A visit to seaside as winter approaches
TRIP TO TOWN AFTER SUMMER CROWDS DEPART
WINTER can be a tough time for many, with temperatures plummeting and nights drawing in.
Once Christmas is over it can be a very bleak time, and for our seaside towns, it can be especially tough.
Many businesses have to scale right back and there is little to do, with everything geared towards the summer season.
A trip to Withernsea during these winter months would not be at the top of many people’s list, but what is it like and how do those living here feel about this quiet and unproductive period?
Hull Live visited the town recently to find out.
Withernsea love affair
There is something almost zen about visiting a seaside town as winter approaches.
The crisp sea air hits you and the fresh breeze filters along the calm quiet of Withernsea promenade.
On a sunny late autumnal day, there are few better places to be.
Many would raise an eyebrow at such a bold claim but, ever since I arrived in Hull 13 years ago, I have fallen in love with the place.
But there is a widely accepted train of thought that Withernsea is the poor sibling to the likes of Bridlington, Hornsea and Scarborough.
Even these bigger and bolder seaside towns have a chequered reputation.
They have faded over the years since their pomp in Victorian times and into the first half of the 20th century.
Package holidays and cheap flights to the Med sounded the death knell for many of these British resorts.
But, while many still enjoy bustling summers, winter time can make these places particularly bleak.
Indeed, many seaside towns are among the most impoverished in the country with a severe lack of investment over the years.
Withernsea is no different and many feel it has been forgotten.
Tucked away in the depths of Holderness, it is an area out of the way and with transport links enjoyed by its northern neighbours lacking.
‘Absolutely beautiful’
But there is something special about the town which helps it muddle through these winter months.
“It is absolutely beautiful,” John Earle, of Keyingham, exclaims.
Just moments after getting out of my car, I asked John and his wife Christine what brought them to the town in late November.
“I like it when it is a bit quieter,” John, 85, says. “We love walking along the beach.
“Also, all the businesses here, such as shops and cafés, are very friendly.”
He then reveals he has a close connection to the town.
“I have a lot to do with Withernsea,” he explains. “I am the president of the Withernsea Lions Club International.
“There is investment now in the town and everyone is trying hard. Many seaside towns are in a situation like this.
“It still relies on tourism although it may not be as popular as it once was.”
Plans in the pipeline
Indeed, there has been investment with a new fountain, artwork and trails created.
But the flagship scheme are plans to rebuild the pier fronted by the distinctive two towers.
Earlier this year, it was announced the £250,000 fundraising target had been reached to begin work on stage one of Withernsea Pier and Promenade Association’s (WPPA) proposals.
This first stage, which should have started in March, would involve construction of the pier’s first span create a viewing platform to act as a focal point.
But costs have spiralled by £60,000 so the plans have been delayed.
Eventually, after four stages of construction, WPPA’S vision is to project the pier up to 400ft out into the sea.
Back to John. He hopes Withernsea’s future is bright.
“It is difficult to see what the future holds for Withernsea,” he said. “I think it will stay as is.
“People seem to have this downer on the town and always look at Hornsea, Bridlington and Scarborough.
“I tasted my first ever ice cream here and love the place.”
Unseasonably busy
Close to the promenade is the Shores Diner.
I expected to be greeted by an eerie silence when I entered but, instead, there were plenty of people there tucking into a hearty lunch.
The sunny weather may have brought more people out, but manager Claudine Robinson admits business has been surprisingly brisk since summer ended.
“It is usually quiet at this time of the year,” she said. “We normally restrict opening hours and reduce the number of staff during this quiet period.
“It is normally a case of muddling through winter. But, for some reason, business has picked up and has been very good. It maybe because it has been quite mild.”
Claudine also feels the cabin fever people have suffered in the past 18 months may also have a part to play.
“After lockdown, people have been taking advantage and coming out to socialise,” she said. “I have noticed a big change since the
Covid restrictions were lifted.”
Investment needed
Claudine feels there is potential in Withernsea with a little more TLC.
“With a bit of investment and support, this could be a thriving little town,” she said.
“We just need to bring back the positivity and the attitudes of some people needs to change.
“There is a lot of potential here, but there seems to be a negative impression among some people outside of the town.”
