Burnham-on-Sea Low Lighthouse

Burnham-on-Sea Low Lighthouse is a wooden structure standing 9 meters tall on the Somerset coast, painted white with red stripes and supported by nine oak stilts. The design allows tidal waters to flow beneath it while keeping the building elevated at the high water mark.

Built in 1832 following a survey by Lieutenant Henry Denham, this lighthouse was constructed to guide vessels through the treacherous Bristol Channel. It worked in tandem with the High Lighthouse to provide reliable navigation aids for shipping traffic.

The lighthouse appears on the town's coat of arms and embodies the maritime traditions of the Somerset coast, where seafaring history remains visible in local identity.

The surrounding terrain can be muddy and uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended, especially near the water's edge. Access is easiest during low tide when more of the foreshore is exposed and walking is more comfortable.

The nine oak legs sink approximately 16 feet into the sand, allowing the structure to flex with tidal forces while remaining securely anchored. This ingenious design let the lighthouse endure for more than two centuries despite constant battering from sea conditions.

Location: Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge

Location: Somerset

Inception: 1832

Height: 9 m

Made from material: wood

GPS coordinates: 51.24840,-3.00591

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:00