Burnham-on-Sea Round Tower

Burnham-on-Sea Round Tower is the original lighthouse of Burnham-on-Sea in Somerset, first lit in 1801 near where the River Parrett meets the Bristol Channel. It is now a private building in this seaside town, visible from the street, and a neat way into the story of the whole stretch of coast.

Who built the Round Tower, and why?

A local curate, the Revd David Davies, put it up beside his house next to St Andrew's Church. He had previously shown a light for passing ships from a window, but then built a proper round, multi-storey tower with a lamp. The aim was to guide vessels through the muddy, treacherous waters of Bridgwater Bay, where the tidal range is among the largest in the world.

Running costs outstripped the donations from local merchants and shipowners. Around 1813 Davies won permission to charge light dues. Around 1829 Trinity House, the body responsible for lighting English coasts, bought up the remaining years of the lease.

Why did the light go out?

Trinity House chose a new scheme: two lighthouses, the High and Low, working as a leading pair about half a mile to the north. Once those were in service, the Round Tower was switched off in 1832. It was later cut down to two storeys so mariners would not mistake it for the new High Lighthouse. Today it has white walls and a castellated top.

What can you see today?

The tower is privately owned and not run as a museum, so you view it from outside. In recent years it has been used for holiday accommodation under changing owners, so check its current status before you go. It stands right by St Andrew's Church (Grade I listed), so the two combine easily in one short walk.

Nearby are the two later lighthouses. The High Lighthouse is a tall building on the beach, and the Low Lighthouse stands on timber legs closer to the water. These are separate landmarks with their own histories.

How do you get there, and when should you go?

Burnham-on-Sea sits just off the M5 (junction 22), about 40 minutes by road from Bristol. Buses also run to the centre from Bridgwater. See the tower in daylight, and plan your beach and lighthouse walk around low tide, when a wide stretch of sand and mud is exposed. A bright, breezy day gives the best photo light.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go inside? No. It is a private property, so enjoy it from the outside and respect the residents.

When was it built? In 1801, by the curate David Davies. Its light was extinguished in 1832.

Is it the same as the High Lighthouse? No. The High and Low Lighthouses came later as a leading pair and replaced the Round Tower.

How long should I allow? About 15 minutes for the tower itself. With the church, the promenade and the beach, allow roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.