Whitby East Pier Lighthouse

Whitby East Pier Lighthouse stands on the East Pier at the entrance to Whitby harbour in North Yorkshire. It was built in 1855 and is the shorter of the two lighthouses protecting the harbour. The other lighthouse, on the West Pier, was built earlier and is taller. Together they guide ships safely into the port. In about 1914 the east pier was extended 150 metres further into the sea. A new beacon was added at the end of this extension to improve navigation. The lighthouse is worth visiting for its role in Whitby’s maritime history. Both lighthouses have guided vessels for over a century and a half. Modern lights were fitted to the towers and beacons in 2011 to keep the system up to date. The East Pier Lighthouse remains an important part of the town’s working harbour. Its position on the pier offers views of the North Sea and the town’s historic skyline. The contrast between the old stone tower and the newer beacon shows how the harbour has adapted over time. Visitors find a quiet spot on the pier with sweeping views of the sea and the abbey on the cliffs. The lighthouse itself is a simple stone tower with a lantern room at the top. The extended pier leads out to the new beacon, where waves break against the rocks below. The harbour entrance is busy with fishing boats and pleasure craft. The East Pier Lighthouse stands as a reminder of Whitby’s long connection to the sea.