Coast in the United Kingdom

Heugh Lighthouse

Heugh Lighthouse is a working navigation light on The Headland, the old peninsula district of Hartlepool in County Durham, north-east England. The present tower dates from 1927. Its Victorian predecessor earned a place in lighting history as one of the earliest lighthouses run on gas. What is the story behind the lighthouse? The first sandstone tower was lit on 1 October 1847. Its lamp burned natural gas from nearby coal mines, and the site kept its own gas holder as a reserve in case the town gasworks fell short. Some sources call it the first lighthouse anywhere to be lit reliably by gas. Accounts disagree on the tower's height and construction cost, so treat any single figure with caution. In 1915, during the First World War, the tower was taken down because it blocked the firing arc of the Headland's defensive guns. A temporary light on Town Moor guided ships until the current lighthouse entered service in 1927. It is owned and operated by the port company PD Ports. What else is there to see on the Headland? The lighthouse stands among former coastal defences. The surrounding emplacements were later adapted for turret-mounted 6-inch guns. Right next door, on Moor Terrace, the Heugh Battery Museum tells the story of the German bombardment of Hartlepool in December 1914, and presents the site as Britain's only First World War battlefield. The battery served again in the Second World War and was decommissioned in 1956. Nearby are the war memorial and a clifftop walk with open views of the North Sea. The original optic from the old lighthouse is preserved in the Museum of Hartlepool, so the two make a natural pairing for a half-day trip. How do you visit? The tower is an active navigation aid, so most visitors view it from the street and the promenade rather than going inside. It sits at roughly 54.6965 N, 1.1761 W. From central Hartlepool it takes a short bus or car ride, and the whole Headland can be walked in about an hour. The Heugh Battery Museum has usually opened Friday to Monday, but hours and ticket prices change by season, so check heughbattery.co.uk before you go. Pick a clear afternoon when the low light picks out the stonework and the wind off the sea is gentler. Winter days here are blustery, so bring a warm layer. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside Heugh Lighthouse? It operates as part of the port's navigation system, so visitors see it from the outside. The wider story is told in the nearby museums. When was the lighthouse built? The current tower was completed in 1927. The earlier one, first lit in 1847, was demolished in 1915. Why was the first lighthouse demolished? It obstructed the line of fire of the Headland's gun batteries during the First World War. What else is nearby? The Heugh Battery Museum, the war memorial, the clifftop path and the Museum of Hartlepool, which holds the original lighthouse optic.

Oxcars Lighthouse

Dalgety Bay

Oxcars Lighthouse is a working lighthouse perched on a small rocky islet in the Firth of Forth, offshore from Dalgety Bay in Fife, Scotland. Standing a short distance out from the shoreline, it has marked the safe route along the northern side of the estuary since the 1880s. What is Oxcars Lighthouse? The tower was designed by David and Thomas Stevenson, members of the famous Scottish family of lighthouse engineers, and first showed its light on 15 February 1886. It has four stages on a circular plan, tapering gently, with a brick shaft rising from a base of dressed sandstone and a domed lantern on top. Historic Environment Scotland lists it as a Category B building (reference LB49687, designated 2004). What makes it special? In 1894 Oxcars became the first Northern Lighthouse Board station to be switched to automatic operation. It had started life with an oil burner and resident keepers; the gas light that replaced it was driven by clockwork. Engineers still had to visit to rewind the mechanism and change the gas supply, so some writers call it only semi-automatic. The clockwork was later swapped for an AGA sun valve, and the original mechanism is displayed at the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses. A concrete landing pier was added at the rock in the same year, and the listing description says the lighthouse keeps its original lens and almost all its fittings. Can you visit it? No. Oxcars is an operating aid to navigation on a sea-washed rock, with no regular public landing and no tours. It is something you look at from the shore, so plan a waterfront walk, not an interior visit. How do you get there and where do you look? Dalgety Bay sits on the north shore of the Firth of Forth, about 20 km north-west of Edinburgh across the water. Trains on the Fife Circle line stop at Dalgety Bay station, and drivers can arrive over the Forth Road Bridge or the Queensferry Crossing. The lighthouse is visible from the bay's promenade and beach, and from coastal paths heading towards Aberdour. Binoculars or a long lens help a lot. When is the best time to go? Clear, bright days give the best view of the tower, and at dusk you can watch the light at work. At low tide more of the rocky foreshore around the islet is exposed. Check the forecast first, because wind and haze are common on the Forth. What else is nearby? Combine the viewpoint with a stretch of the Fife Coastal Path to Aberdour, home to Aberdour Castle and boat trips on the estuary. Other Forth islands are in view too, which makes the bay a rewarding spot for anyone who likes the sea and birdwatching. Frequently asked questions Can I go inside Oxcars Lighthouse? No. It stands on a rock in the sea and is not open to visitors. Where is the best place to see it? From the promenade and beach at Dalgety Bay, or from the coastal path towards Aberdour. Who built it, and when? David and Thomas Stevenson; the light first shone in February 1886. Is the lighthouse protected? Yes, it is a Category B listed building in Scotland.

Tayport East Lighthouse

Tayport

Tayport East Lighthouse in Tayport, Fife, is the Low Light of a pair of navigation beacons built in 1823 above the Firth of Tay. Today it stands as a protected landmark on the edge of town, and walkers can view it from a public path. What is Tayport East Lighthouse? Also known as Tayport Low Lighthouse, this tower was raised in 1823 as the lower of two lights guarding the entrance to the Tay estuary. Captains lined it up with the taller High Light behind it to hold a safe course. A plaque on an adjoining building names Trinity House, Dundee as the builder. Why did the light go out? The Low Light was discontinued in 1848. It was judged too close to the High Light to give an accurate bearing, and a pile light built out in the water took over its job. Since then the tower has survived as a heritage building rather than a working aid to shipping. Is it a listed building? Yes. Historic Environment Scotland lists it as a Category B building, entered as "East Lighthouse, West Lights, West Common" (reference LB41950) on 2 May 1973. Category B marks a building of regional importance. Can you go inside? No. The tower and its grounds are privately owned and closed to the public, so you can only look at it from outside. Please respect the boundary and stay off the private land. How do you get to Tayport East Lighthouse? Both land-based Tayport lighthouses sit on the town's Lighthouse Walk, which starts at a car park on Commonty Road. The tower stands at roughly 56.453 N, 2.892 W, at the edge of Tayport facing the estuary. From Dundee you can drive over the Tay Road Bridge, and the walk from the car park takes about a quarter of an hour. What else is nearby? The taller West (High) Lighthouse stands close by, also listed, alongside a row of former keepers' cottages known as West Lights. Seeing the low and high towers on one outing makes it easy to understand how a leading-light pair worked. Beyond them the path follows the shoreline of the estuary, with views across the water. Frequently asked questions When was Tayport East Lighthouse built? In 1823. A plaque on the neighbouring building gives that year and credits Trinity House, Dundee. Is the lighthouse still in use? No. The Low Light was discontinued in 1848 because it stood too near the High Light. Can I visit the interior? No, it is private property. You can see the tower from outside while walking the Lighthouse Walk. Where does the walk begin? At the car park on Commonty Road in Tayport.

