Wolf Rock Lighthouse

Wolf Rock Lighthouse is a granite and concrete tower standing 41 meters tall on a rocky outcrop off the Cornish coast near Land's End. The structure was built to guide ships safely through one of the most treacherous stretches of water along the English coast.

Engineers James Nicholas Douglass and James Walker designed the structure, which began operating in January 1870 after years of difficult construction work. Building on the exposed rock required innovative techniques and facing harsh ocean conditions.

The lighthouse stands as a symbol of safety for those crossing dangerous waters, representing how communities value protection of seafarers. Its presence along the coast reminds locals and visitors of the enduring relationship between land and maritime life.

The lighthouse operates as a fully automated beacon monitored remotely, making it visible only from the water. The location is exposed and remote, so expect rough conditions and limit viewing to calmer days if approaching by boat.

This structure became the first lighthouse in the world to incorporate a helicopter landing platform when it was automated in 1988. This innovation allowed the remotely staffed light to receive quick maintenance and supply deliveries on the isolated rock.

Location: Cornwall

Inception: 1869

Architects: James Nicholas Douglass, James Walker

Height: 41 m

Made from material: granite, concrete

Website: https://trinityhouse.co.uk/lighthouses-and-lightvessels/wolf-rock-lighthouse

GPS coordinates: 49.94559,-5.80803

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:31