St Bees Lighthouse

St Bees Lighthouse is a stone tower standing 17 meters tall on the red sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head and reaching 102 meters above sea level. The tower sits on the cliff edge, making it prominently visible from the surrounding waters and coastal areas.

The lighthouse was built in 1822 as a replacement after fire destroyed its predecessor, which had been powered by coal. This new structure represented a shift toward more modern lighting technology for maritime safety along the English coast.

The lighthouse stands as a working landmark that connects the local community to centuries of maritime tradition and seafaring heritage. Visitors can observe how it remains an integral part of the coastal landscape and local identity.

The lighthouse sits on high cliffs accessible via coastal paths that lead from the village of St Bees. Wear sturdy shoes and prepare for windy conditions, as the cliff paths can be exposed and weather can change quickly.

Pilots used this beacon as a turning point during air races between London and the Isle of Man between the two world wars. This lesser-known aviation chapter in the tower's history shows how it served purposes beyond maritime navigation.

Location: Cumbria

Inception: 1822

Architects: James Nicholas Douglass

Height: 17 m

Made from material: stone

GPS coordinates: 54.51370,-3.63650

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:04