Shoreham Lighthouse

Adur

Shoreham Lighthouse in Adur, West Sussex, is a stone lighthouse standing right beside the entrance to Shoreham Harbour on Kingston Beach. The official heritage record calls it Kingston Lighthouse and gives it Grade II listed status. It is one of the best-known landmarks on the coast between Brighton and Worthing. When was it built and what was it for? The tower dates from the mid-nineteenth century. Historic England records the year as 1846, which matches the date carved on the lintel, although local sources mention 1842 as when work began. Together with a smaller light on the middle pier, it formed a pair of range lights that lined ships up with the narrow harbour mouth. It started with oil lamps, switched to gas in the 1880s, and was electrified in 1952. What does it look like? A slim, tapering tower of dressed stone about 13 metres tall, set on a moulded plinth. The top is a round timber lantern room ringed by railings, with a large south-facing window. The roof is a many-sided hipped cap crowned with a weathervane in the shape of a ball and arrow. The light carries roughly 10 nautical miles out to sea. A major repair was carried out in 1985-86. How do you get there? The lighthouse is at Kingston Buci in the Southwick area, next to the RNLI lifeboat station and close to the harbour entrance. From the centre of Shoreham-by-Sea it is a few kilometres along the waterfront on foot, or a short drive along Brighton Road. The nearest railway stations are Shoreham-by-Sea and Southwick, each around a 20-30 minute walk away. What else is nearby? The harbour mouth and working quays of Shoreham Port, where cargo ships and lifeboats come and go. Kingston Beach, a shingle shore with views of the two breakwaters built in 1957 to hold back drifting shingle. A coastal walking route along the River Adur towards Shoreham Beach. The RNLI station next door. When is the best time to visit? Choose a clear day between late spring and early autumn, or the hour before sunset, when the stone glows warm. In winter the wind off the Channel is dramatic but makes for a bracing walk. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside the lighthouse? It is a protected navigation structure managed by the port, so it is normally viewed from outside. Check current information before you go. Is it a listed building? Yes. It is on the National Heritage List for England at Grade II, listed in 1972. Is there an entry fee for the beach? No. Kingston Beach is open to everyone and needs no ticket. Why does it have several names? You will see Shoreham Lighthouse, Kingston Lighthouse and Shoreham Light, because it stands where Shoreham, Kingston Buci and Southwick meet.

Hestan Island Lighthouse

Rockcliffe

Hestan Island Lighthouse is a small automated light on the uninhabited island of Hestan, at the mouth of the River Urr in the Solway Firth, a short way off Rockcliffe in Dumfries and Galloway, south-west Scotland. Don't expect a tall tower. The appeal is the tidal walk out to the island and the views across the bay. What is the Hestan Island lighthouse? The light was established in 1893. Canmore, Scotland's heritage record, credits D. A. Stevenson of the famous Stevenson family of lighthouse engineers. It was built in a hurry after several ships were wrecked or grounded while navigating the Urr estuary. The original tower was later demolished, and the light is now a small lamp on an aluminium frame. It is solar-powered, automated and run by the Northern Lighthouse Board. Some sources give 1850 for a first lighthouse, a date other sources dispute. A former keeper's cottage still stands at the northern end of the island, a reminder of the days before automation. The lighthouse cannot be entered and is viewed from outside. How do you get to Hestan Island? The bay is broad and shallow, so at low tide you can walk to the island. The usual route starts at Almorness Point and follows a natural causeway of shingle and mussel shells, called the Hestan Rack, to the island's northern tip. From Rockcliffe the crossing is harder. It is only possible at spring tides and means wading, knee to thigh deep, across the lowest channels of the Urr over the mudflats. A rising tide can cut off the way back, so check tide times before you set out and leave plenty of margin for the return. What else is nearby? For a look at the island without crossing, walk the Balcary Bay loop at the southern end of Auchencairn Bay. It is about 5.4 km, and the Balcary car park lies at the end of a narrow road roughly two miles from Auchencairn. The Balcary to Rascarrel coastal trail takes around 1.5 hours and has exposed clifftop sections, so walking poles help. At low tide you can also walk out from Rockcliffe to nearby Rough Island. When should you visit? Pick a day with a daytime low tide and clear weather. Avoid the island in May and June, when seabirds nest there and need to be left in peace. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside Hestan Island Lighthouse? No. It is an automated light viewed from outside. You can also see the old keeper's cottage. Can you walk to Hestan Island? Yes, at low tide from Almorness Point along the Hestan Rack causeway. From Rockcliffe only at spring tides, and you must wade across the river. Who runs the lighthouse? The Northern Lighthouse Board. It runs automatically on solar power. When should you avoid visiting? In May and June, during the seabird nesting season. Always check tide times too, because the incoming tide can cut off your return.

Little Ross Lighthouse

Kirkcudbright

Little Ross Lighthouse stands on the small island of Little Ross, just off the coast near Kirkcudbright in Galloway, south-west Scotland. The tower guards the mouth of Kirkcudbright Bay and has guided ships through the waters of the Solway Firth since the 1840s. Where is Little Ross and what is the island like? The island covers roughly 12 hectares (29 acres) and lies south of the town of Kirkcudbright, beside the Meikle Ross headland on the mainland. Two small rocks, Sugarloaf and Fox Craig, break the surface close by. Power comes only from solar panels and a small wind turbine, and there are no ordinary visitor facilities. Why was a lighthouse built here? The first navigation aids were two stone beacons put up on the island in 1819. They proved too little: a severe storm in 1835 claimed more vessels and crews, and local pressure finally persuaded the Commissioners of the Northern Lights, today's Northern Lighthouse Board, to commission a proper light. Alan Stevenson, of the celebrated Scottish lighthouse-building family, designed it, and it was completed in 1843, with Thomas Stevenson working on site as resident engineer. The cost came to about £8,478. The light flashed every five seconds and could be seen from around 18 nautical miles. The tower is about 20 metres tall and is a Category B listed building. What is the island's dark history? Many people in Britain know Little Ross for 1960. Relief keeper Hugh Clark was killed by his fellow keeper Robert Dickson, who was convicted of murder. A visitor to the island discovered the body. The case earned Little Ross the nickname "murder island", and it still features in books and local history writing. Can you visit the lighthouse? The island is privately owned and reachable only by private boat or helicopter. There are no scheduled crossings and no open access for tourists. The tower itself remains the property of the Northern Lighthouse Board, while the keepers' cottages and surrounding land were sold separately when the island came onto the market in 2017. For a view from the mainland, try the coast around Kirkcudbright and the Meikle Ross headland. When should you go, and what else is nearby? The Solway coast is at its best from late spring to early autumn, when days are long and the sea is calmer. Look towards the island in the evening, because the lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation. Kirkcudbright itself, known as an artists' town, makes a good base, with galleries, a harbour and a castle. Pick a day with clear visibility and bring binoculars. Frequently asked questions Can I get to Little Ross? The island is private with no regular service. Access is only by private boat or helicopter, with the owners' permission. Who designed the lighthouse? Alan Stevenson of the Stevenson family. It was finished in 1843, with Thomas Stevenson as resident engineer. Is the lighthouse still working? Yes. It remains under the Northern Lighthouse Board and serves shipping at the mouth of Kirkcudbright Bay. Why is the island famous? For the 1960 murder of keeper Hugh Clark, which gave the island the nickname "murder island".

