St. Catherine's Lighthouse

St Catherine's Lighthouse marks St Catherine's Point, the southernmost tip of the Isle of Wight, between Niton and St Lawrence. The tower, about 27 m tall, still works as a navigation aid on one of the busiest and trickiest stretches of the English Channel. It is run by Trinity House and is a listed building.

Why was a lighthouse built here?

The first light on this coast dates to 1323, set up on St Catherine's Down after a ship was wrecked nearby. Its octagonal stone tower survives on the hill west of Niton. The present lighthouse went up in 1838-40 to a design by Walker and Burgess. An earlier attempt at a replacement on the hilltop, dated 1785, was abandoned unfinished because mist so often covered the site.

What is special about the tower?

In 1875 the lighthouse was shortened, again because fog hid a light placed too high. In 1932 a lower two-storey tower was added alongside to carry a foghorn. Locals call the pair the "Cow and Calf". The climb to the lantern is 94 steps. The lighthouse has been Grade II listed since 18 January 1967. On 1 June 1943 a bombing raid destroyed the fog-signal engine house and killed three keepers. The light was automated in 1997.

How do you get there?

The lighthouse sits at the island's southern edge beside the coast path, and the surrounding St Catherine's Down is partly National Trust land. The easiest approach is to drive to Niton or St Lawrence and continue on foot. The walk along the cliffs is short, but expect wind even on a clear day.

When should you visit?

Spring and early autumn give dry paths and clear views over the Channel. In summer, aim for the morning. Check the Trinity House website before you go for current access and any tour dates, as this is a working station.

What else is nearby?

On St Catherine's Down stands a medieval tower known as St Catherine's Oratory. It is a separate and much older structure. The ridge also offers wide views of the island's south coast.

Frequently asked questions

Is the lighthouse still in operation? Yes. It has been automated since 1997 and is operated by Trinity House.

Why is the tower shorter than when it was built? It was reduced in 1875 because fog often obscured a light set too high.

What are the "Cow and Calf"? The local nickname for the main tower and the lower 1932 foghorn tower beside it.

Is it a listed building? Yes. It has been Grade II listed since 1967.