Heritage Open Days in Withernsea

Church of St Nicholas, Withernsea, East Yorkshire

A coastal church which has lost two sister churches to the sea

In the 15th century the old village of Withernsea, along with the original parish church, was reclaimed by the sea after a series of storms and coastal erosion. Following the loss of the village and church, St Nicholas', and a new village were built on higher ground and further inland in 1448. 

Like its medieval predecessor, St Nicholas has battled strong coastal weather and in 1609 during a storm, it lost its roof and fell into disrepair becoming a romantic ruin. It remained a ruin for over 200 years, until Owthorne church was lost to the sea in 1816. 

St Nicholas' was used for regular worship until 2013, being closed in 2014. It came into the care of Churches Conservation Trust in 2019 and recently re-opened after extensive conservation work.

We are open to welcome you, show you around and tell the story of the church:

Saturday 9th September and Sunday 10th September from 11am to 3pm.