Point of Sleat Lighthouse

Point of Sleat Lighthouse marks the southern tip of the Isle of Skye in Scotland, on the Sleat peninsula in the Inner Hebrides. It stands on the western side of the Sound of Sleat entrance and is run by the Northern Lighthouse Board, the body that looks after navigation lights around the Scottish coast. What is the lighthouse's history? The first light was built on the point in 1934. In 2003 the old tower was taken down and a concrete structure carrying a solar-powered lamp took its place. The light sits about 20 m above the sea, flashes white every three seconds and reaches 9 nautical miles. It runs automatically, has no resident keepers and is not open to visitors. How do you get to Point of Sleat? Drive through Sleat to the village of Aird of Sleat. The road ends at a small car park, and the final stretch is a single-track lane with passing places. From there you continue on foot. The route is roughly 5 miles (8 km) each way according to guides, with about 385 m of total climbing and around 3.5 hours for the round trip. The first half follows a firm farm track beside the fields, then a footpath that can turn boggy after rain. Livestock graze along the way, so dogs must be on a lead. What can you see? From the headland you look across to Rùm in the west, Eigg to the southwest, the Ardnamurchan peninsula to the south and the Morar coast to the east. The Cuillin ridge rises to the northwest. In clear weather it is one of the best views of the Small Isles anywhere in the Hebrides. The point is also a good place to watch seabirds, including diving gannets, and sometimes dolphins and other marine mammals. Partway along, a short detour leads to Camas Daraich, a sandy beach that many walkers call the highlight of the route. When should you go? Pick a clear day, because the island views are the whole point of the walk. Spring and summer bring long daylight and drier paths. Bring waterproof boots, a warm layer and water, as there are no shops or toilets on the way. The area is open and windy, and the weather changes fast. Do you have to walk all the way to the lighthouse? No. Several roadside pull-ins on the single-track road to Aird of Sleat offer fine views of Rùm and Eigg, and some walkers rate them as good as the view from the point. Still, the walk gives the fullest sense of Skye's southern end. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside the lighthouse? No. It is automatic and managed by the Northern Lighthouse Board, but the surrounding headland is open to walkers. How long does the walk take? About 3.5 hours round trip, including photo stops and a possible detour down to Camas Daraich beach. Where do you park? At the small car park at the end of the road in Aird of Sleat. Spaces are limited, so arrive early in the season. Is the route suitable for children and dogs? Older children manage it well with proper footwear. Dogs must stay on a lead because of grazing animals.

East Usk Lighthouse

East Usk Lighthouse stands on the northern shore of the River Usk estuary, within Newport Wetlands on the edge of Newport in south-east Wales. Surrounded by lagoons and reedbeds, it is one of the signature landmarks of the nature reserve. What is the history of the lighthouse? Trinity House, the body responsible for lighthouses in England and Wales, built it in 1893, and the light first shone that June. Together with West Usk Lighthouse on the opposite side of the estuary, it guided ships towards Newport docks. West Usk is far older, dating from 1821, and has since been retired from navigation and turned into accommodation. East Usk was first lit by gas and switched to electricity in 1972. It also holds a place in lighthouse engineering: it was the first Trinity House light in the UK to use a Dalén sun valve, an automatic daylight switch that turned the lamp off by day. Today Newport Harbour Commissioners, the port authority, own and manage it. Why does it stand among lagoons and fields? The setting is a product of industry. The nearby Uskmouth power station tipped fly ash on the land, raising the ground around the lighthouse. That same ash-covered land later became Newport Wetlands, created partly to make up for intertidal habitat lost when the Cardiff Bay barrage was built. A lighthouse that once overlooked open water is now part of a post-industrial landscape reborn as a haven for birds. What will you see? The lighthouse is easy to spot across the flat terrain. A pontoon runs across one of the lagoons towards it, and you can see the whole scene from the reserve's walking routes. Expect wildfowl and wading birds close by, with wide views over the Usk estuary and the Bristol Channel beyond. It suits photographers and birdwatchers alike. How do you get there? The lighthouse lies inside Newport Wetlands, south-east of Newport city centre. The easiest approach is to drive to the reserve and continue on foot along the lagoon paths. Check current opening hours and access rules with the reserve before you go: the lighthouse itself belongs to the port authority and is not a ticketed attraction. When should you visit? Spring and early summer bring the most birdlife, while autumn and winter reward you with migrants. Evening light gives the best photographs of the tower against the lagoon. Bring waterproof footwear, as paths can be muddy. Frequently asked questions When was East Usk Lighthouse built? In 1893, with the light first shown in June of that year. Who runs it? Newport Harbour Commissioners, the port authority. Trinity House built it. What makes it special among lighthouses? It was the first Trinity House lighthouse in the UK to use a Dalén sun valve, an automatic day-night switch. Is there a sister lighthouse? Yes, West Usk across the estuary, dating from 1821. The former light now offers accommodation.

Eilean Glas Lighthouse

Eilean Glas Lighthouse stands on the eastern shore of Scalpay, a small island off Harris in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is one of the oldest lighthouse sites in the country, and a good reason to spend half a day on an island most visitors drive straight past. What is Eilean Glas and why does it matter? The light was first lit in autumn 1789. It was one of the four original lights ordered by the Commissioners of the Northern Lights, the body now known as the Northern Lighthouse Board, and it was the first of them in the Hebrides. The engineer was Thomas Smith, who went on to become the Commissioners' first engineer. Visitor leaflets for Scalpay add a local story: the tacksman of the day is said to have obtained the plans in secret and built part of the structure himself. The original tower was later replaced by a taller one designed by Robert Stevenson, in the 1820s (sources give 1824 or about 1826). The first tower still survives, ruined, at the foot of its successor. Keepers' cottages were added in 1847, a fog signal in 1907, and the station was automated in 1978. The buildings are exposed to Atlantic weather and are not a staffed attraction. How do you get to Eilean Glas? Scalpay is linked to Harris by a road bridge, so no ferry is needed. Tarbert, the main village of Harris, is the nearest base, and a bus runs from there to Scalpay. From the Out End of the island, the lighthouse is roughly a 30-minute walk on the shortest route. Park considerately in the village and walk from there. What can you see and do there? The striking white tower and the ruined first tower beside it. Views over the Minch and, on clear days, towards Skye and the Harris hills. Rugged coastline, seabirds and, with luck, seals offshore. If you have more time, the waymarked Scalpay Heritage Walk is a circular route of about 13 km. It takes around four hours and passes the lighthouse. Parts of the path are very boggy and peat-hagged, so wear waterproof boots. When is the best time to visit? Late spring to early autumn gives the longest daylight and the mildest weather. The headland is exposed, so bring windproof layers in any season. There is no visitor centre. A cafe near the lighthouse has been reported closed after water damage, so carry your own food and water. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside Eilean Glas Lighthouse? The lighthouse is an operational station and has no regular tours. Visitors walk up to it and view it from the outside. Do you need a ferry to reach Scalpay? No. A bridge connects Scalpay to Harris, so you can drive or take the bus from Tarbert. How long does the walk to the lighthouse take? About 30 minutes from the Out End by the shortest route. The full heritage circuit of the island takes about four hours. Who built Eilean Glas Lighthouse? Thomas Smith designed the first tower in 1789. Robert Stevenson built its taller replacement in the 1820s.

