Watchet Harbour Lighthouse

The Watchet Harbour Lighthouse stands at the end of the west pier in the small Somerset town of Watchet. Built in 1860 and rebuilt in 1905, it is a red cast-iron tower with a white lantern and green lens. The structure was designed by James Abernethy after Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s proposal was rejected. In 2012 Princess Anne unveiled a plaque marking the lighthouse’s 150th anniversary. The lighthouse marks the starboard approach to the marina with a fixed green light, guiding vessels into the harbour. It was part of a larger improvement scheme that included a new east pier and harbour walls, completed in 1862. These changes allowed 500-ton ships to enter Watchet for the first time. The harbour’s growth was tied to the export of iron ore from mines in the Brendon Hills. Visitors walk along the west pier to reach the lighthouse, where the iron structure rises above the water. The green light contrasts with the red tower, making it a clear landmark for boats. The harbour walls and piers frame views of the Bristol Channel, while the lighthouse itself remains a working aid to navigation.