Gorleston Lighthouse

Gorleston Lighthouse is located on Quay Road in the seaside town of Gorleston-on-Sea, a borough of Great Yarmouth. The lighthouse is situated at Brush Bend, opposite the harbour entrance.

Gorleston Harbour is situated at the mouth of the River Yare, where it meets the North Sea. It forms part of Great Yarmouth’s port system and has long been an important navigation point for vessels operating along the Norfolk coast. However, entering the harbour can be challenging due to strong tidal currents and North Sea weather conditions. Several sandbanks also lie offshore.

Gorleston and Great Yarmouth serves as an important commercial and fishing port, as well as a base for offshore energy operations.

A fixed white light was displayed on the south pier in 1852 to mark the entrance harbour. In 1887, a 30ft tall iron and wood lighthouse was built at the end of the pier, and in 1902, a channel light was built facing the harbour.

The pier was demolished in 1955, and the tower was replaced by lights on the roof of the Harbour Master’s office at the end of the new pier. A light is mounted on the roof with harbour control lights operated by Great Yarmouth Port Authority. Volunteers from the National Coastwatch Institution now occupy the building.

The Range Rear Lighthouse was established in 1878, and was originally powered by mains gas. The 69ft tall brickwork tower underwent restoration in 1957.

When operational, a white light was visible for six miles, and an occulting white light was shown from the first floor window. The light worked in conjunction with a front light mounted on a pole by the roadside, close by.  The lighthouse was decommissioned in 2007.

Gorleston Llighthouse had a brief appearance in the 2019 film Yesterday.

The Great Yarmouth and Gorleston Lifeboat station is just along the road from Gorleston Lighthouse.  On the opposite riverbank, along Southgates Road, is the former Trinity House Lighthouse Depot, which no longer in operation but still recognisable.

The pier shelters the harbour and is a good spot to watch vessels enter and leave. Gorleston Beach is a popular destination for visitors, known for its golden sands and Edwardian promenade.