Southwold Lighthouse

Southwold Lighthouse is located in the centre of the Suffolk town, and has guided vessels into the harbour since 1890.

In 1887, the low light at Orfordness, to the south, was washed away. This section of the coast was being undermined by coastal erosion, with the high lighthouse also under threat. As a result, Trinity House decided to build a lighthouse at Southwold instead of replacing the Orfordness light. Following the loss of the Orfordness low light, the Orfordness high light had red and green sectors added.

In February 1889, a temporary light was exhibited on Southwold Denes from a wooden structure until a new permanent tower was built.

Construction of the new tower began shortly after, in May 1889, with Sir James Douglass being the chief engineer. The new lighthouse was first exhibited on 3rd September 1890. The optic was re-used from the Low Light at Happisburgh, which was demolished in 1884. Originally it operated using an Argand burner, which was replaced by a Matthews incandescent oil burner in 1906. In 1923, a petroleum vapour burner was installed to replace the oil lamp. This continued until 1938, when the lighthouse was automated and electrified.

In June 2013, Orfordness Lighthouse was decommissioned, and the top beehive section of the fixed optic at Southwold was removed. A new revolving LED optic was installed above the old lens, changing its character. To compensate for the loss of Orfordness light, the range of the light at Southwold increased from 17 to 24 miles. This new light was exhibited in December 2012.

Following automation, the light changed a flashing on 23rd February 1938. In addition to the white light, two red sector lights marked the Sizewell Bank to the south and the shoals to the north.

A section of the optic’s top beehive is on display at the tower’s base. Another section was returned to Happisburgh Lighthouse, which is also on display.

From Southwold Pier, the lighthouse can be clearly seen. If you walk along the pier, you will find plaques for the Association of Lighthouse Keepers and Trinity House.

Southwold Lighthouse is open for tours. Booking is required.