Lizard Lighthouse
The Lizard Lighthouse is situated at Lizard Point, Britain's most southerly point.
The lighthouse dates to 1751 and was built by Thomas Fonnerau. Standing on soaring 70 metre high cliffs, the lighthouse guards the treacherous waters and hazardous rocks around Lizard Point. An earlier lighthouse which once occupied the site, built by Sir John Killigrew in 1619, was decommissioned and demolished because ship owners were unwilling to pay a toll for its maintenance.
The present lighthouse consists of two towers, each of which contains a light, with a keeper's cottage positioned inbetween. Trinity House assumed control of the Lizard Lighthouse in 1771, and structural alterations were carried out in 1812, when the lighthouse assumed its present appearance.
The coal fires were replaced by Argand oil lights in 1812, in 1878 they were themselves replaced by generator supplied electricity, and the lighthouse was fully automated in 1998.
The Lizard Lighthouse is open to the public, a visitor car park is provided by the entrance gate. Visitors may ascend the 70 metre high lighthouse tower from where there are stunning views. The coastline around the lighthouse offers spectacular walks along the cliffs on which there are an abundance of wild flowers.
Image copyright Gordon Mc Kinlay
A walk from Lizard Lighthouse
Distance - 1 mile (1.6km)
Duration - around 40 minutes
(1) Commencing at the National Trust car park next to the Lizard lighthouse, walk down to Lizard Point, following signs to the most southerly point. At the Point car park bear right and join the South West Coastal Path in front of the Wave Crest café.
(2)Take the steps down to Pistol Meadow, then climb out of the valley on the coastal path up the slope towards Lizard Head.Take the footpath inland over a stile in the dry stone wall and walk across the field back towards Pistol Meadow.
(3) Continue on , crossing over another stile into Pistol Meadow field and rejoin the coast path to return to Lizard Point.
Visitor Attractions in Cornwall