Coast in the United Kingdom

Loch Indaal Lighthouse

Port Charlotte

Loch Indaal Lighthouse is a small light on the edge of Port Charlotte, on the west shore of Islay in the Inner Hebrides (Argyll and Bute, Scotland). It sits on the point of Rubh' an Duin, about a quarter of a mile northeast of the village, and marks the way along the waters of Loch Indaal. What is Loch Indaal Lighthouse? The light was first lit in 1869. It was the work of the brothers David and Thomas Stevenson, part of the Scottish engineering family that built lighthouses for the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) across several generations. The tower is white and its lantern is black. Around 1950 it was automated, so no keepers have lived here for decades. The NLB still looks after it. Is it the same as the Rhinns of Islay lighthouse? No, and the two are easy to confuse. The Rhinns of Islay light stands on the islet of Orsay at the south-western tip of the Rhinns peninsula and dates from 1825. Loch Indaal Lighthouse is younger, smaller, and sits right beside Port Charlotte, deeper inside the bay. What can you see? This is a lighthouse to admire from outside, from the shore near the village. The NLB lists it as closed to visitors, so don't plan on going in. The draw is the white tower against the water and the view across the loch toward Bowmore on the far shore. Port Charlotte itself is one of the prettiest villages on Islay, with a long line of whitewashed houses along Main Street, so the lighthouse fits easily into a short stroll through the village. How do you get there? Port Charlotte lies on the west side of Loch Indaal, on the Rhinns peninsula, and you reach it by car along the road that follows the shore of the bay. To get to Islay, take the ferry from the Scottish mainland or fly to the island's airport. The lighthouse is just beyond the village, a short walk from the main street. Its coordinates are roughly 55.74 N, 6.37 W. When should you go? The lighthouse can be seen all year, but Islay is most pleasant from late spring to early autumn, when days are long and the weather is steadier. The bay can be windy, so bring a waterproof jacket. Sunsets over the water make good photographs. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside Loch Indaal Lighthouse? No. According to the Northern Lighthouse Board it is not open to the public, but it is easy to see from the shore. When was it built? In 1869, designed by the Stevenson brothers. It was automated around 1950. Where exactly is it? On Rubh' an Duin, about a quarter of a mile (400 m) northeast of Port Charlotte, on the shore of Loch Indaal. Is this the lighthouse on Orsay? No. The Rhinns of Islay lighthouse on Orsay is a separate structure from 1825, at the mouth of the bay.

Southerness lighthouse

Southerness Lighthouse rises from the shore of the Solway Firth in the seaside village of Southerness, Dumfries and Galloway, south-west Scotland. Put up in the mid-1700s to guide vessels towards the River Nith, it ranks among the oldest lighthouses in the country. The white tower, roughly 17 metres tall, is a Category A listed building and an unmistakable coastal landmark. Why was Southerness lighthouse built? Dumfries Town Council commissioned the tower in 1748. Roads across the region were poor, so most goods, even between neighbouring villages, travelled by boat. Dumfries was a busy port with regular sailings to Liverpool and Ireland, and ships needed a reliable mark for entering the Nith estuary. Work finished in 1749. The first structure was a modest beacon of about nine metres. How did the tower change? It was raised and reworked more than once. Historic Environment Scotland records that it became a true lighthouse around 1811. Before that, in 1805, the celebrated engineer Robert Stevenson oversaw improvements. Walter Newall gave the tower its present height in 1842-43 and redesigned the top. The light was dark for a period in the 19th century and later restored, then retired from service in the 1930s. What can you see there? The tower stands right at the water's edge, within the wide tidal zone, so at high water the sea surrounds it. From the beach and the shoreline path you get a clear view of the white shape against the Firth and, in good weather, the hills across the water. The building is protected, so enjoy it from the outside and keep to any fences and notices. Southerness itself began as a planned village in the late 18th century, developed by Richard Oswald of Auchencruive, who hoped to find coal here. It later became a sea-bathing resort. Today visitors come for the broad sandy beach, coastal walks and sunsets. When is the best time to visit? Clear days are best. In spring and summer the evenings stay light and the low sun flatters the tower. Check tide tables first: they decide whether you can walk across the sand towards the base or only see the lighthouse ringed by water. Bring a windproof layer, since the Solway can be breezy. How do you get there? Southerness lies south of Dumfries in Kirkbean parish, on the Solway coast. Driving is the simplest option, along local roads from Dumfries in around half an hour. Check current local bus times before you set out, as public transport to this stretch of coast is limited. Frequently asked questions How old is Southerness Lighthouse? It was built in 1748-49, making it one of the oldest lighthouses in Scotland. Can you go inside? The tower is a protected monument and there is no regular public access to the interior that we can confirm. It is enjoyed from the shore. How tall is it? About 17 metres. The original tower was lower; its current form dates mostly from 1842-43. Is the light still working? No. It went out of service in the 1930s and now stands as a heritage landmark.

Rua Reidh Lighthouse

Rua Reidh Lighthouse sits on a remote headland near Gairloch, in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands. It guards the entrance to Loch Ewe, with open Atlantic water on almost every side. People come here for the winding road, the quiet and the sea views as much as for the tower itself. What is the history of Rua Reidh Lighthouse? Engineer David Stevenson first proposed a light on this headland in 1853, but the Board of Trade turned the request down because of the expense. The idea returned early in the twentieth century. David Alan Stevenson, then chief engineer to the Northern Lighthouse Board, designed the station, and the light first shone on 15 January 1912. The project cost well over ten thousand pounds. The round tower is thought to be the last major lighthouse of circular section that the Stevenson family built on the Scottish mainland. The fog signal fell silent in 1980, when such sirens were withdrawn across Scotland. The light is now automatic and still serves shipping under the Northern Lighthouse Board. What will you see here? The white tower, the station buildings and the former keepers' quarters make a striking group against the rugged coast. On a clear day the view stretches across the Minch towards the Outer Hebrides. The area is known for its sunsets and, at night, very dark skies. With luck you may spot seabirds and seals, and in season porpoises and dolphins. The old staff buildings are privately owned and used for accommodation: there is a bed and breakfast, plus self-catering quarters. The original lens, clockwork mechanism and foghorn were moved to the museum in Gairloch, where the lens can be viewed at floor level and from a gallery above. How do you get to Rua Reidh Lighthouse? From Gairloch, follow the B8021 towards the village of Melvaig, where the public road ends. A narrow private road of roughly three miles continues to the lighthouse. The drive from Gairloch takes around half an hour, and there is no public transport. Melvaig has a small car park for a handful of vehicles, and from there you can walk the rest. Check the current rules for driving the final stretch before you set off, as the road belongs to private owners. When is the best time to visit? Late spring and summer bring long days and late sunsets. Autumn and winter offer a better chance of dark skies and dramatic storms, though weather on Scotland's north-west coast is changeable all year. Pack a windproof jacket and sturdy footwear even on a bright day. What else is nearby? Gairloch makes a natural base, with a local history museum, beaches and boat trips on the bay. The Torridon mountains, Inverewe Garden at Poolewe and a string of sandy bays along the northbound road are all within reach. The road from Gairloch to Melvaig is a scenic drive in itself, following the shoreline. Frequently asked questions Can you climb the lighthouse tower? The lighthouse is a working navigation station and the surrounding buildings are private. Ask the accommodation operator about visits before you arrive. Can you stay overnight at Rua Reidh? Yes. The former buildings house a bed and breakfast and self-catering apartments. How long is the drive from Gairloch? About half an hour by car along the B8021 through Melvaig, then the private final section. Where can you see the original lens? At the museum in Gairloch, which displays the lens, clockwork mechanism and foghorn from Rua Reidh.

