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Greater London Lighthouses Lighthouse

Fl White 2.5s🇬🇧Greater London, GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Greater London Lighthouses Lighthouse

Constructed in 1885, this lighthouse stands on the south side of Rainham, marking a sharp bend within the Thames Estuary. The structure is a square skeletal tower, 9 meters high, painted red. Its light is situated 11 meters above sea level. A small equipment shelter is located at the tower's base. The light emits a single white flash every 2.5 seconds, visible for 10.7 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, but the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels through the busy Thames Estuary, particularly around the bend near Rainham, supporting the operations of the Port of London.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 2.5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
2.5s
Raw Code
Fl W 2.5s
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
10.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1885

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
red

Structure: square skeletal tower painted red; there is a small equipmant shelter in the base

Location

City
Greater London
Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
England
Sea Region
The Coldharbour Point Lighthouse is situated in a sharp bend of the Thames Estuary, on the south side of Rainham, within Greater London. It marks a crucial point along the Thames River, which flows into the North Sea.
Latitude
51.4879°
Longitude
0.1881°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Erith(0.6 km)
Admiralty No.
A2132.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Greater London Lighthouses Lighthouse at night?+
Greater London Lighthouses displays the characteristic Fl White 2.5s. 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 Greater London Lighthouses Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Greater London Lighthouses Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Erith at 0.8 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Dagenham (2.3 NM NW), Dartford (2.8 NM ESE), Purfleet (2.8 NM ESE), Grays (4.9 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Greater London Lighthouses Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Greater London Lighthouses 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 Greater London Lighthouses Lighthouse?+
Greater London Lighthouses 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 Greater London Lighthouses Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Greater London Lighthouses 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.