Portishead Point lighthouse

Portishead Point lighthouse marks Battery Point in Portishead, a coastal town in Somerset, England, where the Severn Estuary narrows toward Bristol. It is a small black metal tower rather than a grand landmark, but it guards the approach to the Bristol port and makes a rewarding short walk with open views over the water.

What is this lighthouse?

The official name is Portishead Point, though locals mostly call it Battery Point after the headland. It went up in 1931 as an unwatched automatic light, with no keeper in residence. Chance Brothers of Smethwick built it. The tower stands about 9 metres tall and takes the form of a black metal pyramid on a concrete base. One lighthouse database gives 1930 for the light's establishment, so you may see a year's difference between sources.

The Bristol Port Company looks after it. It is a working navigation aid, not a visitor attraction, so you admire it from outside.

Why is it here?

Off Portishead, ships pass closer to the mainland than anywhere else on the British coast. That made the point strategically useful for centuries. The site has had an Elizabethan watch-tower, a Civil War battery, Victorian coastal gun positions and defences from both world wars. The name Battery Point comes from that military past.

The lighthouse once had a fog bell fitted when it was built. It was taken down in the late 1990s over concerns about the structure. You can see the bell today on Wyndham Way, close to Portishead High Street.

How do you get to Battery Point?

A flight of steps beside the open-air pool and the Lido Cafe leads up to the point. Another route is the path from the Eastwood side. Badger setts sit near the top of the slope, so keep to the path. Benches line the way, and the walk is short enough for most visitors. The coast path continues south of the lighthouse toward Redcliffe Bay if you want to go further.

What can you see?

• Wide views across the estuary and, in clear weather, the Welsh coast
• Ships heading in and out of the port
• A large memorial to seafarers past and present
• A woodland notice board covering local history and wildlife

Anglers like the spot too, as the deep water close to shore is known for cod.

When should you go?

Pick a clear day for the best visibility across the channel. Evening visits are popular for sunsets over the water. The point is exposed, so bring a windproof layer even in mild weather.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? No. It is an operating navigation light maintained by the port company, with no tours or tickets.

Can you swim at Battery Point? No. Strong currents and a very large tidal range make the water dangerous, and swimming is not allowed.

Where do you start the walk? The simplest start is by the open-air pool and Lido Cafe, where the steps to the point begin. Check parking arrangements locally before you set out.

Is this the same as Black Nore Lighthouse? No. Black Nore is a different lighthouse elsewhere along the Portishead shoreline. Portishead Point is the light on Battery Point.