Caldey Lighthouse

Caldey Lighthouse sits on the southern side of Caldey Island, a short crossing from the town of Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The tower has marked the western approach to the Bristol Channel since the late 1820s. Who built Caldey Lighthouse, and why? Traders working in Carmarthen Bay applied for a light in March 1827, and Trinity House, the body responsible for lighting the coasts of England and Wales, took on the project. Joseph Nelson, an engineer from Leeds, built it for £4,460. A plaque on the tower records the year 1828 for construction, and the lamp was first exhibited in January 1829. The light was meant to steer ships clear of the St Gowan Shoal and the Helwick Sands. Trinity House automated it in 1927, ending the need for resident keepers. It is now monitored remotely from Harwich in Essex. What does the tower look like? It is a short, round limestone tower about 17 metres tall, standing on a hill roughly 64 metres above sea level, which lifts the beam well above the waves. The former keepers' cottages are attached to the base. The lantern is thought to be a later replacement of the original. What else is there to see around it? Cadw listed the lighthouse and its keepers' cottages at Grade II in 1970. Separate Grade II entries cover the former oil store dated 1875, the compound boundary walls and an outbuilding to the west. Together they show how a Victorian lighthouse station was laid out. Caldey Abbey lies about half a kilometre to the north, so it is easy to see both on one walk around the island. How do you get to Caldey Island? Boats leave from Tenby Harbour and take about 20 minutes. The operator states these are the only boats that land on the island. In 2026 the season runs from early April to late October, Monday to Saturday, and sailings depend on the weather. Tickets are sold at the office in Castle Square. Check current fares and times before you go. When is the best time to visit? Pick a clear day in season, when boats run regularly and the view from the island stretches along the Pembrokeshire coast and across the bay. The island is served only during the season, so do not plan a winter visit. Frequently asked questions Is Caldey Lighthouse still working? Yes. Trinity House has run it as an automatic navigation light since 1927. When was it built? The tower went up in 1828 and the light was first shown in January 1829. Is the lighthouse a listed building? Yes. Cadw lists it at Grade II together with the keepers' cottages and several outbuildings. How long is the boat trip from Tenby? The crossing from Tenby Harbour takes around 20 minutes.

Winterton Lighthouse

Great Yarmouth

Winterton Lighthouse stands in Winterton-on-Sea on the Norfolk coast, roughly ten kilometres north of Great Yarmouth. A brick tower from the 19th century, it has been dark for almost a century but still anchors the village skyline. Why was a lighthouse built here? Winterton Ness had a grim reputation. An account from 1845 called it the most fatal headland between Scotland and London. The light had two jobs: to mark the headland itself and to steer ships towards the Cockle Gat, the northern approach into the sheltered waters of Yarmouth Roads. Daniel Defoe knew of the light and referred to it in Robinson Crusoe. What is its history? A light had burned on this stretch since the 1600s. In 1840 a new, tall brick tower replaced the earlier structure, and soon afterwards Trinity House, the body responsible for navigation aids around England, bought out the private lease. A new lantern and a fixed first-order prismatic lens were fitted in 1868. The light was switched off in 1921, and the tower and its cottages went under the hammer at auction in January 1922. What can you see today? The lighthouse is in private hands and sits among the village buildings, so you view it from the street rather than going inside. Its outline stands out against the flat Norfolk landscape. The tower has been offered as holiday accommodation, so if you want to see the interior, check the current rental listing instead of expecting a walk-in visit. Make it part of a longer stroll. Winterton-on-Sea sits beside a wide sandy beach and dunes, and this coast is known for its seal colonies, especially in autumn and winter. Keep your distance from the animals and follow any beach signs. How do you get to Winterton Lighthouse? Driving from Great Yarmouth is easiest: head north through Caister-on-Sea and Hemsby, a trip that normally takes a quarter of an hour or so. Parking in the village is restricted, so use designated spaces and walk the last stretch. A bus runs from Great Yarmouth, but off-season services can be thin, so check the current timetable. When should you visit? Summer gives the most welcoming beach and the best odds of good weather. Outside the main season you get fewer visitors and a chance of seeing seals, though the North Sea wind can be fierce. Low evening sun brings out the colour of the brick. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside the lighthouse? Not on a regular basis. It is a private property, usually admired from outside. The interior is accessible only if you book it as accommodation while that option is available. Is the light still working? No. It was extinguished in 1921 and the tower has had other uses since. When was it built? The present brick tower dates from 1840, and an earlier light had stood on the site since the 17th century. Is this the same as the Winterton in Lincolnshire? No. This is Winterton-on-Sea in Norfolk, close to Great Yarmouth, not Winterton in Lincolnshire.

Tayport Pile Lighthouse

Tayport

Tayport Pile Lighthouse is a timber lighthouse standing on stilts in the Firth of Tay, just off the shore at Tayport in Fife, Scotland. You cannot visit it, but it is one of the few surviving pile lighthouses in the UK and a rewarding sight from the shoreline. What is it? The light was built between 1845 and 1848 to guide shipping into the Tay towards Dundee. It took over from the shore-based Tayport High and Low lights, which no longer marked the channel precisely enough. The Low Light was discontinued in 1848 once the new beacon entered service. Locally it is also known as the Larick Beacon. How is it built? The structure is a square timber box carrying the lantern, raised on wooden legs. The "screw pile" name refers to the way the supports were fixed into the seabed. The light began as a candle behind a prism and was later converted to oil and paraffin, with a bell sounded in fog. It was staffed around the clock. The light was switched off around 1960 and the building has stood empty since. Its condition is poor, though a Canmore report describes the frame as still quite sound. Can you go inside? No. It stands in the water and is not open to visitors. View it from the Tayport shore, or across the estuary on a clear day. Binoculars or a zoom lens help a lot. How do you get there and where do you look? Tayport sits on the south side of the Tay, opposite Broughty Ferry and Dundee. By car it is about 15 minutes from Dundee over the Tay Road Bridge, or around 10 minutes from Leuchars. From the promenade and harbour front, look out over the water. While you are there, you can also see the two land-based East and West Lighthouses on West Common, which are separate buildings. When should you visit? Morning and the hours before sunset give the best photographic light. The stilts show more clearly at low tide. Waders and seals around the estuary are another reason to bring binoculars. Frequently asked questions Is Tayport Pile Lighthouse still in operation? No. The light was deactivated around 1960. Can I go inside or take a boat to it? No. It is closed to visitors, and the Tay estuary has strong currents and shoals, so enjoy it from the shore. Is it the same as the East and West lighthouses in Tayport? No. Those two stand on land at West Common. The Pile Lighthouse stands in the water. Why is it called the Larick Beacon? That is an alternative local name for the same lighthouse.

