holderness, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It's a great place to visit, known for its beautiful coast. A special landmark here is its tall, white lighthouse. This lighthouse stands about 39 meters (127 feet) high and now has a museum inside. The museum celebrates the life of Kay Kendall, a famous actress from the 1950s who was born in Withernsea.
Did you know that the Prime Meridian line, which helps us measure longitude around the world, actually crosses the coast just north-west of Withernsea?
In 2011, about 6,159 people lived in Withernsea. The town has schools like Withernsea High School and Withernsea Primary School, helping young people learn and grow.
Contents
A Look Back in Time: Withernsea's History
The name Withernsea likely comes from an old English phrase. It probably meant 'the lake near the thorn tree'.
The Famous Pier and Promenade
Withernsea has a wide promenade that stretches along the coast. It starts from the historic Pier Towers. These towers were once the grand entrance to the pier, built in 1877. The pier was originally very long, about 365 meters (399 yards)! However, over the years, ships accidentally crashed into it several times. These accidents, starting in 1880, gradually shortened the pier. By 1903, most of it was gone. Today, only the lovely Pier Towers remain, and they have been beautifully restored.
The Railway Connection
In the mid-1800s, a railway line was built. It connected Withernsea to the city of Hull. This railway made it easy and affordable for families to visit Withernsea for holidays. It also helped the town's economy grow. The railway closed in 1964. Now, you can find an overgrown footpath where the tracks once lay.
Withernsea During Wartime
During 1916, a special flying field was set up in an area called Owthorne. This field was about 35 acres (14 hectares) in size. It was used by the military for flying activities until June 1919. Today, Withernsea High School stands on this historic site.
What's Happening in Withernsea Today
Withernsea has a lively town center with different shops and services. You can find supermarkets like Tesco and Aldi for your shopping needs.
The Meridian Centre
The Withernsea Town Council has created a wonderful place called the Meridian Centre. This building used to be a pub and nightclub. After receiving over £400,000 in funding, it was transformed into a modern community center by 2013. The Meridian Centre now offers a cinema and a place for performing arts, bringing people together for fun and entertainment.
Fun and Leisure
For those who love sports and activities, Withernsea has a 9-hole golf course. There's also a leisure center with a gym and an indoor swimming pool. Around the town center, you'll find many different pubs and restaurants to enjoy.
Exploring Withernsea's Famous Landmarks
Withernsea has many interesting places to see and visit. Here are some of its most famous landmarks:
- The historic lighthouse on Hull Road. It has a museum about the actress Kay Kendall.
- The beautiful Pier Towers, which lead to a Blue Flag beach. This means the beach is clean and safe!
- Valley Gardens, a lovely park with a big open space and an outdoor stage. It's perfect for local events and celebrations.
- Fun amusement arcades (sometimes called 'muggies') across from Valley Gardens.
- An RNLI lifeboat museum, where you can learn about sea rescues.
- The old parish church of St Nicholas, a very important historic building.
- The Greenwich Meridian line, which passes just outside the town.
News and Entertainment in Withernsea
Residents of Withernsea can stay informed with local news and TV shows from channels like BBC Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and ITV Yorkshire.
For radio listeners, there are several stations available. These include BBC Radio Humberside, Hits Radio East Yorkshire & North Lincolnshire, Capital Yorkshire, and Greatest Hits East Yorkshire. There is also a local station called Seaside FM.
The weekly newspaper, The Holderness Gazette, keeps everyone up-to-date on local events and news.
Learning in Withernsea
Withernsea has several primary schools for younger students. For older students, Withernsea High School is the main secondary school. It's a technology college, meaning it has special facilities for learning about technology. The high school was updated and improved in 2015.
Important Public Services
Withernsea has a community hospital, part of the NHS, which provides healthcare to local people.
The town is well-protected by its emergency services. You'll find five different emergency service stations here:
- The Yorkshire Ambulance Service
- The Humberside Fire and Rescue Service
- The Humberside Police
- Her Majesty's Coastguard, who look after our coasts
- The lifeboat station, ready to help people at sea
Famous Faces from Withernsea
Many interesting people have connections to Withernsea:
- Kenny Baker (1921–1999), a talented jazz musician, was born here.
- Dick Davis, a poet and translator of Persian poetry, grew up in Withernsea in the 1950s.
- Footballer Stuart Gray was also born in the town.
- The famous actress Kay Kendall was born in Withernsea in 1927.
- The Ruby Red Performers, a group of dancers who appeared on Britain's Got Talent in 2015, are from Withernsea.
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