Great Orme Lighthouse

Great Orme Lighthouse is a decommissioned lighthouse and former telegraph station on the cliffs of the Great Orme, the limestone headland beside Llandudno in Conwy, north Wales. It is one of the headland's best-known buildings and a Grade II listed structure. What is Great Orme Lighthouse? A square, castellated two-storey building in local limestone, it perches on a steep cliff roughly 99 m (325 ft) above the sea. The complex dates from 1862 and was designed by G. Lyster, engineer-in-chief of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, working with Trinity House. It was the only complete lighthouse he designed. What is its history? The site first served as a telegraph station on the Liverpool to Holyhead signalling chain, with no light at all. The lamp was lit for the first time on 1 December 1862, behind a dioptric lens. The Mersey Docks and Harbour Board ran it until 1973, when Trinity House took over. The light was switched off in 1985 and the station retired. A coat of white render applied in 1974 was later stripped away, leaving the limestone walls exposed. Cadw listed the building at Grade II on 16 March 1976. Can you go inside? The building now offers overnight accommodation. Coflein records it as a hotel, while other sources call it an upmarket bed and breakfast. Access for non-guests depends on the owner, so check the current rules before you set out. The exterior and the surrounding cliffs can be enjoyed freely. What else is nearby? The original optic, together with its timing mechanism and bulb changer, is displayed in a nearby visitor centre. The wider Great Orme has walking routes, a Victorian tramway, a cable car and a mining museum, all separate attractions worth planning on their own. The name Great Orme comes from an Old Norse word for sea serpent. How do you get there? The lighthouse sits on the western side of the headland, a few kilometres from central Llandudno. Drive the Marine Drive toll road or walk up from town. Bring a windproof layer, since the exposed cliff is rarely calm. Late afternoon gives the best light for photographs, and clear days reward you with wide sea views. Frequently asked questions Is the lighthouse still working? No. The light was extinguished in 1985 and the building has a new use. When was it built? In 1862, and it first shone on 1 December of that year. Can I stay there? Yes, it operates as a hotel or bed and breakfast. Confirm details and prices with the owner. Is it a protected building? Yes. Cadw has listed it at Grade II since 1976.

Leith West Breakwater Lighthouse

Edynburg

Leith West Breakwater Lighthouse in Edinburgh is a derelict light standing at the tip of the western breakwater of Leith's harbour, on the Firth of Forth. For photographers and fans of industrial heritage, it is one of the most distinctive sights on the city's northern waterfront. What is this building? The lighthouse sits at the far end of a long concrete arm that shelters Western Harbour. The breakwaters of this part of the port were built between 1936 and 1942. Canmore, the archive of Historic Environment Scotland, records the structure as a lighthouse and signal tower dating from around 1950, although some guides give an earlier date, so sources do not fully agree. It combines a low flat-roofed block with an octagonal tower carrying the lantern. The original light was retired and replaced by a small electric lamp on a tubular pole. The station no longer serves shipping, and locals know the spot as the "Point o' Leith". What does it look like today? The building is abandoned. Descriptions online mention smashed windows, a wrecked interior and torn-up flooring. From the outside, though, the proportions of the tower and the sheer length of the breakwater still make a striking scene against the open water of the firth. What else is nearby? Western Harbour, a modern residential quarter with quaysides beside the breakwater. Views across the Firth of Forth towards Fife on a clear day. Northern Lighthouse Board vessels, which have been moored in this part of the port. The former royal yacht Britannia and Ocean Terminal, a short distance away in Leith. How do you get there? The lighthouse is at the northern edge of Leith, about 4 km north of central Edinburgh. Take a city bus to Leith or Newhaven and walk along the waterfront. The breakwater is part of working port infrastructure, so check on site which sections are open and safe. The best views are from the shore or the promenade. When should you visit? Early morning and the hour before sunset give the best photographic light. Weather on the Forth changes quickly and the wind off the water is strong, so bring a windproof layer even in summer. Winter days are short, but the low sun gives the concrete a warm tone. Frequently asked questions Is the lighthouse still working? No. The main light has been withdrawn and the building is derelict. Only a small electric lamp on a pole remains. Can you go inside? No. The structure is vandalised and not set up for visitors, so enjoy it from outside. Is it the same lighthouse as the one on the east breakwater? No. Leith's port has an eastern and a western breakwater, each with its own light. This one is on the western arm. How long should I plan for a visit? A walk around the Western Harbour quays with photo stops takes one to two hours, or half a day if you add Ocean Terminal and Britannia.

Dovercourt Low Light

Harwich

Dovercourt Low Light is a retired cast-iron lighthouse at Dovercourt, part of Harwich in Essex, eastern England. It stands at the seaward end of a stone causeway running into Dovercourt Bay and forms a pair with its taller sibling, Dovercourt High Light. What is it? Trinity House commissioned two new lights in 1862, and they were finished in 1863. They took over from the older Harwich lights after changes to the shipping channel left those towers redundant. Together the pair served as leading lights, steering vessels into the Stour estuary and on to Harwich harbour. The Low Light sits closer to the sea and is roughly 4 metres shorter than the High Light. Both towers are screw-pile lighthouses, a design invented by Alexander Mitchell. Threaded iron piles were driven deep into soft ground to carry the legs of the tower. Inside, a keeper's room sat below the lamp room, and the original lamps burned gas. Why visit? Few places in England preserve a pair of cast-iron lighthouses standing right on a beach. Photographers come for sunrise and sunset, and a walk along Marine Parade gives a clear view of both towers and the causeway between them. The causeway is underwater for most of the day and surfaces only at low tide. What happened after it closed? The lights were made redundant in 1917. They fell into disrepair until Harwich Town Council bought them in 1922, and a major restoration took place in the 1980s. In 1975 both towers and the causeway were scheduled as a monument, and in 2019 they were added to Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register. Recent surveys found serious corrosion, so funding for repairs is being sought. How to get there The lighthouse is on Dovercourt beach, opposite Marine Parade. From central Harwich it is a short walk or local bus ride, and Dovercourt railway station is close to the seafront. You cannot go inside, but both towers are easy to see from the beach and promenade. When to go Low tide is best, when the causeway is exposed, along with clear afternoons and evenings for photos. Summer is the busiest period on the beach; outside the season the seafront is quiet. Frequently asked questions Can I go inside Dovercourt Low Light? No. The tower is a protected monument at risk from corrosion, so it is viewed from outside, from the beach and the promenade. How does the Low Light differ from the High Light? The Low Light stands nearer the sea and is shorter; the High Light is closer to the shore and taller. Lined up, they marked the safe approach to the harbour. Is this the same as the High and Low Lighthouses in Harwich town? No. Those are older brick towers from 1818 in Harwich itself. The Dovercourt lights are cast iron and date from 1863. Is the light still working? No. It was switched off in 1917 and no longer serves navigation.

