Leasowe Lighthouse

Leasowe Lighthouse is a seven-storey brick tower on the north coast of the Wirral peninsula, near Moreton in Merseyside. Completed in 1763, it is regarded as the oldest brick-built lighthouse in Britain. No ship has steered by its light for more than a century, yet it remains a rewarding stop for anyone interested in maritime history or coastal walks.

What makes Leasowe Lighthouse special?

The tower was commissioned by the Liverpool Docks Committee to mark the hazardous sandbanks at the mouth of the Mersey. It tapers upward as a round column of cavity-wall brickwork, and a datestone above the door records the year 1763. The light stayed in service until 1908, and no lamp machinery survives inside.

The building is Grade II listed. The charity Friends of Leasowe Lighthouse looks after it, and Wirral Council supported the restoration carried out in the 1990s.

What happened after the light went out?

In 1930 the local corporation bought the property. The last keeper, Mrs Williams, lived there until her death in 1935, after which the tower was shut. It then decayed for decades until volunteers took up its rescue.

What can you see here?

• The tower itself, a landmark visible across the flat, grassy shoreline
• The 1763 datestone over the entrance
• On open days, a view from the top across Liverpool Bay, the Mersey estuary and, in clear weather, the Welsh coast
• The surrounding grassland and dunes, part of the North Wirral Coastal Park

When can you go inside?

The interior opens only on selected days. Published schedules list the first and third Sunday of the month in summer and the first Sunday in winter, typically from 1pm to 4pm, with a voluntary donation at the door. Dates change from season to season, so check the Friends of Leasowe Lighthouse or Wirral Council calendar before you travel. The exterior can be admired at any time.

How do you get there?

The lighthouse stands on Leasowe Common close to Moreton. Drivers can reach it from Birkenhead and Wallasey, and a coastal path used by walkers and cyclists passes nearby. Merseyrail stations at Leasowe and Moreton are within walking distance or a short ride.

Frequently asked questions

Is Leasowe Lighthouse still working? No. It stopped operating in 1908 and now serves as a heritage site and visitor attraction.

How old is it? It dates from 1763, so it has stood for more than 260 years, and it is the oldest brick lighthouse in Britain.

Can you climb to the top? Yes, on open days run by the Friends of Leasowe Lighthouse. Dates vary by season, so confirm them ahead of your visit.

Does it cost anything to visit? Entry works on a voluntary donation, which goes towards the upkeep of the tower.