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Happisburgh Lighthouse.

Happisburgh Lighthouse

It’s only open to the public for 13 days this year and it’s been an item on my ‘Norfolk Bucket List’ for a while. I’m delighted to say that this item is now firmly ticked off, as last Sunday I climbed up Happisburgh Lighthouse.

Lighthouse open!

An absolutely marvellous building with a wonderfully interesting history to match, Happisburgh’s instantly recognisable red-and-white striped landmark was built in 1790. It is the oldest working light on the Norfolk coast and the only independently-run Lighthouse in Great Britain.

Red and white stripes of Happisburgh Lighthouse.

Well worth the £3 fee to ascend the 112 steps, you go up in a small group and are treated to a fascinating talk about the history of the lighthouse and it’s surroundings once you reach the top of the main stairs.

Stairs inside Happisburgh Lighthouse.

Note: I’m not afraid of heights usually… but climbing the circling steps with a deep void to your right and just the banister to support you was pretty terrifying. This might not be a climb for the faint hearted.

Looking down inside Happisburgh Lighthouse.

At the top of the main stairs, you enter the ‘Control Room’, which holds all the electronic equipment that operates the light. It’s still a fully working lighhouse, but has operated automatically for a long while now.

Sea views from Happisburgh Lighthouse.

Above this is a smaller set of stairs which takes you the room where the lamps and optics are housed – the actual ‘light’ of the lighthouse (the ‘Lantern’). Here, the views of the stunning Norfolk coast and countryside are incredible, especially on a clear day like the day we visited.

Inside the Lantern.

It was absolutely worth the somewhat nerve-wracking ascent. And, to reassure you, it was far less scary coming back down.

Views from Happisburgh Lighthouse.

 

I climbed the Lighthouse with Little Man. Children over 1m tall are permitted to climb the stairs. Children below this height are strictly prohibited for safety reasons, as is carrying babies/children. Believe me, you’ll understand why.

Happisburgh Lighthouse is open on the following dates this year:

  • Sunday 3 August 11 am – 4pm
  • Sunday 10 August 11 am – 4pm
  • Sunday 17 August (International Lighthouse Heritage Weekend) 11 am – 4pm
  • Sunday 24 August 11 am – 4pm
  • Monday 25 August (August Bank Holiday) 11 am – 4pm
  • Sunday 31 August 11 am – 4pm

Adults £3;  Children (16 and under) £1. Certificate to celebrate the fact you’ve climbed the 112 steps to the top of Happisburgh lighthouse (which I am now  proud owner of!) 50p.

More info: www.happisburgh.org/lighthouse/open-days

Stunning Happisburgh Lighthouse.

It’s only open to the public for 13 days this year and it’s been an item on my ‘Norfolk Bucket List’ for a while. I’m delighted to say that this item is now firmly ticked off, as last Sunday I climbed up Happisburgh Lighthouse. An absolutely marvellous building with a wonderfully interesting history to match, Happisburgh’s instantly recognisable red-and-white striped landmark was built in 1790. It is the oldest working light on the Norfolk coast and the only independently-run Lighthouse in Great Britain. Well worth the £3 fee to ascend the 112 steps, you go up in a small group and are…

Review Overview

Local/Historical Interest
Refreshments/Shopping
Family Friendly
Value For Money

Fantastic! Highly Recommended.

Summary : A fascinating experience (with some fabulous Norfolk views thrown in for good measure). (Note: Very minimal visitor facilities (well, it is a lighthouse after all), but nice little gift shop area for souvenirs).