St. Catherine's Lighthouse

St. Lawrence

St Catherine's Lighthouse marks St Catherine's Point, the southernmost tip of the Isle of Wight, between Niton and St Lawrence. The tower, about 27 m tall, still works as a navigation aid on one of the busiest and trickiest stretches of the English Channel. It is run by Trinity House and is a listed building. Why was a lighthouse built here? The first light on this coast dates to 1323, set up on St Catherine's Down after a ship was wrecked nearby. Its octagonal stone tower survives on the hill west of Niton. The present lighthouse went up in 1838-40 to a design by Walker and Burgess. An earlier attempt at a replacement on the hilltop, dated 1785, was abandoned unfinished because mist so often covered the site. What is special about the tower? In 1875 the lighthouse was shortened, again because fog hid a light placed too high. In 1932 a lower two-storey tower was added alongside to carry a foghorn. Locals call the pair the "Cow and Calf". The climb to the lantern is 94 steps. The lighthouse has been Grade II listed since 18 January 1967. On 1 June 1943 a bombing raid destroyed the fog-signal engine house and killed three keepers. The light was automated in 1997. How do you get there? The lighthouse sits at the island's southern edge beside the coast path, and the surrounding St Catherine's Down is partly National Trust land. The easiest approach is to drive to Niton or St Lawrence and continue on foot. The walk along the cliffs is short, but expect wind even on a clear day. When should you visit? Spring and early autumn give dry paths and clear views over the Channel. In summer, aim for the morning. Check the Trinity House website before you go for current access and any tour dates, as this is a working station. What else is nearby? On St Catherine's Down stands a medieval tower known as St Catherine's Oratory. It is a separate and much older structure. The ridge also offers wide views of the island's south coast. Frequently asked questions Is the lighthouse still in operation? Yes. It has been automated since 1997 and is operated by Trinity House. Why is the tower shorter than when it was built? It was reduced in 1875 because fog often obscured a light set too high. What are the "Cow and Calf"? The local nickname for the main tower and the lower 1932 foghorn tower beside it. Is it a listed building? Yes. It has been Grade II listed since 1967.

Dovercourt High Light

Harwich

Dovercourt High Light is a cast-iron lighthouse built in 1863 on the beach at Dovercourt, the seaside district of Harwich in Essex, eastern England. It worked as one half of a pair of leading lights, alongside the Dovercourt Low Light, and today it stands as a protected landmark on the seafront. What is the Dovercourt High Light? It is the taller of two Victorian iron towers on Dovercourt beach. Trinity House, the authority responsible for navigation marks around the English coast, commissioned the pair. The towers are cast iron on a pile-style foundation, quite unlike the older brick lighthouses in Harwich's old town. They were never warning beacons in the usual sense: when a ship saw the two lights line up, it knew it was on the safe route into the harbour. Why were they built? The earlier Harwich lighthouses of 1818 stopped being reliable once shifting sandbanks changed the approach channel. Trinity House ordered replacements in 1862 and construction was complete in 1863. The towers sat on tracks so they could be moved as the channel shifted. They stayed in use until 1917, when a single light on the Harwich breakwater took over. What is its status today? After decommissioning, the lighthouses passed to the town. Together with the associated causeway they are protected as a scheduled monument on the Historic England register. A restoration took place in the 1980s with help from a local appeal, and in 2019 Historic England added one of the Dovercourt lighthouses to its Heritage at Risk register. Visitors do not normally go inside, so a visit means admiring the tower from outside. How do you get there? The lighthouse stands on the beach at Dovercourt, a short walk from the seafront promenade. From central Harwich you can follow the shoreline, and Dovercourt station is on the branch line from Manningtree. Drivers will find parking close to the seafront. What else is nearby? Dovercourt Low Light, the second tower of the pair, nearer the water. Harwich High and Low Lighthouses, the 1818 brick towers in the old town and part of the Harwich Society's heritage trail. Dovercourt beach and promenade, plus walks along the Stour and Orwell estuaries. Old Harwich and its harbour, with ferry connections. When should you visit? Spring and summer suit beach walks and photography. In winter the wind off the North Sea is sharp, but a stormy sky gives the iron tower a dramatic backdrop. Allow anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour, longer if you combine it with the promenade. Frequently asked questions Can I go inside the lighthouse? No, it is a historic structure viewed from the beach and promenade. Is it the same as Harwich High Lighthouse? No. The brick lighthouse of 1818 is in Harwich old town. Dovercourt High Light is a separate cast-iron tower from 1863. When did it stop working? In 1917, when one light on the Harwich breakwater replaced the pair. Is there an entry fee? Viewing the lighthouse from the beach is free.

Berwick Lighthouse

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Berwick Lighthouse in Berwick-upon-Tweed is a round lighthouse at the seaward end of a long breakwater where the River Tweed meets the North Sea, in Northumberland. Berwick is the northernmost town in England, a few miles from the Scottish border, and this light has marked its harbour entrance for close to two centuries. What exactly is it? The lighthouse crowns the eastern tip of a pier that Historic England lists together with it as "Pier and Lighthouse". Both are built of sandstone, iron and concrete. Locals call the structure a pier, but it works as a breakwater: it exists less for mooring ships than for shielding the mouth of the Tweed from heavy seas. Control of the harbour passed from the town corporation to the Berwick Harbour Commissioners by Act of Parliament in 1808. John Rennie designed the new pier, and its foundation stone was laid in February 1810. Work finished in 1825 at a cost of about £61,500. The lighthouse followed in 1826, to a design by Joseph Nelson, who also designed lights on the Farne Islands. Is it protected? Yes. The pier and lighthouse have been Grade II listed since 26 May 1971. The light remains an active aid to navigation, still maintained by the Harbour Commissioners who built it. What will you see? The pier runs out from the north bank of the Tweed for roughly half a mile. At the end stands a circular, three-stage tower. Walking along the pier gives you the river mouth, Berwick's bridges and rooftops behind you, and open sea ahead. Sunrise is a favourite time for photographers. How do you get there? The lighthouse is reached on foot along the pier from the harbour area at the river mouth. Berwick-upon-Tweed station sits on the East Coast Main Line, a few kilometres from the harbour. Coordinates: 55.7648 N, 1.9852 W. When should you go? Pick calm, clear weather. In a strong onshore wind, waves break hard against the pier walls, so bring a windproof layer even in summer. Heritage Open Days has run events about the lighthouse, including an anniversary programme, which makes September a good moment for history fans. Frequently asked questions Who designed Berwick Lighthouse? Joseph Nelson designed the 1826 lighthouse; John Rennie designed the pier it stands on. Is the lighthouse still in use? Yes, it is an active navigation light maintained by the Berwick Harbour Commissioners. Is it a listed building? Yes, the pier and lighthouse have held Grade II status since 1971. Is it part of Berwick Castle or the town walls? No. The castle and the Elizabethan ramparts are separate monuments in the town; the lighthouse stands at the end of the harbour breakwater.