On a personal level, Claudine enjoys Withernsea out of season.
“I like this time of year,” she reflects. “It is quieter and gives you a bit of a breather. There might not be much sun, but you can enjoy a solitary stroll.”
A centrepiece in the town is the sunken gardens complete with a stage.
It has been underused in the past 18 month,s but it is where many events and festivals are held throughout the year.
The next event will be the Christmas event with crafts and food stalls, alongside music and entertainment taking place on December 11.
Rampant gangs now history
I headed into the amusement arcades with the loud noises and flashing lights.
Perhaps this is the place which looks most forlorn at this time of year.
There was almost no one inside, which is in stark contrast to the summer months when it is filled with kids and families enjoying the slot machines, arcade games and other attractions.
The manager was not around to chat to, but staff said it had been a very good summer but now business was slow.
Withernsea does appear to have improved over the years in terms of crime.
One local resident told me how there were pitch battles among locals and visiting gangs from Hull around 15 years ago.
“The police had to use CS gas to stop them!” the man exclaimed.
Big fans of the town
Sitting outside the Rosy Leaf café were two major Withernsea fans.
Ann and David Yates, of Sheffield, have been coming to the town for years after buying a caravan at Withernsea Sands.
“We were looking for a caravan and we came through Withernsea one day,” David, 76, said, “and I knew this was the place.”
Ann, 55, added: “It is quieter and a little more old-fashioned than some other seaside towns, which is what I like.
“It is lovely and everyone around here is so friendly. It is a nice break from a city like Sheffield.
“It is surprising how many people come here from Leeds or wherever.”
The couple tend to come for a few weeks in summer and then another break in the close season.
“I prefer coming in winter,” Ann said. “It feels more mature and relaxed.”
Busy summer
Most people heading to a seaside
town will visit a chippy for some lunch or tea.
Gurdip Singh and Hartit Kaur have been running Lifeboat Fish and Chips for around a year.
“In the winter time it is not so busy,” Gurdip said, “but we have local regulars to help us through.
“It was a lot busier in the summer and we get a lot of visitors in who stay at the caravan parks.
“After all the lockdowns and restrictions, people just wanted to get out, but there are still some who are hesitant.
“We have only been here a year, but we really like the town and it is lovely to go on the beach.
“This time of year is really peaceful and calm, even if it is not so good for business.”
Angling for business
Like other towns on the coast, Withernsea is a popular area for anglers. There are a couple of major tournaments held on the beach, including a European Championships which brings people from across the continent.
It is surprising what you can catch from the shore as Maggie, from the Holderness Tackle Shop, explains.
“Summer is obviously our busiest time and we get a huge influx of visitors throughout the spring and summer,” she said.
“But as soon as the kids go back to school, business just nosedives.
“There are those who come off season who don’t have kids and business for us is also dictated by the fish we get.
“In the summer we get bass and tope (a type of fairly big shark), which you can catch by boat but also from the beach.
“But in winter we also get cod running along the shore which does attract business, which certainly helps.”
Maggie believes the town’s greatest strength is the people who live here.
“There is a huge community spirit within Withernsea,” she said.
“The town sometimes gets a bad press. It is seen as something of a backwater and it has been a bit deprived over the years.
“But there is a lot happening. There is some investment for the shops on Queen Street to tidy up the street. We are also looking at painting murals on the shutters of the shops son it looks really nice.
“I think the community spirit here is its best asset. I have made some really good friends here since we arrived – friends for life.”
Calm and quiet
I headed back to the beach for a last stroll before heading back.
I met Kev Kline, from Hull, who was out with his wife and grandson.
“It is really lovely here and the weather is fantastic today,” he said.
“I like the calm and quiet feel when I come here at this time of year and the atmosphere is really nice.
“It isn’t as busy as it once was. I remember coming here as a kid and it was rammed. It can still be busy but not like it was.
“But things are coming on here now. There is a new café and one that has been renovated. It just needs a little more investment.
“I do believe everyone here is doing their best and it is a great place.”
So, after leaving the beach and heading to my car, I came away uplifted by the positive vibes.
Visiting places like this in winter can be a melancholy experience, but I came away wonderfully uplifted.