Burnham-on-Sea High Lighthouse

Burnham-on-Sea High Lighthouse is a tall pillar lighthouse in the Somerset seaside town of Burnham-on-Sea, on the Bristol Channel coast of south-west England. Standing roughly 30 metres high, it is one of the town's best-known landmarks. It is now a private home, so visitors admire it from the street.

What is its history?

Trinity House engineer Joseph Nelson designed and built the tower, and it was first lit on 1 December 1832. It took over from the earlier light that had been mounted on the tower of St Andrew's Church, known as the Round Tower. Working with a timber lighthouse on stilts down on the beach, it formed a pair of leading lights. Ships approaching the mouth of the River Parrett steered until the two lights lined up.

Keepers' cottages were built against the tower as part of the same group. The light was discontinued at the end of 1993, the property was offered at auction in 1996, and it has been in private hands since, converted into a dwelling.

What can you see?

The tower stands on Burnham Street, a short walk from the town centre and seafront. From the pavement you can see the tall brick-and-stone shaft and the low cottages beside it. It is Grade II listed by Historic England (list entry 1251103, listed 31 May 1985), with protection covering the lighthouse and two mid-19th-century keepers' cottages.

There is no public access inside because people live there. Please stay off the private grounds.

Is this the same as the Low Lighthouse?

No. Burnham-on-Sea has three historic lighthouses. The High Lighthouse is the masonry tower in town. The Low Lighthouse is a separate weatherboarded timber structure on nine wooden piers on the beach, and it still works as a navigation light. The third, the oldest, is the Round Tower by the church. All three fit into a single short walk.

How do you get there?

Burnham-on-Sea is close to the M5, about ten minutes' drive from junction 22. The nearest railway station is Highbridge & Burnham, a few kilometres from the centre, with buses and taxis onward. Once in town, walking is the easiest way around, and the lighthouse sits among ordinary houses on Burnham Street.

When should you visit?

Because you view it from the street, any season works. Morning or late afternoon gives the best light for photographs. Burnham-on-Sea has one of the largest tidal ranges in Europe, so it is worth seeing the beach and the Low Lighthouse at both high and low water.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside the High Lighthouse? No. It is a private residence and the interior is closed to visitors.

Does the lighthouse still shine? No, it went out at the end of 1993. The Low Lighthouse on the beach is still active.

Does it cost anything to see it? No. You can view it from a public street.

Is it a protected building? Yes, it has Grade II listed status with Historic England.