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
- Dog Access
- Seasonal Restrictions
- Dogs banned 1 May to 30 September between the first groyne north of Seaside Road access ramp and the steps at Pier Tower under East Riding PSPO. Dogs must be on leads on adjacent promenade during this period.
- Beach Type
- Sand
- Tide Notes
- Wide flat sandy beach. The Holderness coast is exposed to North Sea swells and can have strong longshore currents. The coastline here erodes at several metres per year.
- Facilities
- Town amenities including cafes, pub, Withernsea Lighthouse Museum, public toilets. Promenade adjacent to beach
- Parking
- Street parking and small car parks in Withernsea town centre. Short walk to beach access
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Withernsea Beach dog friendly?
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.
Are dogs allowed at Withernsea Beach year round?
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.
What should I know before visiting Withernsea Beach with my dog?
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.
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