Explore the area

Things to Do in Whithernsea

DAY 1: YORKSHIRE'S VERY OWN LANDS END

Start your adventure at Yorkshire's very own Lands End

Morning

Start your Route YC Withernsea route at the Yorkshire Coast’s very own Land’s End… Spurn Point.

This stunning, naturally-formed nature reserve is a total delight to explore. Big skies and ever-changing wildlife make the evocative landscape of Spurn one of the area’s most iconic nature reserves. A constantly moving peninsula, which curves between the North Sea and the Humber Estuary,

Spurn remains and will always be an utterly wild place. Always at the mercy of the elements, no two days are ever the same. Just one thing, and you’ll be fine if you do this (which you must!), please make sure you always check the tide times to stay safe and get the most out of your visit.

If you fancy a break and a brew, pop into the Discovery Centre Café observatory - and share it with the views of the wildlife outside!

Afternoon

There is always time to pack in the adventure, so book a trip on the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Jeep Safari before you arrive. The rough and wild travel across the dunes will get you down to the lighthouse in style, where you will see the start of the Yorkshire Coastal Sculpture Collection, Spurn Butterfly.

Local sculptor Emma Stothard was inspired by the species found at Spurn, creating this weathering sculpture to oxidize with the wild and salty air to mimic the Green Hairstreak Butterfly.

On your way back, look out for tents stretched between branches in the scrub around the lighthouse’s base at Spurn and along into Chalk Bank.

DAY 2: SMALL YET MIGHT VILLAGES

Explore, eat and explore some more in Patrington

Morning

Patrington sits perched on the edge of the Yorkshire Coast and is the perfect place to really back to raw nature, walking for miles along beautiful Blue Flag beaches and coastal nature reserves.

History lovers are passionate about this place too. Here you can take yourself back in time to the fascinating Napoleonic fortress at nearby Fort Paull, and thanks to the Prime Meridian that passes just to the east of the village, a perfectly preserved Second World War RAF radar station.

Start the day with a visit to St Patrick’s parish church, an incredible example of Gothic architecture. Its tall spire is long known to seamen as a landmark on entering the Humber, but don’t overlook the food scene.

It’s vibrant, honest, imaginative and informal, offering the best locally sourced, seasonal ingredients cooked with passion and imagination. And yes, as you’d expect, the cakes and bakes are good in this village, seriously good!

Afternoon

Kick start the afternoon by exploring the area and the luscious Yorkshire countryside surrounding it, with a short stroll over the South Holderness landscape, past the former Royal Air Force camp.

Just park up in the centre of the village, and you’re good to go, along Church Lane and past old working farms out to Patrington Haven before heading back along Southside to Church Lane.

For cyclists looking for a more significant challenge, take the Circular route starting in Patrington and using the country roads to get back.

DAY 3: GO WILD IN WITHERNSEA

Rugged ruins to crashing waves on Withernsea's Blue Flag Beach

Morning

The next stop on the Withernsea route is heading up the wild coast to the small yet mighty town of Withernsea.

It’s got all you ever hoped for from an old British seaside town, and there’s some surprising history to be uncovered here too. Withernsea Pier, for example, was built in 1878 and was ravaged by storms and battered ships (yes, really!). Ever since, it is survived only by its stone towers, reminders of what once was. Standing proud in the heart of the Promenade, they frame the North Sea and all that has gone before.

These iconic towers provide that perfect photo opportunity to frame the view of the beach and sea. Giving you the ideal window to capture the wild, uncompromising town perfectly, and if you look behind you on the beach, you can catch a glimpse of the lighthouse that stands iconic within the town itself.

Afternoon

We recommend grabbing a bite to eat before planning your afternoon at the beach. Rustic pubs and cafes are not in short supply in the town, and a biker’s haven, Castle Café, is just off the main Promenade.

This Blue Flag beach is made up of sand and shingle, where you will see the dramatic groynes set against the rocky sea defence.

Due to the unyielding nature of the wind, this makes an excellent spot for sailing, sea swimming and windsurfing. For those looking for an adventure on firmer footing, you can hire a bike and cycle around the town and Holderness countryside from Blue Door Pop-In in Valley Gardens.

DAY 4: TOLKIEN OR ODYSSEY

Underground bunkers to literary inspiration

Morning

Between Spurn Point and Withernsea is the area of Holmpton, home to an Underground RAF Command Centre, which has been rebuilt several times over its 60 years.

The good news is you can now explore the vast number of rooms at leisure as you make your way through the vast complex deep underground. Rooms, including the Hospital, Dormitories, Offices, Situation Room, Telephone Exchange, Message Centre, and Operations Rooms, are all fully fitted with the original equipment.

But, just to warn you - explosions and sirens and machines that spring into life are all part of the fun, especially if you have a family in tow. It is a fun, fascinating experience.

On leaving Holmpton, keep the exploration going uniquely… it is time for The Odyssey.

Afternoon

The area is famously known for its Tolkien influence, but now the Greek trilogy has landed... The Odyssey!

An epic tale is being retold by residents up and down Route YC. You can listen to the chapters on walks throughout the area, combining stories of love and loss to the rugged Yorkshire Coastline.

Download the Echoes App and find a walk near you - you’ll keep wanting to return to find out the next twist and turn. Spoiler alert... 2022 is bringing these walks to life with giant walkabout puppets and a world record attempt, so put The Odyssey on your watch list!

DAY 5: SUBMERGED FOREST

Coastal erosion, submerged forests and walks

Morning

The area is famously known for its Tolkien influence, but now the Greek trilogy has landed... The Odyssey!

An epic tale is being retold by residents up and down Route YC. You can listen to the chapters on walks throughout the area, combining stories of love and loss to the rugged Yorkshire Coastline.

Download the Echoes App and find a walk near you - you’ll keep wanting to return to find out the next twist and turn.

Spoiler alert... 2022 is bringing these walks to life with giant walkabout puppets and a world record attempt, so put The Odyssey on your watch list!

Afternoon

If you want a no-stress leisurely exploration, wait until the tide goes out at Tunstall Beach. As the sea retreats, you will see the remains of an ancient, submerged forest that once stretched to Europe - not an everyday find!

When you are ready to get back on your Withernsea YC exploration, why not try one of the countryside’s walks or drive on over to Burton Pidsea, home to the church dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Grade 1 listed, it is protected under particular architectural and historical interest.

DAY 6: FROM STARS TO BEACHES

Iconic landscapes and sculptures in the heart of Withernsea

Morning

Head back to Withernsea and take the time to stop and visit an iconic landmark of Victorian times - the famous white inland Withernsea lighthouse.

It may no longer be active, but it still dominates the skyline as it sits proudly in the town.

You can take the 144 steps to the top of the lighthouse, and you’ll soon find out that it’s not just the climb that leaves you breathless - the views and memorabilia of Hollywood starlet Kay Kendall will do that too!

A lesser-known gem is the gardens to the rear of the lighthouse. It is a quiet, idyllic spot to enjoy a bite to eat and just simply relax - even If you have the family in tow, as kids can take part in the treasure hunt, searching for model animals and sculptures hidden all around the garden.

Afternoon

Head on back down to the Promenade and keep walking south past Pier Towers, and you will see “The Crab”. The sculpture, created by local sculptor Emma Stothard, marks the start of the Fish Trail.

You can follow the guided walk and spend time in Pier Towers visitor centre, and if the soles of your feet are feeling the strain, we suggest you hunt out one of the many good beer gardens!