Whitby West Pier Lighthouse

Whitby West Pier Lighthouse stands on the west pier of Whitby harbour in North Yorkshire, England. Together with the lighthouse on the East Pier it marks the harbour mouth where the River Esk meets the North Sea. Completed in 1831, it is the elder of the pair and also the taller, at roughly 25 metres (84 ft).

What kind of building is it?

The tower is a slim, fluted Doric column topped with an octagonal lantern, a lead dome and a weather vane. The design is credited to Francis Pickernell, who served as Whitby's harbour engineer from 1822 to 1861 and worked for the harbour trustees. The lighthouse is a Grade II listed building: Historic England added it to the National Heritage List in December 1972 (entry 1253731).

A short history

The light entered service in the 1830s, and Princess Victoria, the future queen, looked it over in 1834. It showed a fixed green light around high water, the period when the bar at the harbour entrance had enough depth for vessels to pass. Around 1914 the west pier was extended about 150 metres further out to sea and a newer navigation light was placed at its end, which is why two structures of different ages now stand on the pier.

How do you get there?

The pier is in central Whitby on the west side of the harbour, a few minutes on foot from the quayside and the swing bridge area. Whitby is reached by the Esk Valley train from Middlesbrough or by bus from Scarborough and York. Park in town and walk out to the pier.

What will you see?

From the pier you look across the harbour to the East Pier and its own lighthouse, with the ruins of Whitby Abbey on the cliff above the town. It is a good spot for photos at sunrise or sunset, and for watching fishing boats and pleasure craft come in. The interior is generally not open to visitors, so you view the tower from outside.

When should you visit?

Summer brings the biggest crowds and the easiest walking in calm weather. In strong wind or heavy swell, skip the pier. Autumn and winter storms make for dramatic photography, but check the forecast first.

Frequently asked questions

Is the West Pier Lighthouse the same as the East Pier Lighthouse? No. They are two separate lighthouses on opposite sides of the harbour entrance. The west one, dating from 1831, is older and taller.

Can you go inside? Usually not. The tower is admired from the pier and the surrounding harbour area.

How tall is it? About 25 metres (84 ft); sources vary by a metre or so.

Is it a protected building? Yes. It has been Grade II listed by Historic England since 1972.