- Happisburgh Lighthouse is in Norfolk, England.
- Only independently-run operational UK lighthouse
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Happisburgh Lighthouse
A striking red-and-white banded tower on the eroding Norfolk coast, Happisburgh is the oldest working light in East Anglia and the only independently-run operational lighthouse in the United Kingdom. Saved from closure by a local trust, it remains a manned aid to navigation in all but the legal sense.
The story of Happisburgh Lighthouse
The present tower was built in 1790 by Trinity House as one of a pair of leading lights, replacing an earlier 1670 structure. It was nearly extinguished in 1988 when Trinity House announced it was surplus to requirements, prompting villagers to form the Happisburgh Lighthouse Trust and successfully campaign to take it over — the first time a working lighthouse had passed to a charitable trust. The tower stands 26 metres tall and was electrified in 1947, converted to solar power more recently.
Visiting with care
Open days run through the summer with volunteer-led climbs up the 112-step spiral staircase to the lantern room. Coastal erosion is rapid here — the lighthouse sits ever closer to the cliff edge — so check local access before travelling and pair the visit with the cliff-top footpath.
Interesting facts
- It is the only independently-run operational lighthouse in the UK.
- Saved from closure in 1988 by a community trust after a public campaign.
- The tower is 26 metres tall with 112 steps to the lantern.
- It was originally one of a pair of leading lights established in 1790.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.