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Southwold Lighthouse Lighthouse

Fl (4) White/Red 20s🇬🇧East Suffolk, GBOperational

Location & Light Range

About Southwold Lighthouse Lighthouse

Built in 1890, Southwold Lighthouse is a cylindrical brick tower painted white, standing 31 meters tall. It features a lantern and gallery and is attached to a two-story keeper's house. The lighthouse first became operational in the same year it was built. Automation occurred in 1938, and a significant upgrade between 2012 and 2013 extended its range. It emits four flashes, alternating white and red, every 20 seconds from a focal height of 37 meters. The lighthouse is open to the public.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guides navigation along the coast and assumed duties from the discontinued Orfordness Light.

Background
Southwold Lighthouse is a lighthouse operated by Trinity House in the centre of Southwold in Suffolk, England. It stands on the North Sea coast, acting as a warning light for shipping passing along the east coast and as a guide for vessels navigating to Southwold harbour.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (4) White/Red 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl(4) WR 20s
Focal Height
37m
Light Range
24NM (44.4 km)
Geographic Range
16.6NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1890

Significant events: automated in 1938, light upgraded and extended in range in 2012-13 to take over duties of discontinued Orfordness Light

Visiting

Open to public
Yes

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
31m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
brick

Structure: round brick tower with lantern and gallery, painted white, attached to a 2-story keeper's house

Location

City
East Suffolk
Country
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Region
England
Sea Region
Located in the center of the seaside resort town of Southwold, about 15 km south of Lowestoft, guiding navigation along the coast and taking over duties from Orfordness Light.
Latitude
52.0838°
Longitude
1.5742°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Orford(1.3 km)
Admiralty No.
A2272
NGA No.
1588
ARLHS No.
ENG-135
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7571483 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Southwold Lighthouse Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 37 meters and a nominal range of 24 nautical miles (approximately 44.4 km), Southwold Lighthouse is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Southwold Lighthouse Lighthouse at night?+
Southwold Lighthouse displays the characteristic Fl (4) White/Red 20s — 4 white/red flashes every 20 seconds. 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/red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Southwold Lighthouse Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Southwold Lighthouse Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Orford at 1.8 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Aldeburgh (4.1 NM NNE), Snape Bridge (4.8 NM NW), Thorpeness (5.2 NM NNE), Sizewell Beach (7.1 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Southwold Lighthouse Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Southwold Lighthouse 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 Southwold Lighthouse Lighthouse?+
Southwold Lighthouse 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 Southwold Lighthouse Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Southwold Lighthouse 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.