Whitby East Pier Lighthouse

Whitby

Whitby East Pier Lighthouse stands at the end of the eastern harbour pier in Whitby, North Yorkshire. Together with its counterpart on the opposite side, it marks the narrow gateway where the River Esk meets the North Sea. What is the East Pier lighthouse? It is one of Whitby's two harbour lights, and the younger and shorter of the pair. Sources date it to either 1854 or 1855, and credit the harbour engineer Francis Pickernell with the design. Heights quoted range from about 54 to 56 feet (roughly 16 to 17 metres). The tower is a stone column topped by a lantern with a lead-covered dome. The lantern is painted white under a black roof, which stands out clearly against grey seas and sky. How did the light work? The lighthouse showed two fixed lights. A red one warned ships off Whitby Rock to the south, while a green one led vessels safely into the harbour. Around 1914 the pier was lengthened by about 150 metres, and a new navigation light went up on the new seaward end. That light took over the working role, but the original tower remains in place. Is it a listed building? Yes. Historic England lists it at Grade II (list entry 1261631), a designation dating from 1972. The pier it stands on has a separate Grade II listing; its origins are medieval, and rebuilding began in 1702. The tower is no longer in use as a navigation light. What can you see there? A walk along the pier gives the best view of the lighthouse and the harbour mouth. You can look across the channel to the West Pier lighthouse, and on clear days the ruins of Whitby Abbey on the clifftop show up behind the town. Photographers favour sunrise, sunset and stormy weather, when waves break against the stonework. When should you visit? The pier is open to look around all year. Summer is busiest, so mornings are calmer. In autumn and winter the sea can be dramatic, but the stone surface gets wet and slippery. In strong wind or heavy swell, keep well back from the edge. How is it different from the West Pier lighthouse? They are two separate structures. The West Pier tower is taller and different in form, while the East Pier lighthouse described here is lower, column-shaped and domed. Together they frame the entrance to Whitby harbour. Frequently asked questions When was the East Pier lighthouse built? In 1854 or 1855, depending on the source. Francis Pickernell designed it. How tall is it? Sources give roughly 54 to 56 feet, or about 16 to 17 metres. Is it a protected building? Yes, it is Grade II listed by Historic England (entry 1261631). Is it the same as the West Pier lighthouse? No. It is a separate, shorter and later lighthouse on the opposite side of the harbour entrance.

Whitby West Pier Lighthouse

Whitby

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.

Start Point Lighthouse

Start Point Lighthouse is a black-and-white striped tower on the eastern tip of Sanday, one of the Orkney Islands in Scotland. It sits on a low, rocky spit pushing out into the North Sea, and has warned ships off the shoals around the island for more than two centuries. What makes this lighthouse special? An unlit beacon tower went up at Start Point in 1802. In 1806 it gained Scotland's first revolving light, so sailors could tell it apart from the fixed lights on nearby coasts, notably North Ronaldsay. The original scheme is credited to engineers Thomas Smith and Robert Stevenson of the Northern Lighthouse Board. The present round brick tower dates from the later 19th century (Canmore gives about 1870). The bold vertical black and white bands were added around 1915, and the tower is described as the only lighthouse in Scotland painted this way. It was automated in 1962 and is a category B listed building. What is the setting like? The tower stands on a small tidal islet, which the sea can cut off at high water. Visitors wait for the tide to drop before getting close. Interior visits are not generally offered, so the tower is best enjoyed from outside. Around it you will find the flat sandy beaches and low pastures typical of Sanday, with neighbouring Orkney islands visible on a clear day. It suits photography, seabird and seal watching, and an unhurried walk along the shore. How do I get there? Sanday lies in the North Isles of Orkney. Reach it by Orkney Ferries from Kirkwall, or by a short flight from Kirkwall, the town on the Orkney Mainland. An on-demand minibus serves the island, but a car or bicycle is the easiest option, as distances are short and the terrain is flat. The lighthouse stands at the island's eastern end in Lady parish. A road leads close by, and the last stretch is on foot. When should I visit? Late spring to early autumn gives long daylight and calmer weather. Check tide tables before setting off, since the tide decides how close you can get. The headland is exposed and often windy, so bring a windproof jacket. Frequently asked questions Can I go inside Start Point Lighthouse? There is no regular interior tour. The tower is a working navigation aid, so you view it from outside. Why is the tower striped? The bands, added around 1915, work as a daymark, making the tower stand out against the low, flat coastline. Does the tide cut off the lighthouse? Yes. The islet it stands on can be isolated at high water, so plan your visit for low tide. Is this the same as Start Point Lighthouse in Devon? No. The Devon lighthouse in England is a different building. This one is on Sanday in Orkney.

Nab Tower

Nab Tower is a concrete-and-steel lighthouse standing alone in the sea about 10 km east of the Isle of Wight, marking the eastern approach to the Solent on England's south coast. From shore it looks like a small, slightly leaning shape on the horizon, and it ranks among the strangest navigation marks in the English Channel. Why is there a tower in the middle of the sea? It began as a First World War anti-submarine project. The idea was a chain of fortified towers across the Strait of Dover. They were built at Shoreham Harbour under heavy secrecy, earning the nickname "Mystery Towers". Only one was finished before the war ended, and that is the one that ended up at the Nab. In 1920 it was towed out and sunk onto the Nab Rock, replacing the lightship that had marked the spot. The honeycomb concrete base holds 18 watertight compartments. The tower settled with a lean of roughly three degrees to the north-east, which you can still see today. What has it been used for? The Royal Navy ran it as a signal station. During the Second World War it carried Bofors anti-aircraft guns. It stayed in Ministry of Defence hands until 1984, when Trinity House, the body responsible for lighthouses in England and Wales, took the freehold. The light has been automated since 1983, so nobody lives on it. In 1912 the RMS Titanic paused near the Nab after leaving Southampton so the pilot could climb down. Today the route past the tower carries ferries, yachts and container ships heading in and out of the Solent. In the 2010s the tower was cut down from 27 m to 17 m. The upper sections of the outer steel structure were removed to reduce maintenance costs. How can you see Nab Tower? You cannot visit it like a regular lighthouse: it is an active offshore aid to navigation. Seeing it from outside is the way to go. From the shore: on a clear day you can pick it out from around Bembridge on the island's eastern tip. Bring binoculars. From the water: boat trips and sailing charters in the Solent can get closer, and the tilt is easy to spot from there. From a ferry or yacht: routes between Portsmouth or Southampton and the open Channel pass nearby. Choose a bright day with good visibility, most often in spring and summer. In haze or fog the tower disappears from view. What else is nearby? On the island side, Bembridge has its own lighthouse history and a harbour. East Wight's beaches are close, and across the Solent Portsmouth's sea forts, such as Spitbank and Horse Sand, belong to an earlier era but also guard the same waters. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is Nab Tower? At roughly 50.67 N, 0.95 W, at the eastern entrance to the Solent and about 10 km off the Isle of Wight. Can I go inside? No. It is a working offshore lighthouse with no regular public access. Viewing is from the coast or from a boat. Why does it lean? When it was sunk in 1920 it settled unevenly on the seabed and tilted about three degrees towards the north-east. The structure is stable. Who owns it? Trinity House, since 1984. It also manages most other lighthouses in England and Wales.

