St. Catherine's Lighthouse, Maritime navigation lighthouse at St. Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight, England.
St. Catherine's Lighthouse is a white brick tower standing on the southernmost point of the Isle of Wight, measuring approximately 27 meters tall. The structure was built to guide ships safely through the English Channel and remains an important navigation marker for maritime traffic in the area.
The lighthouse was constructed in 1838 by Trinity House following the loss of the vessel The Clarendon on nearby rocks. This construction marked a turning point in maritime safety at this dangerous stretch of coast.
The lighthouse represents an important part of British coastal tradition and serves as a landmark that locals associate with maritime safety and protection. Visitors often come to experience the connection between the island community and the surrounding waters.
Access to the lighthouse is via a steep path descending from The Buddle Inn, located about half a kilometer away with parking available. The walk requires sturdy footwear and takes some time, so plan accordingly and be cautious in wet or windy weather.
A German bomb damaged the keeper's cottages during World War II and caused fatalities on the site. The damage to the lighthouse lens from the shrapnel remains visible today as a reminder of that era.
Location: Niton and Whitwell
Location: Isle of Wight
Inception: 1838
Height: 27 m
GPS coordinates: 50.57562,-1.29784
Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:50
Church of St. John the Baptist, Niton
1.6 km
Niton Baptist Church
1.3 km
Buddle Inn
624 mMonument To John Wilson Approximately 10 Metres South Of Chancel At John The Baptist Church
1.6 kmMonument To Reverend John Barwis Ma Approximately 4 Metres South Of South Porch At John The Baptist Church
1.6 kmMount Cleves
592 mHerveys Farm Niton Manor
1.5 kmRock Cottage
699 mLocks Farm
1.4 kmPuckaster
1.2 km
Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters
69 mSt Catherine's Hall
1.3 kmGatepiers To Reith Lodge
882 mGatepiers To The Orchard
1.5 kmNiton Manor
1.6 kmThe Buddle Homestead
589 mOrnamental Building In Grounds Of Mount Cleves
640 mGatepiers Formerly To Windcliffe
216 mOld Cross In The Churchyard At John The Baptist Church
1.6 kmMonument To Edward Edwards Approximately 10 Metres South Of Churchyard Cross St John The Baptist
1.6 kmGatepiers To Puckaster
1.1 kmMonument To Frederic Vilmet At John The Baptist Church
1.6 kmMonument To George Kirkpatrick Approximately 10 Metres South Of West Tower At John The Baptist Church
1.6 kmSt Catherine's House
773 mThe Well House
977 mRumpus Mansion
1.6 kmScenic viewpoint
502 mBlackgang Viewpoint
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