Penzance South Pier Light

Penzance South Pier Light is the small harbour lighthouse at the end of South Pier in Penzance, Cornwall. The cast-iron tower, roughly 9 metres tall, dates from 1855 and still marks the entrance to the harbour on Mount's Bay. It sits right in the middle of Penzance's waterfront, so you can reach it on an ordinary seafront stroll.

What is the South Pier lighthouse?

The light was added during the final extension of the pier between 1853 and 1855, and it was first lit on 1 August 1855. The lighthouse has its own Historic England entry at Grade II, listed in 1977. The pier it stands on ranks higher, at Grade II*, a status it received in a 2010 upgrade.

What will you see there?

A slim, low tower on a stone quay, surrounded by harbour water. From the pier you look across Mount's Bay and, in clear weather, to the outline of St Michael's Mount. Fishing boats and yachts fill the harbour, and the ferry to the Isles of Scilly sails from the nearby quay. The lighthouse makes a good subject for sunrise and sunset photos.

What else is nearby?

A short walk along the shore, on Battery Rocks, is Jubilee Pool, an Art Deco seawater lido opened in 1935 and designed by borough engineer Captain F. Latham. It is also Grade II listed and is one of the town's best-known attractions. The two sights combine easily into one outing.

How do you get there?

Penzance railway station is a few minutes' walk from the harbour. The South West Coast Path also runs along the waterfront, so walkers heading towards Mousehole pass the lighthouse. There are car parks by the harbour, but they fill up quickly in summer, so the train or bus is the easier choice.

When should you go?

The pier can be walked all year. Early morning and evening give the best light for photographs, and summer brings long days and calmer weather. In storms waves can wash over the quay, so take care in strong winds.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? No. It is a working navigation light for the harbour, viewed from the pier and quay.

Is there an entry fee? No, the quay is open to everyone at no charge.

How long do you need? The walk to the lighthouse and back takes 20 to 30 minutes. Add Jubilee Pool and a coffee stop and plan on about two hours.

Is this the same as the Longships or Wolf Rock lighthouse? No. This is a small harbour light. Longships and Wolf Rock stand on rocks out at sea.