Helliar Holm Lighthouse

Balfour

Helliar Holm Lighthouse sits on a small uninhabited island just off the coast of Shapinsay in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. The nearest settlement on Shapinsay is the village of Balfour, where the ferry from Kirkwall docks. The light marks the narrow channels that run between the northern Orkney isles. What is Helliar Holm? Helliar Holm is a low, grassy islet lying so close to Shapinsay that it was once joined to it by a strip of land uncovered by the tide. Norse sagas mention it as Hellisey, also recorded as Eller Holm. Visible on the island are the remains of a broch (an Iron Age round tower), a burial cairn and a chapel. Today it matters mostly as a seabird breeding ground, so it is treated as a protected site. What will you see? The lighthouse stands about 13 metres (42 ft) tall and rises from the shore of the island. Most sources date its construction to 1893. It belongs to the Stevenson lighthouse-building family, and the Scottish Places gazetteer names the brothers David A. and Charles Stevenson. Beside the tower are the former keepers' houses. The structure is listed and documented in the Canmore record of Scotland's heritage. The light was staffed until 1967, when it was automated and the last keeper left the island. It has since been run by the Northern Lighthouse Board and watched remotely from its Edinburgh headquarters. The keepers' houses have stood empty for years. How do you get there? No scheduled service runs to the island itself. The usual approach is to take the Kirkwall to Shapinsay ferry into Balfour, then walk or drive to the shore to look across at Helliar Holm. The tower is also visible from the water on boat trips around Orkney. If you hope to land, ask local operators or the land managers for permission first, because the island is protected for its birds. When should you visit? Late spring and summer are best, with long daylight hours and seabird colonies active. Orkney is windy all year, so bring a windproof jacket and binoculars. In winter, ferries can be cancelled in bad weather. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside the lighthouse? No. It is a working navigation aid, and neither the tower nor the buildings are open to visitors. When was the lighthouse built? Most sources give 1893. The Canmore entry lists a different year that looks like a transposed typo. Does anyone live there? No. It has been automated since 1967 and has no permanent crew. Where is the best place to see it? From the Shapinsay shore near Balfour, or from a boat in the Orkney channels.

Hoy Sound High Light

Stromness

Hoy Sound High Light is a lighthouse on the island of Graemsay, within sight of the harbour front at Stromness in Orkney, Scotland. Paired with the shorter Hoy Low light, it has marked the safe line through the narrow Hoy Sound channel since the mid-19th century. What is Hoy Sound High Light? Alan Stevenson, a member of the famous Scottish lighthouse-engineering family, designed it in 1851, and the Northern Lighthouse Board runs it. The tower stands roughly 33 metres tall and acts as the rear light of a leading pair. When a skipper sees High and Low stacked one above the other, the vessel is on a safe track towards Stromness. The light shows white and red in an occulting pattern repeating every 8 seconds. It was automated in 1978, so no keepers live here now. Why were leading lights needed? Hoy Sound is known for strong tidal streams and scattered skerries. Stromness was a busy port, and pilots found the approach hard to navigate. Two lights placed on Graemsay solved the problem: keep them aligned and you stay on course. What will you see? The lighthouse, along with its keepers' houses, boundary walls and gatepiers, holds Category A status with Historic Environment Scotland (LB12736, listed in 1977). The keepers' houses follow the Egyptian-influenced style associated with the Stevensons. The lower Hoy Low light, about 12 metres high, is listed separately in Category B, and its lens is now displayed at Stromness Museum. Thomas Stevenson visited Hoy Low in 1868 with his teenage son, Robert Louis Stevenson, the future author. How do you get there? Graemsay is a small island in Scapa Flow, west of Stromness. A ferry from Stromness, which also serves Hoy, takes you across. There is little in the way of visitor facilities, so a trip is mostly a country walk with views of the Hoy cliffs, Stromness and open sea. View the lighthouse from the island's roads and shore, from the ferry, or from the Stromness waterfront. When should you go? Summer is easiest, with long days and steadier weather. Orkney is windy all year, so pack a windproof layer. In the evening, with good visibility, you can pick out the leading light from Stromness. FAQ Can you go inside the lighthouse? It is an operational Northern Lighthouse Board station rather than a museum, so interiors are not normally open to visitors. You see it from outside. Who designed it, and when? Alan Stevenson, in 1851. Is it the only light in the channel? No. Hoy High works together with the shorter Hoy Low, also on Graemsay. How tall is it? About 33 metres.

