Overview
Trevose Head Lighthouse is a historic operational lighthouse located on Trevose Head, a dramatic headland on the north coast of Cornwall, near Padstow in England. It guides ships navigating the hazardous Atlantic waters and the approaches to the Bristol Channel.
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| Trevose Head Lighthouse England |
Key Facts
📍 Location: Trevose Head, Cornwall, England (near Padstow)
🗓 First lit: 1 December 1847
🏗 Built by: Trinity House (design by James Walker; constructed by Jacob & Thomas Olver)
📏 Tower height: ~27 m (90 ft)
📡 Focal height: ~62 m above sea level
💡 Light characteristic: Flashing white light every 7.5 s, with a range of about 20+ nautical miles🛠 Automated: 1995 (keepers withdrawn; controlled from Trinity House centre)
🏛 Heritage status: Grade II listed building since 20 May 1988
History & Purpose
Before Trevose Head Lighthouse was built, there was a significant gap in navigational lights between Longships Lighthouse (near Land’s End) and Lundy Lighthouse farther north, leading to dangerous sailing conditions along this stretch of coast. The lighthouse was erected to help vessels safely navigate these treacherous waters.
Originally, the station had two lights—a high and a lower light to help ships fix their position more accurately—but the lower one was removed in 1882, leaving only the main tower operational. Over the years, the beacon and fog signal equipment were upgraded, the light electrified in 1974, and modernized with automation in the 1990s.
Today & Visiting
The lighthouse itself is not generally open for interior tours, but the surrounding headland and coastal paths are open to visitors, offering stunning views of the sea and rugged coastline.
Former keeper’s cottages adjacent to the lighthouse have been converted into holiday accommodations available to book, giving a unique stay experience overlooking the Atlantic.
Why It’s Notable
Trevose Head Lighthouse is a classic example of mid-19th-century lighthouse engineering and remains a vital navigational aid more than 175 years after it was first lit. Its striking white cylindrical tower and coastal setting make it a picturesque landmark of Cornwall’s maritime heritage.