- Flamborough Head Lighthouse is in East Yorkshire, England.
- On the chalk cliffs of the Yorkshire coast
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Flamborough Head Lighthouse
Flamborough Head Lighthouse stands on the towering chalk cliffs of the Yorkshire coast, marking the dangerous headland where the North Sea currents collide. The present tower is the second to occupy the site, one of the oldest lighthouse locations in Britain, and remains an operational Trinity House station.
The story of Flamborough Head Lighthouse
The first lighthouse here was built in 1669 by Sir John Clayton as part of a private scheme to collect dues from passing shipping — one of the earliest lighthouse sites in Britain. Clayton's chalk tower still stands a short distance away, though it was never permanently lit because the patent to collect tolls was never granted. The present 26-metre tower was built in 1806 by builder John Matson for Trinity House and first lit on 1 December 1806. It was electrified in 1960 and fully automated in 1996, when the last keepers were withdrawn after 190 years of continuous manning.
Visiting with care
The lighthouse stands on the headland above the chalk cliffs and can be viewed from the surrounding Flamborough Head nature reserve, though the tower itself is not generally open to the public. The cliff-top walks along the headland offer spectacular views of the nesting seabird colonies at Bempton and the dramatic sea caves carved into the chalk.
Interesting facts
- The 1669 chalk tower by Sir John Clayton is one of the oldest lighthouse structures in Britain.
- The present tower was built in 1806 by John Matson for Trinity House.
- It was electrified in 1960 and automated in 1996.
- The 26-metre tower stands on the largest chalk cliffs in Britain.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.