Who was St Piran? A Guide to Cornwall’s Patron Saint
St Piran’s Day is celebrated in Cornwall on the 5th of March each year. Across Cornwall there are parades,...
Located on the stunning Lizard Peninsula, Lizard Lighthouse marks the most southerly point of mainland Britain. With two distinguishing towers, Lizard Lighthouse has proudly protected ships on their travels on the south coast of Cornwall for over 260 years. This stretch of coastline is particularly hazardous, and as you would expect, the Lizard Lighthouse is the gatekeeper to a wealth of stories that include shipwrecks and pirates!
Use the quick links below to navigate the content, or read on for a comprehensive overview to Lizard Lighthouse.
Lizard Lighthouse is the only lighthouse in Cornwall that you can climb up, and whilst it’s now automated, you can visit the Lizard Lighthouse Heritage Centre. Guided tours are available, ascending into the tower to see the lamp room and foghorn.
The Lizard Lighthouse Heritage Centre is open from the end of March to the end of October each year, every Sunday to Thursday, from 11am to 5pm. Admission prices are £8 for an adult and £5 for a child (prices correct at the time of writing).
The Lizard Lighthouse Heritage Centre offers something for both adults and children, with bright and interactive displays, and plenty of historical artefacts to discover including 12 foot-long light vessel optics.
Climb right up to the top of the lighthouse and marvel at the stunning, panoramic views of the Atlantic. Downstairs you can sound the fog horn and have a go at building the giant foam lighthouse. You can also learn new skills including Morse Code and how to use Semaphore Flags to send messages. Whilst visiting, why not complete your own weather log book and learn all about maritime satellite navigation. You can even hear keepers’ stories about life in a lighthouse – the options are endless!
There is a gift shop onsite. Why not enjoy a stroll along the coastal footpath after your visit – you might even spot a dolphin or Cornish chough.
Built by Thomas Fonnereau in 1751, Lizard Lighthouse consists of a cottage between two towers. Before the introduction of electricity at Lizard Lighthouse, a watchman would have to sit in the cottage, making sure the lantern stayed lit by sounding a horn at the fire-keepers if the lantern dimmed.
In 1771, Trinity House – a charity dedicated to safeguarding seafarers – took on responsibility for maintaining the burning of the lighthouse lantern. In 1811, the charity replaced the coal lantern with oil lights, and in 1845, they added three more cottages to the site. In 1874, the Engine Room was added – which allowed the lighthouse to be powered by electricity – and more cottages for the extra staff who were now employed to help run the lighthouse.
A rotating First Order optic was added to the eastern tower in 1903, but this was replaced by an electric filament lamp in 1936. After this, the lighthouse became automated and no longer required keepers.
In 2009, the Lizard Lighthouse Heritage Centre was officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal, after a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund enabled Trinity House to renovate the lighthouse and surrounding site; the Engine Room was repurposed into a Visitor Centre and audio-visual exhibitions and interactive displays were installed. Today, the lighthouse is monitored by Trinity House’s Planning Centre in Essex.
If you’re planning to stay on the Lizard Peninsular and visit Lizard Lighthouse then we advise booking ahead, especially during peak season. Looking for more places of interest to explore in Cornwall? We’ve hand picked 9 National Trust properties in Cornwall, well worth a visit during your holiday.
At Cornish Cottage Holidays we have a stunning collection of Cornwall holiday cottages, from stone cottages tucked in the countryside to luxury waterside properties.
With something to suit everyone, from couples and small groups of friends to larger families and four-legged companions, you won’t be disappointed.
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