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Blackpool Tower Lighthouse

F Red🇬🇧GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Blackpool Tower Lighthouse

Constructed of steel and painted a dark red, the Blackpool Tower stands 158 meters tall. This square, tapered observation tower was built in 1894 and is located on the Blackpool Promenade in northwest England. Its focal height is also 158 meters, and it emits a fixed red light. The tower provides navigational guidance for ships up to 30.3 nautical miles away. It also serves as an aircraft warning light.

Why it matters: The Blackpool Tower serves as both an aircraft warning light and a navigational aid for maritime traffic along the coast. Its distinctive design, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, makes it a notable architectural feature.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
F Red
Flash Type
Fixed
Light Color
Red
Raw Code
F R
Focal Height
158m
Geographic Range
30.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1894

Significant events: tower opened in 1894

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Fleetwood(6.3 km)
Admiralty No.
A4919.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
158m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
a dark red
Material
steel

Structure: square tapered steel observation tower, painted a dark red

Location

Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
England
Sea Region
Located on the Blackpool Promenade at Victoria Street, a few blocks south of the North Pier in northwest England.
Latitude
53.8156°
Longitude
-3.0556°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Blackpool Tower Lighthouse at night?+
Blackpool Tower displays the characteristic F Red. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Blackpool Tower Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Blackpool Tower Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Saint-Anne's-on-Sea at 3.9 NM to the S. Other ports served include Fleetwood (6.6 NM NNE), Southport (10.1 NM SSE), Birkdale (11 NM S), Preston (11.5 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Blackpool Tower Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Blackpool Tower Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Blackpool Tower Lighthouse?+
Blackpool Tower Lighthouse is located within the English Channel / North Sea corridor — one of the world's busiest maritime corridors connecting the Atlantic to Northern European ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Blackpool Tower Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Blackpool Tower Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.