Pentland Skerries High Light

Pentland Skerries High Light is a lighthouse on Muckle Skerry, the largest of the Pentland Skerries, a cluster of rocky islets in the Pentland Firth between Orkney and Scotland's north coast. It was the first commission Robert Stevenson received from the Northern Lighthouse Board. Where is it and why is it here? Muckle Skerry sits at the eastern entrance to the Pentland Firth, a strait notorious for fierce tidal streams and difficult navigation. The reefs around the skerries claimed many vessels, which is why a warning light was built here. The island is uninhabited, and the tower dominates its skyline. How was the lighthouse built? The first light was lit in 1794 to a design by Thomas Smith and Robert Stevenson, who went on to found Scotland's best-known dynasty of lighthouse engineers. The station had two towers, a higher and a lower one, so mariners could tell it apart from other lights along the coast. The station was rebuilt in the 1820s, though sources give completion dates ranging from 1830 to 1833. The taller of the original stone towers was kept for the new light. Today it is painted white, stands about 36 m (118 ft) tall, and the lamp sits roughly 52 m above sea level. How has the technology changed? 1870: paraffin lamps tested, 1895: the double light replaced by group-flashing lights, 1958: electrification, 1972: supplies and crew reliefs switched from boats to helicopters, 1994: automation; since 31 March the light has run unmanned, monitored from the NLB headquarters in Edinburgh. It now runs on solar power. What events are linked to the station? In 1884 the keepers rescued twelve crew from the Leith ship Vicksburg. In 1941 the station came under enemy fire during the Second World War, with little damage. In 1965 two keepers helped 50 people from a ship aground in fog. Keepers' families lived on the island until the 1950s. Can you visit? The light is automatic and is not a conventional visitor attraction; the island has no permanent staff or visitor facilities. It is best seen from the water or appreciated as a piece of history on a trip through Orkney and the Pentland Firth. The site is recorded in the Canmore database, and John S. Findlay's book A Photographic Portrait of Pentland Skerries (The Orcadian, 2018) covers its story. Frequently asked questions Who designed the lighthouse? Thomas Smith and Robert Stevenson. It was Stevenson's first project for the Northern Lighthouse Board. When was the first light lit? In 1794. Do keepers still live there? No. The light has been fully automatic since 1994 and is monitored remotely from Edinburgh. Where exactly is it? On Muckle Skerry in the Pentland Skerries, in the Pentland Firth off Orkney, Scotland.

Tarbat Ness Lighthouse

Tarbat Ness Lighthouse stands on the north-eastern tip of the Tarbat Ness peninsula in Highland, close to the fishing village of Portmahomack on Scotland's east coast. Its white tower with two red bands is among the tallest lighthouses in the country and has guided ships past the mouth of the Moray Firth since 1830. Why was a lighthouse built at Tarbat Ness? A storm in November 1826 sank sixteen vessels in these waters, which added weight to calls for a permanent light on the headland. Robert Stevenson, the leading Scottish lighthouse engineer of his day, drew up the design, and James Smith of Inverness carried out the construction. The lamp was first lit on 26 January 1830, using Argand lamps with reflectors. The two red bands were added in 1915 to make the tower easier to spot by day. The station was automated in 1985 and is run by the Northern Lighthouse Board. The old optic is now held by the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich. How tall is it? The tower rises about 41 metres, and the light sits 53 m above sea level. Visitors who climbed it in the keepers' era would have counted 203 steps to the top. Several sources rank it as Scotland's third-tallest lighthouse. As a working navigation aid it is normally seen from outside rather than visited inside. How do you get there? The classic approach is on foot from Portmahomack. The circular route is roughly 11 km (6.8 miles): out along the shore path to the lighthouse and back by a country lane. A longer variant of about 15 km follows a faint trail across grass, mud and steep slopes. For a short outing of about 1.4 km, drive to the parking area just south of the lighthouse and walk from there. Portmahomack has a free car park on the left as you enter the village. What else is there to see? The peninsula is good for watching seabirds, and with luck you may spot dolphins in the Moray Firth. Maritime heath covers much of the coast. Several former keepers' cottages beside the tower now serve as holiday accommodation. When should you go? Pick a clear day from spring to early autumn. From late February to July, young calves graze near the shore path, so keep dogs on leads and give the animals space. Wear proper walking shoes: the ground gets boggy after rain and the headland is usually windy. Frequently asked questions Can you climb the lighthouse? It is an active navigation station, and climbing the tower is not a standard visitor activity. Most people admire it from the outside. Who designed Tarbat Ness Lighthouse? Robert Stevenson designed it and James Smith of Inverness built it. The first light shone in 1830. How long is the walk from Portmahomack? The loop of around 11 km usually takes several hours, depending on pace and stops. The short route from the lighthouse car park is about 1.4 km. Is the lighthouse still in use? Yes. It has been automated since 1985 and remains a navigation aid at the entrance to the Moray Firth.

Stroma Lighthouse

Stroma Lighthouse stands at the northern tip of Stroma, a low island in the Pentland Firth off the Caithness coast in the Highland council area of Scotland. It sits between the Scottish mainland and Orkney, within Canisbay parish. This is not a lighthouse you can tour: it is a working navigation light, best appreciated as a landmark seen across the water. What is the lighthouse on Stroma? The present tower dates from 1896 and was designed by the brothers David A. and Charles Stevenson, members of the famous Scottish family of lighthouse engineers. A smaller unmanned light had operated here since 1890. The new station had a clear job: to warn ships away from some of the most dangerous water in Britain. Close to the island's northern point the Swilkie whirlpool forms, and the Pentland Firth tides rank among the strongest in Europe. The round, white-painted stone tower is roughly 23 metres tall. What is the station's history? Wartime action damaged the station buildings in 1941. In 1972 the light was electrified and a helicopter pad was added. Keepers' families lived in the island cottages from 1961 until automation in the mid-1990s; sources give dates between 1994 and 1997, depending on whether they mark the start or the end of the conversion. The lighthouse staff were the last people to leave the island. Today the light belongs to the Northern Lighthouse Board and runs automatically. Can you visit it? No. Stroma is uninhabited, has no regular transport or visitor facilities, and the lighthouse is an active aid to navigation. The island's name comes from Old Norse Straumey, "island in the stream", which suits the surrounding waters. Where can you see it from? From land: around John o' Groats and Duncansby Head on Scotland's far north-east corner; the island lies a few kilometres offshore. From a ferry: the Gills Bay to St Margaret's Hope crossing to Orkney passes through the Pentland Firth close to the island. From the sea: local operators run boat trips in the firth, depending on tides and weather. Clear days and long summer evenings give the best visibility and calmer water. Frequently asked questions Can I land on Stroma? The island is uninhabited and has no visitor services. The lighthouse is an operational site, not a museum. Who runs the lighthouse? The Northern Lighthouse Board, which manages Scotland's navigation lights. The station has been automated since the mid-1990s. When was the current tower built? In 1896, to a design by David A. and Charles Stevenson. Why was this stretch hazardous for sailors? Because of the powerful Pentland Firth tides and the Swilkie whirlpool off the island's northern point.

