St Anthony’s Lighthouse
50° 8' 23" N 5° 1' 0" WSt Anthony’s Lighthouse is located at the eastern entrance to Falmouth Harbour and was built in 1835.
St Anthony’s Lighthouse, perched on the eastern entrance of the Carrick Roads near Falmouth, is an iconic landmark known for its striking presence and stunning coastal views. This operational lighthouse, situated on St Anthony Head, plays a crucial role in maritime navigation, guiding vessels safely through the waters of the English Channel.
Visitors to St Anthony’s Lighthouse can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and explore the scenic walking trails that crisscross the headland. The lighthouse, with its picturesque setting and historical significance, offers a fascinating glimpse into Cornwall’s maritime heritage.
The beaming beacon’s picturesque scene may even bring back some nostalgic memories as it was used in the opening credits and many scenes of the popular 1980’s children’s TV show ‘Fraggle Rock.’ Remains of a 19th century gun battery can still be seen along the rocky peninsula base of St Anthony’s Head, and like Trevose and Pendeen, the keepers’ cottages have been converted into holiday lets, making it the perfect remote coastal retreat.
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- Carpark (Free)
- Public Toilets
- Hazard: Cliffs
- Hazard: Tides (Rising / Falling)
- Not suitable for wheelchairs
- Lifeguards not available
- Dogs allowed (Winter only)
- 10 minute walk from carpark
History of St Anthony’s Lighthouse
Located at the eastern entrance to Falmouth Harbour, St Anthony’s Lighthouse was designed by James Walker and built for Trinity House by Olver of Falmouth in 1835. It once guided vessels past the notoriously hazardous Manacles Rocks with the help of catoptric reflectors and eight argand lamps operated by a revolving clockwork mechanism, which were replaced with it’s current automated system in 1987.
The beaming beacon’s picturesque scene may even bring back some nostalgic memories as it was used in the opening credits and many scenes of the popular 190’s children’s TV show ‘Fraggle Rock.’ Remains of a 19th Century gun battery can still be seen along the rocky peninsula base of St Anthony’s Head, and like Trevose and Pendeen, the keepers’ cottages have been converted into holiday lets, making it the perfect remote coastal retreat.
Travel / Parking information for St Anthony’s Lighthouse
Directions to St Anthony’s Lighthouse
Follow signs to St Anthony Head on the Roseland Peninsula. You will drive past Portscatho village and towards the headland.
Parking for St Anthony’s Lighthouse
Follow signs to St Anthony Head on the Roseland Peninsula. There is a National Trust car park on the headland itself, from here you can walk to the view point overlooking the lighthouse and the Carrick Roads or on the coast path to get a closer view.
Watch an aerial video of St Anthony's Lighthouse, Cornwall
The prominent location for the lighthouse combined with the crystal clear waters around the reef below make it a popular location for photographers. This aerial video shows St Anthony’s Lighthouse on a beautiful summers day.
