Lowestoft Lighthouse

Lowestoft Lighthouse in East Suffolk is a brick tower built in 1874 on the North Sea coast of England. Run by Trinity House, it is regarded as the most easterly lighthouse in the United Kingdom.

Why visit Lowestoft Lighthouse?

Lowestoft sits close to Ness Point, the easternmost spot in Britain, and the lighthouse is among the town's most photographed landmarks. The tower itself is about 16 metres tall, but it stands on high ground, which puts the lamp roughly 37 metres above sea level. The beam carries 23 nautical miles. The light was automated in 1975, so no keepers live here any more.

What is its history?

Navigation lights have marked this stretch of coast since 1609, when ships were threading their way past the sandbanks off Suffolk. The present tower dates from 1874. Two keepers' cottages, North Cottage and South Cottage, stand alongside it.

Is it a listed building?

Yes. The lighthouse and its two cottages are protected together as a Grade II listed group. Lowestoft also has separate Grade II entries for the Low Lighthouse, the lower of the old pair of leading lights, so take care not to confuse the two structures.

How to plan a visit

Pair the lighthouse with a walk through the older part of town and on to Ness Point. Most visitors admire the tower from outside; the brickwork and the cottages photograph well, especially in afternoon light. Whether access inside is possible at any given time is a matter for Trinity House, so check its official site before you travel.

What else is nearby?

• Ness Point, the easternmost point of Britain, with its commemorative marker.
• The seafront promenade and beaches of Lowestoft.
• The fishing harbour and historic old-town streets.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lowestoft Lighthouse the most easterly in Britain? Yes, it is generally described as the UK's most easterly lighthouse. It stands near Ness Point, the country's easternmost point.

When was the current lighthouse built? In 1874. Earlier lights on the site go back to 1609.

Is the light still in use? Yes. It has a range of 23 nautical miles and has been automated since 1975, so it needs no resident keeper.

Is the lighthouse a listed building? Yes. It is Grade II listed, together with the two keepers' cottages beside it.