Fleetwood has two lighthouses. Both were first lit on 1st December 1840 using the town’s gas supply and are prominent landmarks.
Fleetwood is located at the northern tip of the Fylde peninsula. It was the first planned town of the Victorian era and was initially designed by Sir Peter Hesketh on the land that he owned. Unfortunately, Hesketh became bankrupt before its completion. Decimus Burton was commissioned to produce further plans for the town.
Amongst his creations, Burton designed two ornate lighthouses, aided by Captain H M Denham. Fleetwood Pharos Lighthouse stands on an island in the middle of Pharos Street. Built of sandstone, the Upper or High Lighthouse, as it is also known, worked in conjunction with the Front or Low Lighthouse on the seafront. It guides ships into the Wyre estuary when lined up with the low light.
The Fleetwood Pharos, or High Lighthouse, was painted red and cream, but this was removed in the 1970s to reveal the original stonework.
Fleetwood Low Lighthouse is also known as the Beach Lighthouse or Front Lighthouse. Its square tower has a covered seating area designed for Victorians walking along the promenade.
The Wyre Lighthouse also marked the entrance to the channel, but only a small portion of the structure remains.
Close to the Golf Course at the other end of the seafront is Rossall Point Observation Tower.
