- Trevose Head Lighthouse is in Cornwall, England.
- On the north Cornwall cliffs above the sea
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Trevose Head Lighthouse
Trevose Head Lighthouse stands on the rugged north Cornwall cliffs above the Atlantic, guiding vessels around one of the most dangerous headlands on the Cornish coast. Its white tower and adjoining keeper's cottages remain an operational Trinity House station, while the surrounding headland is owned by the National Trust.
The story of Trevose Head Lighthouse
The lighthouse was built in 1847 by James Walker for Trinity House, following years of pressure from local mariners and shipowners after repeated wrecks on the treacherous reefs off Trevose Head. The 27-metre tower was equipped with a first-order catadioptric lens and first lit on 1 December 1847. A fog signal was added in 1912, and the lighthouse was electrified in 1924 — relatively early among Cornish stations. It was automated in 1995, the keepers withdrawn after 148 years of continuous manning. The lighthouse continues to mark the approach to Padstow Bay and the dangerous Newland Rocks offshore.
Visiting with care
The lighthouse itself is not open to the public, but it can be viewed from the South West Coast Path that runs along the Trevose Head clifftops, owned by the National Trust. The headland offers some of the finest cliff scenery in north Cornwall, with views to the Bedruthan Steps and Booby's Bay, and the walking is superb in all seasons.
Interesting facts
- Built in 1847 by James Walker for Trinity House.
- The 27-metre tower was first lit on 1 December 1847.
- Electrified in 1924, relatively early among Cornish lighthouses.
- Automated in 1995 after 148 years of continuous manning.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.