St. Ann's Head Lighthouse

St Ann's Head Lighthouse marks the south-western tip of the Dale peninsula in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It guards the western approach to Milford Haven, one of the deepest natural harbours in Britain, and sits inside Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

What is St Ann's Head Lighthouse?

It is a working navigation light that guides vessels entering the Milford Haven Waterway and steers them clear of rocky shoals and Crow's Rock at the mouth of the channel. Trinity House, the lighthouse authority for England, Wales and the Channel Islands, approved the first light on this headland in 1714, and a local landowner built the original tower.

What is its history?

The headland once carried two lights, a high one and a low one, which together gave mariners a leading line. The present tower, formerly called St Ann's Low Light, dates from the mid-nineteenth century; sources give either 1841 or 1844. Its construction was overseen by John Knott, a senior keeper with Trinity House. The lamp originally burned oil, and mains electricity arrived in 1958. The station was automated in 1998, so no keepers live here any more. The terrace of former keepers' cottages was sold off and some of it is now let as holiday accommodation.

Along the same stretch of coast, Great Castle Head carries a leading light from 1870, designed by Trinity House engineer James Douglass. In 1996 the tanker Sea Empress ran aground on a reef below the headland, one of the best-known shipping accidents in the history of the waterway.

Can you go inside?

No. The lighthouse is not open to visitors, so you see it from outside. It is recorded by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (Coflein).

What will you see here?

The headland looks out over the mouth of Milford Haven, open sea and the cliffs of the Dale peninsula. It suits photographers who want the tower set against the coast, and anyone who likes to watch ships heading into the harbour. The whole area lies within the national park, so a walk here pairs maritime history with sweeping coastal views.

How do you get there?

The lighthouse lies south of the village of Dale. You drive through Dale along Pembrokeshire's country roads to reach the headland. It stands roughly five miles east of Skokholm island, which can be seen from this part of the coast. The coordinates are about 51.681 N, 5.174 W.

When should you visit?

The light shines all year, but a walk on the headland is best on a clear day, when the harbour entrance and nearby islands stand out. Summer gives long daylight hours, while in winter you can watch the light take over at dusk.

Frequently asked questions

Where is St Ann's Head Lighthouse? At the south-western end of the Dale peninsula in Pembrokeshire, south of the village of Dale, at the entrance to Milford Haven.

Can you climb the tower? No. The lighthouse is active and automated, and the interior is closed to the public.

How long has there been a light here? Approval for the first light was granted in 1714. The current tower dates from the mid-1800s, with sources citing 1841 or 1844.

Can you stay in the old keepers' cottages? Part of the terrace of keepers' cottages was sold and is now used as holiday lets, so a longer stay at the headland is possible.