Herd Groyne Light

South Tyneside

Herd Groyne Light is an iron lighthouse in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, standing where the River Tyne meets the North Sea. It sits on a groyne running out from Littlehaven beach and still guides ships safely into the port. What is Herd Groyne Light? It is a working aid to navigation, managed by the Port of Tyne. The present light dates from 1882 and was put up by Newcastle Trinity House. Its iron frame, carried on piles, looks nothing like a traditional masonry tower. The name comes from the Herd Sands, the old name for the stretch of shore now called Littlehaven. How old is the groyne? The groyne predates the light. Historic England dates it to 1861-1867 and lists it at Grade II as "The South Groyne". It was built to steer the river's flow and stop the incoming tide stripping Littlehaven beach. By the 1880s the Tyne Improvement Commissioners had added a wave trap at its western end, giving the structure its bent outline. More recently the Barbour Foundation pledged £100,000 towards restoring the lighthouse. What will you see? The best views are from Littlehaven beach and along the groyne. You can watch vessels entering and leaving the Tyne, with Tynemouth on the opposite bank. Photographers favour sunrise and the hour before sunset. The interior is not open to visitors, because the light is still an operational port installation. How do you get there? From South Shields town centre it is a walk of roughly fifteen minutes along the seafront to Littlehaven. The town has a Tyne and Wear Metro station and bus links to Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland. South Tyneside Council lists Littlehaven and Herd Groyne as a walking-for-wellbeing route, so the way is flat and easy. When should you visit? Pick a clear day for the best view over the river mouth. In storms waves break over the groyne, so stay back from the edge. In summer Littlehaven has its beach, ice cream and cafes; outside the season it suits quiet walks. What else is nearby? South Shields has the Roman fort of Arbeia, and the seafront around Littlehaven and Marine Park offers a promenade, fairground and cafes. Many visitors add a ferry crossing of the Tyne to North Shields. Frequently asked questions Is Herd Groyne Light a listed building? Yes. The groyne it stands on is Grade II listed by Historic England under the name "The South Groyne". Can you go inside the lighthouse? No. It is an active navigation light managed by the Port of Tyne, so it is viewed from outside. Does it cost anything to visit? Viewing it from the beach and the groyne is free. How long should you allow? Thirty to sixty minutes covers a stroll around Littlehaven, photos and some ship-spotting.

Burnham-on-Sea Low Lighthouse

Burnham-on-Sea

Burnham-on-Sea Low Lighthouse is a small timber lighthouse standing on the beach at Burnham-on-Sea, on the Somerset coast of the Bristol Channel. It is one of the best-known landmarks of the town and, unlike its two older neighbours, it is still working as a navigation aid. What is the Low Lighthouse and why is it special? The tower was first lit in 1832. It is built of wood and rests on a group of piles driven into the foreshore, so at high tide it stands surrounded by water, while at low tide you can walk right up to its base across the sand. It was designed by Joseph Nelson, following a survey of the coast by Lieutenant Henry Denham. Today it has Grade II listed status, which protects it as a building of special architectural and historic interest. Its slim silhouette on the flat, muddy shore makes it a favourite subject for photographers. How does it relate to the other Burnham lighthouses? Burnham-on-Sea has three historic lighthouse structures, and it is easy to mix them up. The Low Lighthouse is the one on the beach. The High Lighthouse is a separate building on the seafront road, and the Round Tower is older again. The Low and High lights were designed as a pair: sailors lined up the two lights to steer safely into the tricky channel off the coast. This partnership lasted 137 years, until the Low Lighthouse was switched off in 1969. It was brought back into service in 1993, when the High Lighthouse was retired instead. How do you get to the lighthouse? The beach is in the centre of town and the lighthouse is reached from the foreshore near Gore Road. From the seafront it is a short walk over the sand. The lighthouse itself is not open to visitors, so you view it from outside. When is the best time to visit? Check the tide tables before you go. At low water the tower stands on open sand and you can approach it; at high water the sea comes in around the piles and the view is more dramatic but the base is out of reach. The Bristol Channel has one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, and the water can move fast over the flat shore, so keep an eye on the tide and avoid wandering far out on the mud. What else is nearby? Burnham-on-Sea is a traditional seaside town with a long beach, a promenade, shops and cafes within a few minutes of the lighthouse. The High Lighthouse and the Round Tower can be seen on the same short walk, making it easy to see all three structures in a single outing. Frequently asked questions Is the Burnham-on-Sea Low Lighthouse still in use? Yes. It was deactivated in 1969 but re-established in 1993, and it continues to serve as a navigation light. Can I go inside? No, it is a working aid to navigation and is viewed from the beach. Is it a listed building? Yes, it holds Grade II listed status. Which lighthouse is the one on the sand? The Low Lighthouse. The High Lighthouse and the Round Tower stand on land in the town.

Rue Point Lighthouse

Causeway Coast and Glens District

Rue Point Lighthouse marks the southern tip of Rathlin Island, in the Causeway Coast and Glens district of Northern Ireland. The small octagonal concrete tower is the youngest of the island's three lighthouses and guards the approach to the channel between Rathlin and the mainland. What makes Rue Point different? Rathlin has three lighthouses: Rathlin West, Rathlin East and Rue Point, also known as the South Light. The first two date from the mid-1800s, while Rue Point was the last one built. The present structure went up in 1921, and its concrete construction reflects the period just after the First World War. Charles William Scott designed it. All three lighthouse complexes on the island have been given listed-building status by Northern Ireland's Department for Communities. How did it come about? Master mariners and the Derry Chamber of Commerce pressed for a light at the southern end of the island. In 1914 the Commissioners of Irish Lights recommended an unwatched light, and Trinity House approved the plan that same year. The war delayed a permanent building, so in late 1915 a temporary flashing light was set up for the Admiralty. A fog signal followed in 1917, but the fog gun proved unreliable and was withdrawn on 1 January 1931, moving to Barr Point at the mouth of Larne Lough. Two keepers lived at the station in a wooden hut. What changed later? The light was electrified on 9 October 1965 and has since operated without resident keepers, monitored remotely from Rathlin East and powered by batteries charged from diesel alternators. A new lantern was fitted in 2004, and Irish Lights later planned mains power with battery backup and an LED source, while keeping the historic lenses. How do you get to Rue Point? Ferries run to Rathlin from Ballycastle on the Antrim coast. Rue Point lies at the opposite end of the island from the harbour, so allow for a long walk or a local transfer once you land. Plan a full day on the island and check the return sailing times. When should you visit? Late spring to early autumn is easiest, with more frequent ferries and long daylight. The tower is best seen from outside against open sea, ideally in evening light. Frequently asked questions When was Rue Point Lighthouse built? The present tower dates from 1921, though a temporary light was already working in 1915. Is it a listed building? Yes. It is protected together with Rathlin's other two lighthouses. Do keepers live there? No. Since electrification in 1965 it has run automatically, monitored from Rathlin East. Who operates it? The Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Dungeness Lighthouse

