England

General Lighthouse Authority for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar

Trinity House is proud to be part of the European Route of Lighthouses, celebrating a shared maritime heritage that spans nations, coastlines, and centuries. As the General Lighthouse Authority for England, Wales, the Channel Islands, and Gibraltar, Trinity House has guided seafarers safely through some of Europe’s busiest and most dangerous waters since 1514.

Established by Royal Charter, Trinity House has protected lives at sea for over 500 years. Today, it continues to serve the mariner through the maintenance and innovation of more than 60 operational lighthouses and hundreds of buoys and beacons.

As part of our commitment to public engagement and heritage preservation, Trinity House welcomes visitors to five unique lighthouse visitor centres, each offering spectacular views and unforgettable stories:

• Longstone Lighthouse, Northumberland
  Famous for the heroic tale of Grace Darling, this remote island lighthouse stands among the Farne Islands, offering boat tours and dramatic scenery.
• Southwold Lighthouse, Suffolk
  Situated in the heart of a charming seaside town, this operational lighthouse is a beacon in both function and community, open for guided tours.
• Portland Bill Lighthouse, Dorset
  A landmark of the Jurassic Coast, the visitor centre features interactive exhibits, and the climb to the top rewards visitors with stunning coastal views.
• Start Point Lighthouse, Devon
  Perched on a wild and rugged headland, this lighthouse overlooks the English Channel and offers a glimpse into the isolation and beauty of lighthouse life.
• South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey, Wales
  Set amid dramatic cliffs and seabird colonies, South Stack is one of the most picturesque and photographed lighthouses in the UK.

These centres offer guided tours, engaging exhibitions, and an opportunity to learn about the life of lighthouse keepers, the engineering behind the lights, and the critical role these towers still play.

For a truly immersive lighthouse experience, Trinity House offers 32 former lighthouse keepers’ cottages across the UK, now beautifully converted into luxury holiday lets.

These cottages are located at some of the most breath-taking coastal locations in Britain. Each property offers a peaceful escape with panoramic sea views, coastal walks, and the unique charm of living beside a lighthouse.

Perfect for couples, families, writers, walkers, and anyone seeking solitude or inspiration by the sea, these stays provide a rare chance to experience the lifestyle of the keepers – with all the comforts of modern living.

We invite you to explore, discover, and stay beside the light.