West Usk Lighthouse

Newport

West Usk Lighthouse is a former lighthouse near Newport in South Wales, first lit in 1821 at the mouth of the River Usk where it meets the Severn Estuary. It is a Grade II listed building, and today it takes overnight guests as a bed and breakfast. You will find it by the village of St Brides Wentlooge, on the flat Wentlooge Level just south of the city. What is West Usk Lighthouse? The tower was designed by James Walker, consultant engineer to Trinity House, the body that runs lighthouses in England and Wales. Ben Batchelor and John Williams of Newport did the building work. The first light was shown in December 1821. Coflein, the Welsh national heritage record, calls it Walker's earliest lighthouse; he went on to design roughly twenty more. The tower stands about 17 metres tall (sources quote 16.76 or 17 m). It originally rose from an island, until the surrounding land was reclaimed in the mid-1800s. Accounts disagree on the exact date, naming either around 1850 or 1856. What happened after it stopped working? The light was out of use by 1922. During the Second World War the building served as a lookout. It was refurbished in the late 1960s, then bought and restored in 1987. The original lantern room had been removed, and a replica now sits on top. Cadw, the Welsh historic environment service, listed it on 22 June 1990 as a former lighthouse (entry 3081, amended in 1996). What can you see there? The main attraction is the tower itself, standing alone on open, level ground beside the estuary, with wide water views toward the far shore. It suits anyone interested in lighthouses, maritime heritage or early nineteenth-century engineering. Can you stay here? Yes. The building operates as a guest house, described as a B&B in most sources and as a hotel in some. It is a private property, so there is no drop-in tour of the interior. Check rates and availability with the owners directly. When should you visit? The tower can be seen at any time of year. Clear days give the best views across the estuary and the best photographs. The wind off the water can be sharp, so bring a warm layer outside summer. Frequently asked questions When was West Usk Lighthouse built? It was first lit in December 1821. Who designed it? James Walker, consultant to Trinity House. It was his first lighthouse. Is the light still in use? No. It was decommissioned by 1922 and the building now serves as accommodation. Is the building protected? Yes. It has been Grade II listed by Cadw since 1990.

Point Lynas Lighthouse

Amlwch

Point Lynas Lighthouse sits on the northeast tip of Anglesey in Wales, about 2 km east of the village of Llaneilian and close to Amlwch. The headland is known in Welsh as Trwyn y Balog. The site is a 19th-century group of lighthouse, former telegraph station, accommodation blocks and enclosure walls, protected as a Grade II listed building by Cadw. Why was it built here? By the mid-1700s, ships bound for Liverpool needed a spot on Anglesey where they could pick up a pilot. The Liverpool pilotage service weighed up several places and settled on Point Lynas. Pilots first kept watch from a farmhouse, and by 1779 purpose-built accommodation and a tower with oil lamps stood on the headland. The point lies on the approach to the Mersey, which made it a natural place to meet incoming vessels. What will you see? The present lighthouse dates from 1834-35 and was built by the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board to a design by its engineer Jesse Hartley, the man behind Liverpool's great docks. According to Coflein, the national record for Wales, it is a two-storey dwelling topped by a square tower roughly 11 m high. A telegraph station followed in 1879, relaying news of arriving ships to Liverpool. The south wall and gates came later, designed by Hartley's successor George Lyster. It is a plain, sturdy complex of local stone on an open, exposed cape, with wide views across the Irish Sea and, in clear weather, ships heading for the Liverpool approaches. How has it changed? 1952: the light was electrified. 2 April 1973: Trinity House, the UK lighthouse authority, took over. By 2001: full automation removed the need for resident keepers (some sources give an earlier date of 1989). Today the light is monitored remotely from the Trinity House planning centre in Harwich. The former keepers' cottages are privately owned and let as holiday accommodation. How do you get there? Drive from Amlwch towards Llaneilian, then follow the narrow lanes out to the point. Llaneilian lies about 2 km west of the lighthouse. Check with Trinity House or the accommodation owners before you go, as parts of the site are private and close access may be limited. When should you visit? The cape is open to the wind, so pick a day with good visibility, ideally late spring or summer. Bring a windproof layer even when it is warm inland. Frequently asked questions Who built Point Lynas Lighthouse? The Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, in 1834-35, to a design by Jesse Hartley. Is it still working? Yes. It is automated and managed by Trinity House. Is it a listed building? Yes, Grade II with Cadw (listed in 1970, amended in 2001), and it is recorded in Coflein. Can I stay there? The former keepers' accommodation is let as holiday cottages. Ask the owners about availability.

South Gare Lighthouse

Redcar

South Gare Lighthouse stands at the tip of the South Gare breakwater, northwest of Redcar in North Yorkshire, where the River Tees meets the North Sea. This cast-iron tower dates from 1884, sits within the Redcar and Cleveland area of north-east England and is a Grade II listed building. It is owned and run by PD Ports, the operator of the Tees port estate. Who built it, and what does it look like? John Fowler, engineer to the Tees Conservancy Commissioners, oversaw the design and construction. The tower takes the form of a truncated Tuscan column on a pedestal, topped with an octagonal lantern housing and a hemispherical copper dome. The light shines roughly 18 metres above sea level at low water. A chimney and weather vane were taken off around 1980. Mains power arrived in 1955, and in 2007 a fuel cell was installed to run the lamp. What is the breakwater it stands on? Work on the South Gare began in 1861 under Sir Joseph Whitwell Pease, chairman of the Tees Conservancy Commission. Builders could only work at low tide, so the job stretched across about two decades, and the breakwater was formally opened on 25 October 1888. A railway ran along it, famous for wagons fitted with sails that used the wind to haul supplies. The keepers' cottages were pulled down in the 1960s once the light became automatic. How do you get to South Gare? The lighthouse is roughly 4 km northwest of Redcar town centre. You can drive or cycle along a private PD Ports road that crosses industrial land towards Tod Point, with parking at the boundary fence near the end of the Gare. Access rules change: PD Ports has restricted vehicles, campervans in particular, and has installed a height barrier on the approach road. Check current conditions before you set out. What will you see? From the breakwater you look across the Tees mouth to the industrial skyline opposite and out over open sea. The lighthouse is a working navigation aid, so you admire it from outside. The walk along the wall suits photographers and anyone who enjoys watching ships head into the port. When should you visit? Choose a clear day with moderate wind, as the breakwater is fully exposed. Evening light flatters the cast iron and the water. In storms, keep well back from the edge. Frequently asked questions Is South Gare Lighthouse a listed building? Yes. Historic England lists it at Grade II (list entry 1140391). When was it built? 1884, according to the official listing description. Can you go inside? No. It is an operational PD Ports lighthouse, viewed from outside only. Is access to South Gare restricted? The road is private PD Ports land, and vehicle rules can change, so check before travelling.

