The South West coast of England is a treasure trove of dramatic coastlines, historic harbours, and iconic lighthouses. From Gloucestershire to Cornwall, the lighthouses along this coast have guided sailors through treacherous waters for centuries.
Gloucestershire & Somerset
This stretch of coastline marks where the River Severn meets the Bristol Channel, boasting one of the world's highest tidal ranges. Gloucester Docks is home to the Sula Lightship, offering visitors a unique overnight stay. In Somerset, Burnham Low Lighthouse, a striking wooden structure on the beach, remains operational, while Watchet Harbour Lighthouse stands guard over its pretty marina.
North Devon & Lundy Island
North Devon's rugged cliffs host Lynmouth Foreland Lighthouse, dramatically perched 200 feet above the sea. Ilfracombe's St Nicholas Chapel, a former fisherman's beacon, continues to shine. Lundy Island, often called Puffin Island, has three lighthouses, including Lundy North.
Cornwall – A Lighthouse Haven
Cornwall's wild coast is adorned with famous lighthouses, each with its unique charm. Godrevy Lighthouse in St Ives Bay inspired Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse. Pendeen Lighthouse adds a touch of mystery to the coast. Longships Lighthouse is visible from Land's End, and Wolf Rock Lighthouse, standing on a remote reef between the coast of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, has long been a guardian of sailors. Further east, St Anthony's Lighthouse in Falmouth, a star of Fraggle Rock, and Lizard Lighthouse, the southernmost in mainland Britain, are both steeped in their own unique stories.
South Devon & Plymouth
Devon's coastline features Start Point Lighthouse, guiding vessels past offshore banks, and Berry Head Lighthouse, is one of the shortest yet highest due to its cliffside position. Plymouth Sound, home to Britain's first offshore lighthouse at Eddystone, remains a hub of maritime heritage, its predecessor stands proudly on Plymouth Hoe as a memorial to John Smeaton, its creator.