Standing near the tip of the narrow Spurn peninsula in East Yorkshire, Spurn Lighthouse is a landmark that tells the story of navigation, shifting coastlines and the North Sea’s changing tides. The black-and-white tower rises above the dunes, offering both a striking photo opportunity and a glimpse into Britain’s maritime past.
A brief history of Spurn Lighthouse
- The current Spurn Lighthouse was built in 1895, designed by Thomas Matthews.
- At 128 feet tall, it is the tallest lighthouse in northern England.
- Earlier lighthouses existed on the same shifting spit of land, with the first recorded light here dating back to the 15th century.
- The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1985, when modern navigation systems made it redundant.
What to see at Spurn Lighthouse
Visitors can climb the lighthouse’s spiral staircase to reach a viewing platform with expansive views across the Humber Estuary and the North Sea. Inside, exhibitions tell the story of the lighthouse keepers who once lived and worked here, as well as the wider history of Spurn Point as both a nature reserve and a military site.
The surrounding area is managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, which protects the peninsula’s rare habitats, including coastal grasslands and mudflats that are home to migrating birds.
Practical visitor information
- The lighthouse is somewhat erratically open on selected days, often linked to organised tours. It’s usually open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays but ask at the café in the Discovery Centre before setting out.
- There is no public road access to Spurn Lighthouse. One of my discoveries about Spurn is that the road was washed away in 2013.
- Access is via a three mile, one way walk.
- Facilities on-site are limited, so it is best to bring water and snacks, although some are sold when the lighthouse is open and staffed.
- The Spurn Safari guided tours provide context about the peninsula’s shifting sands and wildlife, as well as access to the lighthouse itself.
- Entry to the lighthouse costs £4 for adults and £2 for children.
Why Spurn Lighthouse is worth a visit
- Britain’s tallest surviving lighthouse in the north.
- Historic structure with a direct link to centuries of coastal navigation.
- Panoramic views from the top over both land and sea.
- Part of a wider protected nature reserve with walking trails and wildlife-watching opportunities.
- Easily combined with a day trip to Hull or other parts of East Yorkshire.
How to visit Spurn Lighthouse
Spurn Point is around 25 miles east of Hull, and the drive takes just under an hour. Parking is available near the entrance to the nature reserve, with onward travel on foot or via a seasonal Spurn Safari vehicle. Entry fees contribute to the upkeep of the site and its conservation.
The combination of maritime history and natural landscapes makes Spurn Lighthouse a rewarding destination for those interested in coastal heritage and wildlife. But you’re better off treating it as part of a wider visit to Spurn rather than a destination in its own right.
More Yorkshire travel
Other Yorkshire travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Why overseas tourists shouldn’t miss out on visiting Yorkshire.
- What overseas visitors should do in Leeds.
- The National Railway Museum in York: A parking guide.
- What first time visitors need to know about visiting Whitby Abbey.
- A practical guide to visiting the Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