Wolf Rock Lighthouse

Wolf Rock Lighthouse is a slender granite tower rising straight out of the sea off Cornwall, in south-west England. It stands on a lone rock about 8 nautical miles (roughly 15 km) south-west of Land's End, on the route between the Cornish coast and the Isles of Scilly. Trinity House runs it as a working navigation light, not a visitor attraction. Can you visit Wolf Rock Lighthouse? No. There is no public landing and no access to the interior. Engineers reach the station by air, so the lighthouse is something to spot from a distance or from the water rather than to tour. Why is it called Wolf Rock? Fissures in the rock are said to make a howling noise in gales, which gave the reef its name. The tower is about 41 m tall and built of Cornish granite, with the blocks prepared at Penzance. Its narrow profile against an empty horizon makes it one of the most recognisable offshore lights in the region. How was it built? Trinity House first allowed the rock to be marked in 1791. An iron daymark erected in 1795 was swept away by the sea, and a later beacon from the 1830s and 1840s was also damaged in a storm. The permanent tower was designed by James Walker. Work began in 1861 and progressed slowly, since crews could only work on the rock in calm weather. The tower was finished in July 1869 and the light entered service around the turn of 1869 and 1870 (sources give slightly different dates). What makes it notable? In the early 1970s a helicopter deck was added above the lantern. Trinity House dates this to 1972 and describes it as the first of its kind on a rock lighthouse; another source gives 1973. The lighthouse was automated in July 1988, when its last keepers left. It is now monitored remotely from the Trinity House centre in Harwich. Where can you see it from? On the water: boat trips from the Land's End area and crossings towards the Isles of Scilly pass in the general vicinity; the rock sits in open sea, so views depend on weather and visibility. Scilly ferry or flight: the tower can sometimes be picked out on the crossing between the mainland and the islands. Land's End cliffs: a natural starting point for looking out to sea, though the lighthouse is distant and often hard to see. Frequently asked questions Is Wolf Rock Lighthouse open to visitors? No. It is an active Trinity House light with no public access. How tall is it? About 41 metres. Does anyone live there? No. It has been automated and unmanned since 1988. Where is it in relation to Land's End? Roughly 8 nautical miles south-west of the headland, towards the Isles of Scilly.

Pladda Lighthouse

Pladda Lighthouse marks the southern tip of the tiny island of Pladda, just off the south coast of Arran in North Ayrshire, Scotland. First lit on 1 October 1790, it still shines today, making it one of the oldest working lights in the Firth of Clyde. For visitors it is above all a view from the shore: a white tower on a low, grassy islet that you can pick out easily from southern Arran. What is the history of Pladda Lighthouse? Engineer Thomas Smith designed it for the Northern Lighthouse Board, then known as the Commissioners of the Northern Lights. It was the first light on the Clyde that the Board commissioned, and it belongs to the earliest generation of Scottish lights alongside Mull of Kintyre and Cumbrae. To stop sailors confusing it with the three other lighthouses in the Firth of Clyde, Pladda was given two lights, an upper and a lower one about 20 feet below. The lower light was discontinued in 1901. The station was rebuilt in 1821 and later switched from sperm oil to paraffin. It was automated in 1990, the keepers were withdrawn, and it is now monitored remotely from Edinburgh. Where is it and how can you see it? Pladda is privately owned and reached by boat or helicopter; the crossing from Silver Sands beach takes around 15 minutes. There are no regular landings or organised visits, so plan to admire it from Arran. The nearest village with services is Kildonan, which has a shop, post office, campsite and hotel, and the island is visible from the hotel itself. A road follows the south coast to Kildonan, and Arran is reached by ferry from Ardrossan. What will you see? A white conical tower with the buildings of the former light station, and on clear days a wide outlook towards Ailsa Craig and the Kintyre peninsula. Holy Isle lies on the other side of Arran's coast. Seals, dolphins and otters are regularly spotted in the waters around Pladda, so bring binoculars. After dark the beam can be seen from the shore. When should you go? Late spring to early autumn gives the longest days, calmer seas and the best chances for photography and wildlife. In winter, Atlantic wind makes boat trips and clifftop walks harder. Early morning and sunset give the best light for photos. Frequently asked questions Can you land on Pladda? The island is private and there are no regular landing trips. The easiest way to enjoy the lighthouse is from Kildonan and the beaches of southern Arran. Is the lighthouse still working? Yes. It has shone since 1790 and has run automatically, without a resident crew, since 1990. Who designed it? Thomas Smith, working for the Northern Lighthouse Board. Why does it have two lights? The upper and lower lights set Pladda apart from the three other lighthouses in the Firth of Clyde. The lower one was in use until 1901.

Davaar Lighthouse

Campbeltown

Davaar Lighthouse marks the northeast tip of Davaar Island, at the mouth of Campbeltown Loch on the Kintyre peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Completed in 1854, the white tower has guided ships into Campbeltown for more than 150 years. What is Davaar Lighthouse? David and Thomas Stevenson, members of the engineering family behind many Scottish lights, designed it. The lamp first shone in July 1854. The tower stands about 20 metres tall and the light sits roughly 37 metres above sea level. The Northern Lighthouse Board runs it: it was automated in 1983 and is now monitored remotely from Edinburgh. The light gives two white flashes every 10 seconds and can be seen from around 23 nautical miles away. How do you get to the island? Davaar is a tidal island. At low tide a natural shingle bar called The Doirlinn links it to the shore, just east of Campbeltown. Park in the layby near the Doirlinn; the walk across takes about 40 minutes. The safe window is a few hours either side of low water, and it is best to set off on a falling tide. Check tide times beforehand, for example at the Campbeltown tourist office, and leave yourself a margin on the way back, because the causeway floods. What else is there to see? The lighthouse is best admired as you walk the island, which offers wide views over Kintyre, the loch and across the water to Arran. The main attraction is a cave on the south coast, usually described as the seventh along that shore. Inside is a life-sized painting of the Crucifixion, created in the 1880s by local schoolteacher Archibald MacKinnon, who said he acted on a vision. Locals first took the image for a miracle and were cooler towards it once they learned who the artist was. MacKinnon later returned to touch it up, and others have maintained it since. Pilgrims still visit, leaving wooden crosses and small cairns. When should you go, and what should you bring? Pick a day with decent weather and a convenient low tide. The island has no facilities, so carry food and water. Wear sturdy footwear: the ground is rough and stony. The route is not suitable for visitors with limited mobility. Plan several hours for the crossing, the walk to the cave and the return. Frequently asked questions Can you walk to Davaar Lighthouse? Yes, but only at low tide, when The Doirlinn causeway is exposed. The crossing from the mainland takes around 40 minutes. When was the lighthouse built? In 1854, to a design by David and Thomas Stevenson. It first showed its light in July of that year. Is the lighthouse still in use? Yes. It has been automatic since 1983 and the Northern Lighthouse Board monitors it remotely from Edinburgh. Are there shops or toilets on the island? No. Bring water, food and suitable footwear before you set out.

