Towering achievements

SARAH KERR, author of The British Lighthouse Trail: A Regional Guide, takes us on a journey around Devon’s most magnificent maritime landmarks

There’s no doubt Devon has a lot to offer in terms of coastal scenery and the South West Coast Path has made discovering it significantly easier.

Unique to the county is its entirely separate north and south coastlines, both boasting an array of lighthouses and all perfectly located for visiting as part of a holiday, short break or day trip.

Here are my top six recommendations for accessible lighthouses – or lighthouse locations – in Devon.

LUNDY ISLAND

In my opinion, the best lighthouse-focused day trip or weekend break in Devon is to be had on Lundy. In 1820 the first lighthouse on Lundy was lit on Beacon Hill. Designed by Daniel Alexander, the 29-metre granite tower still stands today and is open to the public for self-guided tours.

The two deckchairs at the top of the tower provide the perfect spot for panoramic views of the island and beyond. While the tower’s position seems the perfect spot now, its location hampered the effectiveness of the lighthouse itself as an aid to navigation. Frequently shrouded in fog, the light was often not visible from the sea and this, paired with problems with the light itself, led to the building of new lighthouses at the north and south of the island.