- Withernsea Lighthouse is in East Yorkshire, England.
- Inland lighthouse, now a museum
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Withernsea Lighthouse
Withernsea is an unusual inland lighthouse, standing nearly a quarter of a mile from the sea behind the town's promenade. No longer operational, its 36-metre tower now houses a museum telling the story of the town and the lighthouse service.
The story of Withernsea Lighthouse
Built in 1894 by Trinity House, the lighthouse was constructed unusually far inland because the Holderness coast was already known to be eroding rapidly — the engineers reasoned that an inland site would outlast one on the cliff top. It was lit for just 82 years, being decommissioned in 1976 as modern navigation made it redundant. The tower and keeper's cottages were later taken over by Withernsea Lighthouse Memorial Trust and converted into a museum and heritage centre.
Visiting with care
The museum is open weekends and weekday afternoons in season, with exhibits on the lighthouse service, RNLI and local history; the 144-step climb to the lantern offers wide views over Holderness. The town's promenade and sandy beach are a short walk away.
Interesting facts
- It stands nearly a quarter of a mile inland from the present shoreline.
- Built in 1894 and decommissioned after only 82 years, in 1976.
- The tower is 36 metres tall with 144 steps to the lantern room.
- It now houses a museum of the lighthouse service and local history.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.