Sanda Island Lighthouse

Sanda Island Lighthouse marks the southern tip of Sanda Island, just off the Mull of Kintyre in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The white, round stone tower rises about 15 metres and has guided ships past the mouth of the Firth of Clyde since 1850. Why was a lighthouse built on Sanda? The waters around the island and its outlying rocks were treacherous, and local records count more than 150 vessels lost there. After a debate in which the Northern Lighthouse Board at first resisted moving the Mull of Kintyre light at Trinity House's request, a new light on Sanda was approved. Engineer Alan Stevenson, of the celebrated lighthouse-building family, designed it. The lamp was first lit in 1850, and extra rotating prisms were added in 1882. Historic Environment Scotland lists the building. Is the lighthouse still working? Yes. It runs automatically with no resident keepers and is monitored by the Northern Lighthouse Board from Edinburgh. Canmore records automation in March 1992. It is a working aid to navigation rather than a museum, so there are no tickets or set opening hours. How do you get to Sanda? There is no bridge and no regular ferry. Most visits start from Campbeltown on the Kintyre peninsula, with a crossing by private boat. The island also has a helipad. Arrange your crossing and check the entry rules with the island's current caretakers beforehand, as the land is privately owned and sea conditions change quickly. What is there to see? Besides the lighthouse, the island has a handful of renovated cottages, a former settlement and a pub whose status has varied over the years. The setting is wild and remote: open grazing, a rocky shore and views across to the Mull of Kintyre, and in clear weather to neighbouring islands and the Scottish coast. The lighthouse is best seen from the access track and nearby clifftops, with respect for the private land. When is the best time to visit? Late spring and summer offer long days and calmer seas. Wind and swell can cancel a crossing, so keep a spare day in your plans. Bring waterproofs and your own food, as facilities on the island are limited. What else is nearby? On the mainland, Campbeltown has its harbour and whisky distilleries, and Machrihanish is known for its golf links. Campbeltown airport offers flights to Glasgow, which helps if you are travelling without a car. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside the lighthouse? No. It is an automated, active Northern Lighthouse Board station with no organised tours of the interior. Who built Sanda lighthouse? Alan Stevenson designed it, and the light was first shown in 1850. Can you stay overnight on the island? Sanda has renovated cottages, but availability depends on the current island caretakers, so confirm before booking a crossing. Is this the same lighthouse as the one at the Mull of Kintyre? No. The Mull of Kintyre has its own lighthouse on the mainland, while Sanda stands on a separate island close by.

Old South Pier Lighthouse

Sunderland

Old South Pier Lighthouse in Sunderland is a Victorian cast-iron lighthouse that now stands in Roker Cliff Park, on the Roker seafront in north-east England. It is a Grade II* listed building, a rating given to only a small share of listed structures in England. Many visitors know it as Meik's Lighthouse, and locals call it the White Lighthouse. What is the Old South Pier Lighthouse? Engineer Thomas Meik designed the tower in 1856 for the River Wear Commission. It marked the end of the old South Pier at the mouth of the River Wear. That pier had been built in stages between the 1720s and the 1750s, so the lighthouse belongs to a long chain of works that kept Sunderland's harbour entrance usable. The tower is made of cast iron. It is a tapered column in the Tuscan style, with a gallery running around the top and a tall dome over the lantern. It is around 50 feet (about 15 m) high. The slim, classical outline is unusual for a harbour light and is the main reason the building has such a high listing grade. Why is it in a park and not on the pier? The lighthouse was not built where it stands today. In 1983 the Sunderland Port Authority shortened the old South Pier to give ships a safer entrance to the river. The tower was dismantled and put up again on the Roker seafront, in Roker Cliff Park. It is therefore a relocated monument, and its position says nothing about the original harbour line. What can you see nearby? The park sits on the cliffs above the beach at Roker, with views over the North Sea. Do not confuse this tower with Roker Pier Lighthouse. That one is a separate, larger structure at the end of Roker Pier and is listed at Grade II. The two can be seen on the same walk along the seafront, which makes it easy to compare them: a small ornamental iron column on the cliff top, and a striped masonry lighthouse out on the pier. Roker and neighbouring Seaburn offer a promenade, sandy beaches and cafes, so the lighthouse fits well into a half-day by the sea. How do you get there? The tower is in Roker Cliff Park, close to the coordinates 54.931 N, 1.366 W. Roker is about two miles north-east of Sunderland city centre. The seafront can be reached by local bus, by car, or on foot along the coast from the city or from Seaburn. Take the sea-front promenade and look for the white tower on the green cliff-top. Frequently asked questions Who designed the lighthouse? Thomas Meik, in 1856, for the River Wear Commission. Is it the same as Roker Pier Lighthouse? No. Roker Pier Lighthouse is a different building at the end of Roker Pier, listed at Grade II. The Old South Pier Lighthouse is the white iron tower in Roker Cliff Park. Why was it moved? The old South Pier was shortened in 1983 to make the river entrance safer. The tower was taken down and rebuilt in the park. What is its listing grade? Grade II*. Historic England first listed it in 1978 and amended the entry in 1994.

Ailsa Craig Lighthouse

Ailsa Craig Lighthouse sits on a rocky volcanic island in the middle of the Firth of Clyde, off Scotland's west coast and roughly 16 km (10 miles) from the town of Girvan in Ayrshire. The island rises out of the sea like a huge dome, and the light is tucked onto its low eastern shore. It is still active and run by the Northern Lighthouse Board. Why was a lighthouse built on Ailsa Craig? In 1881 the Northern Lighthouse Board received a petition asking for a light and fog signals here, since shipping lanes to the Clyde and Irish ports pass right beside the rock. Work began around 1882 under the engineers Thomas and David Alan Stevenson, the family behind many of Scotland's lighthouses. The light was first shown on 15 June 1886. The tower is about 11 m tall, the lamp sits roughly 18 m above sea level, and the beam reaches around 17 nautical miles. What was life like for the keepers? The island is remote, so early keepers sent messages to Girvan by carrier pigeon. Radio-telephone contact only arrived in 1935. Gas-powered fog sirens stood at both ends of the island, supplied by a small gasworks beside the tower, and were replaced by a Tyfon system in 1966. The station was automated in 1990 and is now monitored remotely from the NLB headquarters in Edinburgh, with solar panels added in 2001. The original lens is displayed at the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses in Fraserburgh. The site is a listed building (Category B). What else is there to see? Ailsa Craig is about 338 m high and known for its microgranite, quarried for generations to make curling stones; the last quarrying took place in 2013. Today the island is an RSPB bird reserve. Tens of thousands of seabirds nest on the cliffs, including one of the largest gannet colonies in the UK, plus puffins, guillemots and kittiwakes. How do you get to Ailsa Craig? There is no scheduled ferry. Boat trips normally leave from Girvan harbour and take around an hour each way. Sailings depend on weather and demand, and winter trips are rare. An easterly wind makes landing at the pier impossible, so check with the operator on the day. May and June are best for birdwatching. Bring warm, windproof and waterproof clothing, as boats are open or only partly covered. Frequently asked questions Can I go inside the lighthouse? No. It is an operating, automated light and is not open to visitors. You can view it from the boat or from the shore if your trip includes a landing. When was it built? Construction ran from about 1882, and the light was first lit on 15 June 1886. Does anyone live there? No. It has been automatic since 1990 and is monitored from Edinburgh. Where do boats depart from? Usually Girvan in Ayrshire, about 16 km from the island.