Southwold lighthouse, Grade II listed lighthouse in Southwold, England
Description
Southwold lighthouse is a 31 meter tall brick structure located at the center of town that helps guide ships along the North Sea coast. The white-painted building provides views over the town and surrounding seascape from its viewing platform.
History
The structure was built in 1887 to replace three earlier lighthouses threatened by coastal erosion at Orfordness. Engineer James Douglass directed the project and created an important navigation point for North Sea shipping.
Culture
The lighthouse serves as a familiar landmark that connects visitors and residents to Southwold's maritime character. It shapes how people experience the town and acts as a natural gathering point for those drawn to the seaside.
Practical
The lighthouse welcomes visitors interested in guided tours and willing to climb approximately 113 steps to reach the top. Wear sturdy shoes since the stairs are steep and the building is historic.
Did you know?
In 2012 the light was upgraded and its range extended from 17 to 24 nautical miles after the Orfordness lighthouse was decommissioned. This improvement made Southwold the primary navigation point for the northern British coastline.
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