Egypt Point light

Egypt Point marks the northern tip of the Isle of Wight, a small island off England’s south coast. Queen Victoria often visited this spot during her stays on the island. The point lies between the busy town of Cowes and the quieter village of Gurnard. A lighthouse once stood here, guiding ships along the coast for nearly a century. Trinity House maintained the light from 1897 until it was shut down in 1989. The lighthouse flashed white every ten seconds, visible up to twelve miles away. It began with paraffin lamps, then switched to acetylene in 1925, and finally to electricity in 1969. Though the light no longer shines, the tower remains a familiar landmark for sailors. After decommissioning, Trinity House handed the site to the Isle of Wight Council in 1997. The name ‘Egypt Point’ comes from a 16th-century gypsy camp nearby. Today the point is a favoured spot for watching the Round the Island Race. The annual sailing event starts and finishes in Cowes, passing close by. Visitors can stand where Queen Victoria once did and look out over the Solent. The view takes in the busy harbour and the open sea beyond. The old lighthouse, though silent, still adds to the scene.