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About this place
Pharos Lighthouse in Fleetwood is a tall red sandstone tower rising straight out of the town's streets in Lancashire, England. It first shone in 1840 and, together with a shorter sibling on the shore, guided ships into the mouth of the River Wyre. It remains the best-known landmark in town.
What is the Pharos Lighthouse?
Historic England lists it as the Upper Lighthouse, or Pharos, on Pharos Place. Unusually for a working light, it stands among ordinary houses rather than on a headland. The tower is roughly 28 metres tall, with a cylindrical shaft and an octagonal lantern section on top. It has been Grade II listed since 1978 (list entry 1072397).
Who designed it, and why?
Fleetwood was laid out in the 1830s as a planned port and resort. The lighthouse is credited to Decimus Burton, the town's architect, with Captain H. M. Denham named by some sources as co-designer for the navigational side. Construction ran from 1836 to 1840, and both lights were first lit on 1 December 1840.
How is it different from the Lower Lighthouse?
The Pharos was built as one half of a pair. The Lower Lighthouse, also called the Beach Lighthouse, stands on the seafront and is about 13 metres high. Mariners who saw the two lights line up knew they were on the safe channel. So the tall tower among the houses is the Pharos; the short one by the sea is the Lower Lighthouse.
What will you see?
The tower is a sight to photograph from the street. The warm red stone, the slender profile and the contrast with the surrounding terraces make it striking, particularly in afternoon light. The interior is generally not open to visitors.
How do you get there?
It sits in central Fleetwood, a few minutes on foot from the main streets. The Blackpool tramway runs to Fleetwood, which makes the trip easy from the resort. Pair the visit with a walk to the promenade, the Lower Lighthouse and the harbour.
Frequently asked questions
Can you go inside the Pharos Lighthouse?
Usually not. It is viewed from outside and only rarely opened.
How tall is it?
About 28 metres; sources quote figures between 27 and 29 metres.
Is it the same as the Lower Lighthouse?
No. The Lower Lighthouse is on the beach and is much shorter; the two worked as a pair of leading lights.
Is it a listed building?
Yes, it has been Grade II listed since 1978.
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