Longstone Lighthouse, Historic lighthouse on Longstone Rock, Farne Islands, England
Longstone Lighthouse is a stone tower standing on a rocky island among the Farne Islands, rising approximately 26 meters above the water. The structure features a cylindrical shape with a surrounding gallery and displays a red finish marked by a distinctive white band around its middle.
The lighthouse was built in 1826 to guide ships through the dangerous waters surrounding the Farne Islands. It gained prominence in 1838 when nine shipwreck survivors were rescued from a nearby sinking vessel in a dramatic rescue operation.
The lighthouse served as a lifeline for sailors navigating the dangerous waters around the Farne Islands, making it central to local maritime identity. Its presence shaped how the fishing communities and merchant ships understood their relationship with the sea.
Visitors reach the lighthouse by boat from Seahouses, with the journey taking roughly two hours including the return trip. The interior can only be seen during guided visits, so advance planning is recommended to confirm availability and conditions.
The lighthouse transitioned to solar power in 2015, replacing the diesel generators that had powered it for many decades. This shift demonstrates how even remote locations like this have embraced newer energy solutions to keep the navigation aid running.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.