The Anvil Point Lighthouse is a beautiful, twelve-meter tall Lighthouse that was constructed from quarried stone in 1891 to give guidance to vessels traveling along the English Channel coast. In 1894, an explosive fog signal was added to sound off every ten minutes in foggy weather. Modifications in 1960 replaced some of the older features with more improved, automatic equipment. Today, some of the property has been converted into holiday homes as well.
History of the Anvil Point Lighthouse
The lighthouse is constructed of local stone and was completed in 1881. The lighthouse tower is twelve metres in height, while the height of the light above the high-water level is 45 metres. The light is positioned in such a way to provide a waypoint for vessels passing along the English Channel coastline. The light was initially illuminated by a paraffin vapour burner, but in 1960, the lighthouse would be brought into the modern age with the addition of electricity. The light would become fully automated in May of 1991 and is currently monitored and controlled directly from the Trinity House Operations Control Centre located at Harwich.
The lighthouse originally had a 1,000 watt filament lamp with a light intensity of 500,000 Candela. The lights range was reduced following a review of navigation aids in 2010. The old, original fog signal was a 5-minute cannon. This signal was replaced in 1981 by new automated equipment, but today, it has been discontinued. In 2012, a LED light was installed just above the rotating Fresnel lens to serve as the main light at Anvil Point. The old lens, though now retired, remains in place in the tower.
The lighthouse is located near a visitor centre that is sometimes open to the public for tours. Be sure to contact the center for operational hours prior to visiting. On an interesting side note, the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Some of the older buildings in the area have been refurbished as holiday cottages and can be rented, depending on availability.
Places to Stay Near Anvil Point
If you’re looking for a place to spend the night, Anvil Lighthouse has two holiday homes available – Veronica and Rowena. Visitors that have stayed here talk about stunning views, comfortable beds, and a location fitting nautical theme throughout the homes. Veronica Cottage sleeps six guests with two king-sized beds and one single bed. Rowena is a 5-bedroom option that sleeps 5 people with a fully working kitchen.
Prices start from £566 a night for both rentals, with a two-night minimum stay. One well-behaved dog is welcome to come along for a small additional charge at the Rowena cottage; dogs are not allowed at the Veronica cottage. Booking is handled by Rural Retreats.
It’s convenient location within the grounds of Durlston Country Park, approximately 2 miles up the hill from the Swanage town center, make it hard to pass up making a visit to this scenic destination. Multiple other attractions are located nearby as well, including the Tilly Whim Caves, sandy beaches, Corfe Castle, and Parks and Gardens. Dog-friendly trails guide visitors through the area and hotels, shops, and restaurants are also located nearby. If you’re already planning a busy day of sightseeing some of Swanage’s most beautiful spots, consider adding the Lighthouse to your itinerary.
