- Southwold Lighthouse is in Suffolk, England.
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Southwold Lighthouse
Southwold Lighthouse is a striking white tower standing in the middle of this Suffolk seaside town, acting as a leading mark for vessels navigating the shifting sandbanks off the East Anglian coast. It remains a fully operational Trinity House station.
The story of Southwold Lighthouse
Built in 1890 by Trinity House, the lighthouse replaced three earlier leading lights at Southwold that had guided vessels through the dangerous shoals of the Suffolk coast. The 31-metre tower was designed by Sir James Douglass and electrified in 1938. It remains operational today, its light visible for 17 nautical miles, and is one of the few Trinity House lights still standing in the centre of a working town.
Visiting with care
Trinity House occasionally opens the tower for guided climbs during the Southwold Arts Festival and on selected summer dates — book ahead as places are limited. Otherwise the lighthouse is best admired from the town's common and beach, and forms part of the Southwold coastline walk to Walberswick.
Interesting facts
- Built in 1890 by Trinity House engineer Sir James Douglass.
- It replaced three earlier leading lights at Southwold.
- The 31-metre tower stands in the centre of the town.
- It was electrified in 1938 and remains an operational aid to navigation.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.