Black Nore Lighthouse

Black Nore Lighthouse stands on a rocky headland in Portishead, Somerset, where the Severn Estuary widens into the Bristol Channel. Painted white and made of cast iron, it dates from 1894 and has been a Grade II listed building since 2011. It is one of the landmarks of the coast path around the town.

What is the story behind Black Nore Lighthouse?

Trinity House, the body responsible for navigation marks around the coast, built the tower to help vessels reach and leave the Bristol and Avonmouth docks. The case for a light here had been clear since 1838, when the steamship SS Great Western ran aground off Nore Point.

The light ran on gas, and the site had its own storage tank so the beam would not fail. Its lens gave two flashes every ten seconds. The station was automated in the 20th century and upgraded around 2000. Trinity House decommissioned it in 2010. Demolition was on the cards, but a local campaign saved the tower, and it is now held by a community organisation. It no longer serves shipping.

What will you see there?

A slim white tower with a lantern on top rises from a small rise above the water, and it photographs well from the path. The building is privately used, so access inside is limited. Visit to enjoy it from the coastal route and the nearby viewpoints. From the headland you look across the wide estuary to the far shore, and late afternoon light makes it a good spot for sunset photos.

How do you get to the lighthouse?

The most popular walk starts at Lake Grounds car park on the Esplanade in Portishead. An easy path follows the coast past Battery Point lighthouse to Black Nore, about 3.5 miles there and back. You can also start at Kilkenny Fields on Beach Road West, pass the yacht club, and loop back through residential streets via Pinecroft and Nore Park Drive. The closest parking is at the north end of Nichols Road, roughly a mile west of the town centre. Check charges and restrictions with North Somerset Council.

When is the best time to visit?

The walk works in any season, but choose a dry day: the path can be muddy and the wind off the estuary is strong. Late afternoon gives the best light. In summer, daytime parking at Kilkenny Fields is easier.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside the lighthouse? No. Access is limited, so you see it from outside, from the path and the surroundings.

Is the light still working? No. Trinity House took it out of service in 2010.

How long is the walk from Portishead centre? The round trip from Lake Grounds is about 3.5 miles, usually an hour and a half to two hours at an easy pace.

Is this the same as Battery Point lighthouse? No. Battery Point is a different, smaller structure in Portishead that you pass on the way.