Trevose Head Lighthouse

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

Trevose Head Lighthouse, in Cornish, Penn-tir Trefos = Trevose Head, is located on the north coast of Cornwall on the headland of Trevose (Trefos) between Newquay and Padstow.

It was as early as 1809 that a proposal to site a lighthouse here was first put forward. The major reason for this was that the only lights on the stretch of coast were as far apart as the Longships Lighthouse off Land's End and the light at Lundy off the Devon coast.

The idea was put forward again in 1813 and then again in 1832, but it was not until 1st December 1847 that an oil light was first lit at Trevose Head.

The original lighthouse did not have a fog horn, a strange decision given the extremity of the sea mists along this area of coast. It had two fixed lights, the High light on the tower which is still used and a Low light at 129 feet above high water which stood 50 feet in front of the High light. A passage linked the two structures.

In 1882 the High light had an occulting light installed and the Low light ceased to be used.

In February 1913 the new 36 feet long fog horn began its service. The signal which looked like a giant trumpet was used until 1963.

In 1974 the light was electrified.

In 1995 Trevose Lighthouse was automated and some changes were made including slowing the rotation speed and removing the red screens to give a white light which flashed every 7.5 seconds.

The tower you see today is 89 feet tall (27 metres) and has a range of 20 nautical miles.

Lighthouse Cottages

The former lighthouse keepers' cottages are available to rent as holiday cottages.
Click on Trevose Head Lighthouse Accommodation and go to Holiday Cottages for details.

Please note the lighthouse itself is a working lighthouse and cannot be rented.

Location:
Grid reference SW850766

Road directions to Trevose Head Lighthouse

Books online:
Click here to buy books online about Trevose Head Lighthouse

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