Name and Location

Old Light (Lundy Old Light) is a disused early-19th-century lighthouse located on the north end of Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel, off the coast of Bideford, Devon, England. The official address is Old Light, Lundy Island, Bideford – Lundy Island, Bideford, Devon EX39 2LY, United Kingdom.

Construction and History

The lighthouse was built in 1820 for the Corporation of Trinity House to a design attributed to Daniel Alexander. It originally consisted of two stone towers, a higher and a lower light, to overcome frequent fog and low visibility. The towers were superseded by a single, lower-elevation cast-iron lighthouse in 1897 and officially decommissioned the same year.

Architecture and Materials

The Old Light features early 19th-century classical lighthouse design with rubble-masonry towers clad in dressed granite (white-washed externally). The tower is cylindrical in form with a gallery and lantern, although the lantern has been removed upon decommissioning. Attached are single-storey keepers’ dwellings forming a small courtyard.

Light and Navigation

The Old Light no longer serves any navigational purpose. It was once used to guide ships through the Bristol Channel, but its original function is now obsolete.

Accessibility and Visiting

Access to Lundy Island is via ferry from Bideford, Ilfracombe or Hartland Quay (seasonal service) or by helicopter. Once ashore at MD Berth or Old Light Jetty, a footpath of moderate difficulty leads north across the moor to the Old Light (approximately 1 mile). The building is not open to casual drop-in visitors; access is for Landmark Trust guests only.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is perched atop rocky cliffs looking toward the Bristol Channel and mainland Devon. Heathery moorland and granite outcrops surround the structure, with seabirds and occasional seals visible offshore. Panoramic views include the Welsh coast to the north on clear days.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local folklore mentions a "keeper's ghost" said to wander the cliff path on foggy nights (unverified anecdote).

Technical and Operational Details

The Old Light is managed by the Landmark Trust as self-catering holiday accommodation, providing dormitory-style rooms and shared facilities for up to 18 guests. The building no longer serves any navigational purpose.

Further Information

For further information, please visit the Landmark Trust website (https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/old-light-13127) or Historic England Listing (search "Old Light Lundy").