Folkestone and Hythe

Dungeness Lighthouse stands on the Dungeness headland in the Folkestone and Hythe district of Kent, on England's south-east coast. Its black-and-white concrete column rises above a flat shingle promontory and is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Romney Marsh. What makes this lighthouse unusual? The tower is about 43 metres tall, with the lamp roughly 40 metres above ground. Historic England records that it is built from 21 concrete drums, each around five feet high, hoisted into place by a crane designed for the job. A white concrete spiral ramp wraps around the structure, and the black and white banding is impregnated into the concrete itself rather than painted on. It was designed in 1957 and built in 1959-60 by Ronald Ward and Partners with Trinity House. Pre-stressed concrete meant the tower did not have to taper towards the top. It was also the first lighthouse to use a xenon arc lamp, later swapped for a sealed beam unit. The building is listed Grade II*, a status it received in 2003. Why was a new lighthouse needed? Dungeness nuclear power station blocked the beam of the older 1904 lighthouse. The new tower entered service on 20 November 1961 and is still active today. Trinity House monitors and controls it remotely from its Operations and Planning Centre in Harwich, Essex. What else is on the headland? The 1904 lighthouse still stands nearby, listed Grade II and run as a museum, so it is easy to confuse the two. The base of the 1792 lighthouse, designed by Samuel Wyatt, was converted into lighthouse keepers' dwellings (also Grade II). Three chapters of navigation history sit side by side on one patch of shingle. How do I get there? Dungeness is at the end of the road across Romney Marsh, at about 50.91 N, 0.98 E. Drive from Lydd or New Romney. The terrain is open and exposed, so bring a windproof layer even in summer. When should I visit? The tower is visible from far away in any season. Low morning or evening sun gives the best photographs, with strong contrast between the black and white bands and none of the flatness of midday light over the shingle. Frequently asked questions Is Dungeness Lighthouse still working? Yes. It has operated since 1961 and is controlled by Trinity House from Harwich. Is it the same as the Old Lighthouse? No. The Old Lighthouse dates from 1904, is no longer in service and operates as a museum beside the current tower. Why was it built? The nuclear power station obscured the light of the previous tower. What is it made of? Precast concrete drums with black and white bands set into the material.

Dungeness Old Lighthouse

Folkestone and Hythe

Dungeness Old Lighthouse stands on the Dungeness headland in Kent, within the Folkestone and Hythe district on England's south-east coast. The early twentieth-century brick tower is now a museum and viewing point over a flat shingle landscape and the English Channel. What is its history? The present tower was built between 1901 and 1904 and first shone on 31 March 1904. It replaced an earlier lighthouse raised in 1792 by William Coke of Holkham. The upper parts of that older tower were taken down, while its two lowest storeys were converted into homes for the keepers. They survive as a separately protected building, the Dungeness Lighthousemen's Dwellings. The tower has six storeys, tapers as it rises and stands about 143 feet (around 43 m) tall, clad in glazed brick. It went out of service in the early 1960s, when the nearby nuclear power station began to block its light. A new black lighthouse, completed in 1961, took over next door and is still active. Is it a listed building? Yes. The Old Lighthouse is Grade II listed, entered on the National Heritage List for England on 5 August 1992. Do not confuse it with the working Dungeness Lighthouse, which has its own, separate Grade II* listing. What can you see? The tower climb. The gallery at the top looks over the Channel, the headland and the surrounding Romney Marsh. The outer gallery can close in bad weather. The Great Lens and the Sector Light. Inside you can see the optical equipment from the old station. The headland itself. Dungeness is one of Europe's largest shingle foreland, a stark landscape of fishermen's huts with the power station on the skyline. How do you get there? The lighthouse sits at the tip of the headland, near Lydd and Romney Marsh. A large car park next to it is free to use. The Dungeness terminus of the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway is right beside it, with trains running from Hythe and New Romney. When should you go? Choose a clear day, when the gallery is open and visibility gives you a chance of spotting the French coast. Opening days and ticket prices vary by season, so check the attraction's own website before you set out. Frequently asked questions Is the Old Lighthouse still in use? No. Its light ended in the early 1960s. It now operates as a museum, while the newer 1961 tower guides shipping. How is it different from the black lighthouse? The black lighthouse is the active one, built in 1961 and standing close by. The Old Lighthouse is the earlier, lighter-coloured tower from 1904 and is open to visitors. Can you climb to the top? Yes. Visitors can go up the tower for views of the headland and the Channel. In poor weather the outer gallery is closed. Is there parking? Yes, there is free parking beside the lighthouse.

Donaghadee lighthouse

Ards and North Down District Council

Donaghadee Lighthouse sits at the end of the south pier in Donaghadee harbour, County Down, Northern Ireland (Ards and North Down). A white tower on a black plinth, it is the town's best-known landmark and a rewarding short walk beside the Irish Sea. What is it? The tower stands about 16 metres tall, with the light at roughly 17 metres above sea level. It is built of cut limestone and was first lit in 1836, as work on the harbour was being completed. The harbour was designed by John Rennie and finished by his son, Sir John Rennie. The stone tower was originally left unpainted; the white finish with a black base was added sometime between 1869 and 1875. The light is fixed rather than flashing, showing red out to sea and white over the harbour and towards Belfast Lough. It is run by the Commissioners of Irish Lights, the body responsible for aids to navigation around the Irish coast. What is its history? A fire in 1900 damaged the lantern and optic. In 1934 the light was converted to unwatched electric operation, the first Irish lighthouse to make the switch, with the change taking effect on 2 October. The port itself has a long past. From 1662, a short sea route ran from Donaghadee to Portpatrick in Scotland for around two centuries. It faded as ships grew larger and access at Portpatrick became more awkward. How do you get there and what will you see? The lighthouse is on the harbour front, at the end of a pier you can walk out along. From the pier you see the bay, boats moving in and out of the harbour and, on clear days, the Scottish coast. The tower makes a strong photo subject, especially around sunset. Donaghadee is about 30 km east of Belfast, roughly 40 minutes by car. Pubs, restaurants and shops are a few minutes' walk from the harbour. When should you visit? Spring and summer give long days and comfortable pier walks. Autumn and winter are windier, but waves breaking against the harbour wall are impressive. Bring a windproof layer whatever the season. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is Donaghadee Lighthouse? At the head of the south pier of Donaghadee harbour, County Down. Who looks after it? The Commissioners of Irish Lights, which manages lighthouses across the island. Was it the first electrified lighthouse in Ireland? Yes. In 1934 Donaghadee became the first Irish lighthouse converted to electric, unwatched operation. How tall is the tower? About 16 metres, with the light shining from about 17 metres.

