A lighthouse tour is one of the best UK van life road trips. Here is a route hitting the most spectacular lighthouses, with overnight parking at each.
Verdict
The best lighthouse van life route: South Stack (Anglesey), Mull of Galloway, Ardnamurchan Point, and Stoer Head. Four incredible lighthouses, all with free overnight parking within sight of the tower.
South West: Cornwall & Devon
- Lizard Point: The most southerly lighthouse in mainland Britain. 19th-century granite tower. The car park is £3, overnight tolerated outside summer. Sea views from the van.
- Pendeen Watch: Near St Just. Beautiful white tower on a rocky headland. Large car park, free, quiet overnight. Sunset here is spectacular.
- Hartland Point: North Devon. 37m white tower on a cliff. The car park is tiny (4 vans max). Arrive early. Overnight in the Hartland Quay pub car park (buy dinner, they will let you stay).
- Start Point: South Devon. Red and white striped tower. The car park is £2, no restrictions, quiet overnight.
Wales
- South Stack (Anglesey): The most photographed lighthouse in Wales. 91 steps down a cliff to the tower. The car park is free, van-friendly, overnight allowed. The RSPB reserve next door has puffins in summer.
- Strumble Head (Pembrokeshire): White tower on a rocky island, connected by a bridge. The car park is large, free, and quiet. Dolphin spotting from the headland.
- Bardsey Island (from Aberdaron): You need the boat to visit the island, but the viewpoint from Aberdaron beach is excellent. Park at the Aberdaron car park (£3/day, quiet overnight).
Lake District
- St Bees Head: The start of Wainwright's Coast to Coast walk. The lighthouse is automated. Park at the St Bees car park (£4/day, overnight tolerated). Walk the cliff path to the lighthouse (30 mins).
Scotland
- Mull of Galloway: Scotland's most southerly point. White tower on a cliff. The car park is free. Overnight parking allowed. Views of the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland on a clear day.
- Corsewall Point (near Stranraer): Now a hotel. The lighthouse is still active. You can park in the hotel car park (free, ask at reception). The hotel bar serves good food.
- Ardnamurchan Point: The most westerly lighthouse on mainland Britain. Remote, beautiful, 36m tower. The car park is small but overnight is fine (very quiet). Nearest shop is 20 miles away.
- Stoer Head (Assynt, NW Scotland): Striking white tower on a jagged headland. The track is narrow — suitable for SWB vans only. Overnight parking at the lighthouse is fine (no facilities, total solitude).
- Cape Wrath: Accessible only by the passenger ferry from Durness (the road is MOD owned). Leave the van at Durness car park and walk/ferry to the lighthouse. Durness has a large campervan car park near the beach.
Essential Lighthouse Tips
- Most lighthouses are automated and not open to the public. You see them from the outside.
- Some are open for tours in summer (South Stack, Lizard Point, Pendeen) — check times
- A pair of binoculars for spotting seabirds and seals
- The best lighthouse photos are at sunrise and sunset
- Coastal roads are narrow — the road to Ardnamurchan is single track with passing places for 12 miles
- Fuel is scarce on remote peninsulas — fill up before you go
