Withernsea Lighthouse Museum
Museum in a lighthouse of 1892 and its keepers' cottages, with local, lifeboat and coastguard history, a Kay Kendall display and a climb of 144 steps.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Withernsea Lighthouse was built between 1892 and 1894 to the design of Trinity House, after many ships were wrecked at Withernsea because crews could not see the lights at Spurn Point or Flamborough. It stands about a quarter of a mile inland, because when it was built there were only sand dunes and a shallow lake between it and the sea. The octagonal tower is 127 feet high and has a spiral staircase of 144 steps up to the service room and lamp room.
The light began with a paraffin lamp and a heavy revolving lens that floated on mercury. It was electrified in 1936 and shone until 1 July 1976, when it was no longer needed. Two cottages that were once the keepers' homes are attached to the tower and now hold the museum.
The displays cover the history of Withernsea and the lighthouse, the lifeboat and coastguard services, and the town during the two world wars. One part is dedicated to the film actress Kay Kendall, who was born close to the lighthouse in 1926. The museum is run as a registered charity.
Highlights
- Climb of 144 steps to the old lamp room with coast views
- Displays on local, lifeboat and coastguard history
- Exhibits on Withernsea in wartime
- Display on the film actress Kay Kendall
- Garden with café and a children's treasure hunt
Permanent exhibitions
- Local, lifeboat and coastguard history – Displays on the history of Withernsea and its lighthouse, the lifeboat and coastguard services, and the town in wartime, in the former keepers' cottages.
- Kay Kendall – A display on the life and film career of the actress Kay Kendall, who was born near the lighthouse.
- Founded
- 1990
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £5.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £5Senior citizens |
| Children & teens | £4.50free up to age 4 |
| Seniors | £5Senior citizens. |
| Families | £162 adults and 2 children. |
The museum is a registered charity and the profit from souvenirs supports it.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The tower has 144 steps. Visitors who cannot climb can watch a live camera feed from the top on a screen at the bottom of the tower. There is one disabled parking bay.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £16 · 2 adults and 2 children. |
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
Children can take part in a treasure hunt in the garden, searching for model animals and sculptures. A family ticket is available.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Limited parking at the lighthouse with one disabled bay; there is plenty of street parking and the Hull Road Playing Fields car park.
- Accessible parking
The lighthouse is on Hull Road, opposite Arthur Street.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The café is at the rear of the building and serves refreshments in the garden. The lighthouse also provides the tourist information desk for East Riding of Yorkshire Council, which is in the café.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
The garden is available for functions and wedding photography.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | School visits are welcome; schools should call for details. |
