Withernsea
England, United Kingdom
Withernsea is a coastal beach about 45.11 km from East Riding of Yorkshire, in England, United Kingdom. It holds Blue Flag certification, which means the water quality, beach management, and environmental standards meet strict criteria. The beach operates seasonally, and swimmers should follow posted water…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Withernsea
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Withernsea?
Withernsea is a coastal beach about 45.11 km from East Riding of Yorkshire, in England, United Kingdom. It holds Blue Flag certification, which means the water quality, beach management, and environmental standards meet strict criteria. The beach operates seasonally, and swimmers should follow posted water safety guidelines. Fresh drinking water is available on-site. May, June, and September are the best months to visit. The Blue Flag status is reviewed annually.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in England, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in United Kingdom certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Withernsea faces south toward North Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5°C | 2°C | Low |
| Feb | 6°C | 3°C | Low |
| Mar | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
| Apr | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
| May | 11°C | 8°C | Med |
| Jun | 14°C | 11°C | Med |
| Jul | 17°C | 14°C | High |
| Aug | 17°C | 14°C | High |
| Sep | 15°C | 12°C | Med |
| Oct | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Nov | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
| Dec | 6°C | 3°C | Low |
The best time to visit Withernsea is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 16.7°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 13.7°C in July.
How crowded does Withernsea get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in United Kingdom, Withernsea sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Withernsea open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Withernsea
Is Withernsea safe to swim?Withernsea is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Withernsea?Peak water temperature at Withernsea reaches around 13.7°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 4.9°C.
What is the beach like at Withernsea?Withernsea on the England coast of United Kingdom. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Withernsea have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Withernsea meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Withernsea sits on the North Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the North Sea.
Transport
Getting to Withernsea
How do I get to Withernsea by car?Withernsea is approximately 45.11 km from East Riding of Yorkshire. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Withernsea?The nearest airport is London Heathrow Airport (LHR), approximately 253.6 km away.
Can I get to Withernsea by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to East Riding of Yorkshire.
Nearby
Near Withernsea
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Withernsea. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Withernsea
- Public toilets Public toilets 55 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 205 m
Bus near Withernsea
- Withernsea Memorial Avenue Bus stop 138 m
- Withernsea Pier Road Bus stop 156 m
- Withernsea Pier Road Bus stop 171 m
- Withernsea Station Road Bus stop 236 m
- Withernsea Queen Street Bus stop 354 m
Cafés near Withernsea
- Blue Door Cafe Café 54 m
- The Rosy Leaf Café 74 m
- Ellis Cafe Café 107 m
- Castle Cafe Café 138 m
- Bengal Lancer Restaurant 158 m
Parking near Withernsea
- Memorial Gardens Trust Car Park Parking 178 m
- Parking Parking 245 m
- Withernsea Shoppers Car Park Parking 298 m
- Withernsea Hospital Car Park Parking 308 m
- St Nicholas Surgery Car Park Parking 309 m
Supermarket near Withernsea
- Heron Foods Supermarket 157 m
- Aldi Supermarket 218 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 53.7314°N, 0.0347°E |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), United Kingdom |
Frequently Asked Questions
Withernsea FAQ
Is Withernsea suitable for children?
Withernsea is Blue Flag certified in United Kingdom, which requires meeting strict standards for water quality, safety, and facilities. Families should check current facility status with the local beach operator before visiting.
Is Withernsea free to access?
Access to Withernsea is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in England, United Kingdom, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Withernsea?
The best time to visit Withernsea is May, June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 13.7°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Withernsea?
Withernsea is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Withernsea?
Withernsea is located in England, United Kingdom. It is approximately 45.11 km from East Riding of Yorkshire. The nearest airport is London Heathrow Airport (LHR), 253.6 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Withernsea?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 2 toilet locations near Withernsea, including 55 m away and 205 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a bus near Withernsea?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 138 m from Withernsea (Withernsea Memorial Avenue), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Withernsea?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Withernsea, including Blue Door Cafe (54 m), The Rosy Leaf (74 m), Ellis Cafe (107 m), and Castle Cafe (138 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Withernsea?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 178 m from Withernsea (Memorial Gardens Trust Car Park), with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a supermarket near Withernsea?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a supermarket 157 m from Withernsea (Heron Foods). Walking-line distance; confirm opening hours locally. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in United Kingdom, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore United KingdomWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Withernsea
- Keep Britain Tidy / Foundation for Environmental Education
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.