When most people plan a trip to the UK, they think of castles, cathedrals, and countryside, but if you’re visiting from overseas and looking to experience something a little bit different, consider a lighthouse tour. The lighthouses of the UK and Ireland are dotted along our rugged coastline and are steeped in seafaring history and coastal beauty that is second to none. In this blog, we’ll discuss why a lighthouse tour is worth your trip to our islands and provide some of our recommendations of the best lighthouses where you can experience both the interesting history behind these structures and enjoy the stunning scenery that surrounds them on our coast.
A Journey Through Time
Lighthouses are living pieces of British maritime heritage with many dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, designed by engineers such as Robert Stevenson (grandfather of Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson of Treasure Island fame). These beacons have guided thousands of sailors home safely through some of Europe’s most unpredictable waters. Today, they offer guided tours to allow visitors to step back in time, climb their winding stairs and gaze out from the lantern room. There are few opportunities to experience history in this way, where you can touch, feel, and photograph it and often imagine what life was like for sailors navigating their ships in the dark, and for the lonely lighthouse keepers working in some of the UK’s most remote areas, often with limited contact to the outside world.
Kinnaird Head Castle and Lighthouse, Fraserburgh
Fraserburgh in the North East of Scotland is home to Kinnaird Head Castle and Lighthouse, the very first lighthouse to be built on mainland Scotland. The lighthouse was built through the heart of an earlier 16th century castle, making it the first and only time that a Stevenson lighthouse was built inside an existing building. As far as we know, it is also the only castle in the world with a lighthouse built inside it.
Alongside the castle and lighthouse sits the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses. The museum tells the story of the Northern Lighthouse Board, the Stevenson engineers who built the lighthouses and the keepers who tended to them – a story of skill, courage, technical genius and brilliant organisation. The museum houses the largest collection of Fresnel lenses in Europe and possibly the world. A visit to Kinnaird Head is a very special experience, climb up the steps to the beautiful lighthouse on a guided tour and see their 3-ton Fresnel lens in action, then visit the museum to see the wonderful collection of lighthouse lenses and objects.
South Stack Lighthouse, Anglesey
Perched on a rocky islet off the coast of Anglesey in North Wales, South Stack Lighthouse is one of the most striking lighthouses in the UK. It was built in 1809 to warn ships navigating the surrounding Irish Sea but is now a visitor centre reachable by descending over 400 steps and crossing a narrow suspension bridge. The visitor centre offers a guided tour that takes you inside the lantern room and through the keepers’ quarters, offering a glimpse into the isolated lives of those who were once responsible for keeping the light burning. Around the lighthouse, you’ll enjoy views of towering cliffs, and nesting seabirds, including puffins and razorbills. South Stack offers a full experience of history, wildlife and scenery on the North Wales coast.
Caldey Island Lighthouse, Pembrokeshire
Just off the coast of Tenby in southwest Wales is Caldey Island Lighthouse, a hidden gem among the UK lighthouses. Built in 1829, it’s an elegant white tower sits ontop of a cliff on the island’s south side, once guiding vessels through the Bristol Channel. The lighthouse itself isn’t open for guided tours, but you can visit the island for a peaceful escape steeped in history, including a working Cistercian monastery. Caldey Island is also home to countless walking trails, secluded beaches, and panoramic views of the Welsh coastline. The island is only a short boat trip from Tenby, making it a perfect day trip for travellers looking to experience the quieter side of Britain’s lighthouse heritage.
Hook Lighthouse, Co. Wexford
Hook Lighthouse on the southeastern coast of Ireland isn’t just one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the UK and Ireland, it’s one of the oldest in the world. Located on the Hook Peninsula in Co. Wexford, this 800-year-old tower has been guiding ships since the 13th century. What makes it truly special is that it offers a guided tour, which takes visitors through stone chambers with medieval fireplaces, and up the steps to the dramatic viewing balcony overlooking the Celtic Sea. Hook Lighthouse is a must-visit for those fascinated by maritime history. For our overseas travellers, it offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy Irish coastal charm and learn more about the history of the area.
So, whether you’re a history buff, a lover of coastal landscapes, or simply just looking to experience something more unique on your next trip overseas, go ahead and add “lighthouse tour” to your UK itinerary. In fact, why not let us do it for you? At Best of Scotland Holidays, we have over 40 years of experience crafting bespoke itineraries for our overseas clients. If you’d like to learn more about the UK’s seafaring history on your next visit, then contact us today and one of our friendly staff will be happy to help you pick the perfect lighthouse to visit based on your interests and requirements. You might just find that a lighthouse tour becomes the highlight of your trip!
