High Lighthouse — Attraction in Tendring

The High Lighthouse in Harwich, Essex, is a captivating historic structure with a fascinating maritime heritage. Built in 1818, this elegant red-brick lighthouse stands 90 feet tall and served as an essential navigation aid, paired with the Low Lighthouse, to guide ships safely through the treacherous waters of the North Sea. Though it was decommissioned in the mid-19th century, the High Lighthouse remains an iconic landmark.

Visitors today can explore the lighthouse, with its spiral staircase leading to panoramic views over Harwich and the coast, which are especially stunning on clear days. The lighthouse offers a peek into the area’s rich maritime past, making it a rewarding stop for history buffs and those interested in maritime heritage. Its proximity to the Harwich Maritime Museum and the Ha’penny Pier enhances the experience, providing a full day of exploration in a quaint seaside town. A must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply scenic views.

It is walkable distance from the Harwich Town...

This old building is 200 years old now and was used in its latter years as Harwich Council accommodation.

The last tenant was a lady who was known locally as Lighthouse Lil. There are 100 steps to get to the top of this old building and there are I think 5 rooms all with a coal fire which in winter needed to be kept alight.

Can your imagine what it was like for old Lil having to hump buckets of coal up those 100 steps just to keep this drafty old place warm especially in her latter years.

The one thing she did have though was the most magnificent view of Harwich from the top room.

Old Lil is no longer with us now. I would like to take my hat off to her to salute her remarkable strength and resilience she showed...

One of 4 former lighthouses located around this peninsula of busy North Sea coast. Harwich's High Lighthouse is the only one of the 4 resembling the typical tower construction, so due to its height still remains a navigation aid for local shipping. The red-brick, polygonal construction is quite ornate & reminiscent of the Naze Tower, visible on the opposite coast. It was built as a pair with the Low Lighthouse on the seafront, both of which were made redundant by the shifting channel on the approach to Harwich Port & stopped functioning in 1863. Access to the top is permitted for sightseeing, but only when the museum located inside the tower is open, (which is once in a...