Withernsea Beach
East Yorkshire
Withernsea Beach is the main beach of the small East Yorkshire resort town of Withernsea on the Holderness coast, characterised by the iconic square lighthouse that stands incongruously in the middle of the town having been cut off from the sea by coastal erosion decades ago. The town is quiet and traditional with a small promenade, some amenities and the lighthouse which now houses the RNLI Heritage Trust museum and the Kay Kendall Museum. The beach is wide and sandy, open to the North Sea and offering long flat walks north and south along this open stretch of coastline.
A seasonal dog ban applies to Withernsea Beach from 1 May to 30 September under the East Riding PSPO, covering the section between the first groyne north of the access ramp opposite Seaside Road and the beach access steps at Pier Tower. Dogs must also be kept on leads on the adjacent promenade section during this period. Outside the banned zone and outside the restriction season, the beach is dog friendly with good open space north and south of the main access.
At a Glance
Beach Must-Haves
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Dog Travel Bag
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Frequently Asked Questions
Withernsea Beach is partially dog friendly, earning a 3 out of 5 on our rating. The beach offers good open space for dogs north and south of the main access point, with wide sandy stretches ideal for a long flat walk along the Holderness coast — though a seasonal restriction on the central section does limit access during the summer months.
Dogs are welcome year round, but a seasonal ban applies to the central section of the beach from 1 May to 30 September under the East Riding PSPO. The restricted zone runs between the first groyne north of the access ramp opposite Seaside Road and the beach access steps at Pier Tower, and during this period dogs must also be kept on leads on the adjacent promenade. Outside this season — or beyond the banned zone — the beach is freely accessible with dogs.
The main thing to be aware of is the seasonal dog restriction covering the central beach section from 1 May to 30 September, so it's worth planning your access point accordingly — heading north or south of the restricted zone gives you plenty of open beach to enjoy. Parking is available via street parking and small car parks in the town centre, a short walk from the beach. Withernsea has a handful of town amenities including cafes and public toilets, so it's a decent base for a day out with your dog outside the summer peak.