Green Island Leading Light

Green Island Leading Light guards the approach to Carlingford Lough off the County Down coast in Northern Ireland. It is the rear light of a pair: lined up with the front light on Vidal Bank, it shows ships where the safe channel runs across the bar at the mouth of the lough, which forms part of the border with the Republic of Ireland. What is a leading light? Two lights are set one behind the other. When a pilot sees them vertically aligned, the vessel is on the centreline of the deep channel. Green Island is the taller, rear light, and the front light stands on Vidal Bank about 457 metres (500 yards) away. Both are steel lattice towers on screw piles, not the masonry towers with galleries you may picture when you think of lighthouses. How did it come about? In 1868 the Carlingford Lough Commissioners deepened the channel and called for two leading lights. The Commissioners of Irish Lights were asked to build them, with costs falling on the Mercantile Marine Fund. Fixed white lights were first shown on 28 February 1873, and the towers were painted red. Oil lamps gave way to unattended acetylene in 1922, then propane in 1967. In August 1999 the lights were converted to solar power and their flash patterns synchronised. The colour changed from red to green, in line with the 1979-81 buoyage system. What are the details? The rear light on Green Island sits roughly 13.7 m above high water, and the front light on Vidal Bank about 8.8 m. The attendant at Haulbowline Lighthouse, a short way off on the rocks at the entrance, also looks after them. Haulbowline shows a reserve light if the leading lights fail. The Haulbowline group, including the leading lights, is entered in the Northern Ireland buildings database as Grade B+ (HB16/04/009). What can you see, and how do you plan a visit? This is a working navigation aid rather than a ticketed attraction, and there is no way up the tower. You view it from a distance, ideally together with Haulbowline, from the County Down shore around Kilkeel and Cranfield. Bring binoculars or a long lens. The green flashes show best at dusk. Frequently asked questions Can you go inside Green Island Leading Light? No. It is an active offshore navigation tower run by Irish Lights, seen from the shore or from a boat. Why is it needed when Haulbowline is nearby? Haulbowline marks the rocks at the entrance, while the leading lights mark the centreline of the deep channel over the bar. Together they make up the safe approach to Carlingford Lough. When was it built? The lights were first lit on 28 February 1873, after the channel was deepened in 1868. What colour is the light? Green today. The first lights were white and the towers were painted red.

Haulbowline Lighthouse

Haulbowline Lighthouse rises from a reef at the mouth of Carlingford Lough, close to Cranfield Point in County Down, the southernmost tip of Northern Ireland. The slender stone tower is 34 m tall with the lantern 32 m above the sea, and it is still an active aid to navigation run by the Commissioners of Irish Lights. Where is it and why was it built? The tower sits on the eastern part of the Haulbowline rocks, one of several hazards guarding the lough entrance. A broad shoal also runs across the mouth. The light marked the rocks, helped early mariners judge the depth of water over the bar, and served as a landfall beacon for ships arriving from the Irish Sea. How did it come about? In 1817 Newry merchants petitioned the Ballast Board for a better light, because the 1803 beacon on Cranfield Point was badly placed. George Halpin senior, the Board's inspector of works, drew up the design. The lamp was first lit on 1 September 1824. The old Cranfield Point tower did not last: erosion brought it down onto the foreshore in the early 1860s. What makes it special? It is a Grade B+ listed building in Northern Ireland (listed 2002). The Historic Environment Division record notes that its half-tide balcony is the only one on any lighthouse in Ulster. The listing ties the tower to the history of Newry and Greenore as busy trading ports. The tower was painted white until 1946, then returned to bare stone. On 17 March 1965 it became the first major offshore Irish light to be fully automated. Haulbowline works with the leading lights on Green Island and Vidal Bank, which mark the safe channel up the lough, and it carries a reserve light in case they fail. The fog signal was discontinued in January 2009, and the light's range was reduced to 10 nautical miles in 2011. How can you see it? The tower stands on offshore rocks and cannot be visited inside. The best views are from the shore around Cranfield Point on the County Down side, or across the water from Carlingford and the Cooley peninsula. Bring binoculars or a long lens. The nearest sizeable town on the northern shore is Kilkeel. Clear mornings and evenings give the best light for photographs. Frequently asked questions Can I go inside Haulbowline Lighthouse? No. It is automated, stands on open-sea rocks and has no public access. Is it the same as Haulbowline in Cork Harbour? No. This lighthouse guards Carlingford Lough on the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland border waters; the island of the same name in Cork Harbour is a different place. Who designed it and when did it open? George Halpin senior designed it, and the light first shone in 1824. Is the light still in use? Yes. It has run automatically since 1965 and remains an active navigation mark.

East Lighthouse, Rathlin Island

Causeway Coast and Glens District

East Lighthouse (Rathlin East, Altacarry Head) stands on Rathlin Island off the County Antrim coast of Northern Ireland, within the Causeway Coast and Glens District. It has guided ships through the North Channel, the strait between Ireland and Scotland, since the middle of the 19th century. How do you get to East Lighthouse? Take the ferry from Ballycastle to Rathlin. The light sits at the island's eastern tip, well away from the harbour, so plan to walk or use local transport once you land. A day trip is enough to see it at an easy pace. What is its history? Construction began in May 1849. George Halpin, Inspector of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, designed the buildings; he also designed the lighthouses at St John's Point and Haulbowline. Workmen employed by the Commissioners carried out the build. The station was lit on 1 November 1856 with two lights: an upper occulting light and a lower fixed one. This pairing made it distinct from other lights that ships meet when approaching or passing through the channel. The lower light was discontinued in 1894. The tower was first natural stone with a red band, then painted white. In 1934 the red band was changed to black, which is how it looks today. How did the station change over time? It was electrified in 1981. On 31 March 1995 it went automatic and the keepers left. A caretaker now looks after the site, and the light is monitored by telemetry from the Commissioners' depot in Dún Laoghaire. It remains an active aid to navigation. Is it a protected building? Yes. Northern Ireland's Department for Communities listed three lighthouse complexes on Rathlin, the earliest dating from 1856. The listings cover the towers and associated structures such as the rocket house and engine rooms. The keepers' houses are valued too, as evidence of how lighthouse families lived on the island. Frequently asked questions Can I go inside the lighthouse? No. It is an operational light and is not open to visitors. One database notes that the grounds can be viewed from outside. Who designed it? George Halpin, who also designed the lighthouses at St John's Point and Haulbowline. When was the light first lit? On 1 November 1856. Is this the same as the West Light? No. Rathlin has three lighthouse complexes, and East Lighthouse lies at the opposite end of the island from the west one.