Burnham-on-Sea Low Lighthouse

The Burnham-on-Sea Low Lighthouse, affectionately known as the "Lighthouse on Legs," is an iconic and highly photographed maritime landmark located in Somerset, England. Built in 1832 by Trinity House to a design by Joseph Nelson, this distinctive Grade II listed wooden structure stands on nine sturdy oak pilings directly on the sandy beach. Its unique elevation was engineered to allow the shifting sands and high tidal waters of the Bristol Channel to pass safely underneath, ensuring the stability of the lighthouse. For over a century, it worked in tandem with the nearby High Lighthouse to guide vessels navigating the treacherous waters of the channel. Today, the Low Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation and a beloved symbol of the local coastal heritage. Visitors are drawn to the beach to admire its striking white frame with a bold vertical red stripe, which makes for breathtaking photographs, particularly at sunset or when the tide surrounds its wooden legs. A walk along the expansive beach offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the Somerset coast.