St Catherine's Point light

St Catherine's Point light is a small lighthouse on the headland guarding the mouth of the River Fowey in Cornwall, beside the town of Fowey. It is not the famous St Catherine's Lighthouse on the Isle of Wight; this one sits on Cornwall's south coast, at the harbour entrance.

What is this lighthouse?

The little tower stands at the cliff edge where the estuary meets the sea and marks the way into Fowey. It was built in 1904 and first lit in January 1905, and it ran unwatched from the start. The light was electrified around 1946. In 2002 the Fowey Harbour Commissioners bought out the lease and they still look after it. The point lies at roughly 50.327 N, 4.647 W.

It works as a navigation aid rather than a visitor attraction: you admire it from outside, best seen from the water or the coast path.

What else is on the headland?

The same promontory carries St Catherine's Castle, a compact 16th-century artillery fort run by English Heritage. Historic England dates it to 1538–1540 under Henry VIII, while the Fowey Harbour Heritage Society gives 1538–1542. A prominent local man paid for and oversaw the work, and sources name Thomas Treffry of Place. Its purpose was to shield a wealthy trading port from seaborne attack at a time when French and Spanish invasion was feared.

Later centuries added their own layers: guns were mounted here during the Dutch wars of the 17th century, the Napoleonic wars, the Crimean War (a rebuild in 1855–58 gave it the name Fowey Battery) and again in June 1940. The site is protected as a Grade II* monument and the ruins are free to explore.

How do you get there?

From the centre of Fowey, follow the coastal path towards Readymoney Cove and on to the headland. The walk is short but involves uneven ground and steps, so wear proper footwear. Parking in Fowey fills up in summer, so it is easier to leave the car on the edge of town and walk. A passenger ferry also links Fowey with Polruan across the river.

When should you visit?

Spring and early autumn are best, with fewer people and a clear view over the harbour mouth. Summer afternoons are busy, though the evening light over the bay makes up for it. In strong southerly winds the cliff top is exposed and slippery.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? No. It is a working aid run by the harbour authority and is viewed from outside only.

Is this the same as St Catherine's Lighthouse on the Isle of Wight? No. The names match, but the two are in different parts of England. This one is in Cornwall, by Fowey.

Does St Catherine's Castle charge admission? It is in English Heritage's care and open to wander freely; check their website for current access before you go.

How long should I allow? About an hour covers the walk out, the castle and the lighthouse. Add more if you continue along the coast path, which can fill half a day.