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Calshot Castle Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇬🇧New Forest, GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Calshot Castle Lighthouse

A cylindrical aluminum tower, 11 meters tall, stands on a catamaran platform marking the entrance to Southampton Water from the Solent. This modern navigational aid, first lit in 2015, replaced the historic Calshot Spit lightship. It emits a single white flash every 5 seconds, visible for 11 nautical miles. The tower is painted red and sits about 1 mile southeast of Calshot Castle. Its focal height is 12 meters above sea level. The nearest port is Fawley, 3.4 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This light guides vessels through the narrow entrance to Southampton Water, a critical port. Its position helps mariners avoid shifting shoals and strong tidal currents in the Solent.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
12m
Geographic Range
11NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1888
First Lit
2015

Significant events: Replaced the historic Calshot Spit lightship

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Fawley(3.4 km)
Admiralty No.
A0576
NGA No.
0660
ARLHS No.
ENG-277

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
Red
Material
aluminum

Structure: cylindrical aluminum tower mounted on a catamaran platform

Location

City
New Forest
Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
England
Sea Region
Entrance to Southampton Water from the Solent, about 1 mi southeast of Calshot Castle
Latitude
50.7853°
Longitude
-1.3648°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Calshot Castle Lighthouse at night?+
Calshot Castle displays the characteristic Fl White 5s. 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 white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Calshot Castle Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Calshot Castle Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Beaulieu at 2.3 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Cowes (3.2 NM ESE), Fawley (3.5 NM NNE), Hamble (4.1 NM NNE), Newtown (5.3 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Calshot Castle Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Calshot Castle 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 Calshot Castle Lighthouse?+
Calshot Castle 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 Calshot Castle Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Calshot Castle 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.