North Devon Lighthouses: a heritage guide for visitors

North Devon's lighthouses are not museum pieces placed beside the sea for visitors. They are working aids to navigation, set in some of the coast's most exposed landscapes. For a holiday based in Woolacombe, the sensible choices are Bull Point Lighthouse near Mortehoe for a local coastal stop, and Lynmouth Foreland Lighthouse at Foreland Point for a longer day out towards Exmoor.

Both are best seen as part of a walk or a wider day on the coast. Neither should be treated as an attraction with guaranteed access or a place to cross private land. Go for the headland, the views and the story of how this coast has been marked for mariners, then follow signs and stay on the public path.

For visitors staying in Woolacombe, Bull Point Lighthouse is the natural first choice. It stands on the headland near Mortehoe, beyond the busy beach scene, and makes a useful focus for a coast-and-village day rather than a destination to rush to and leave.

Trinity House says the current Bull Point Lighthouse was built in 1975, replacing an earlier light from 1879, to guide vessels off the North Devon coast. Its predecessor had to be replaced after serious ground movement and cliff collapse in 1972; the present lighthouse has been automated since 1975 and is monitored from Trinity House's Planning Centre. That is the essential heritage story here: the lighthouse belongs to a coastline that is beautiful, but never fixed or tame. Trinity House: Bull Point Lighthouse

The National Trust's Morte Point and Bull Point circular walk takes the public coast path to the lighthouse, passing Rockham Bay. It describes the route as challenging, with steep, rocky paths, climbs and steps; it can be slippery in wet weather and exposed to high winds. That makes Bull Point a rewarding choice when your group is prepared for a proper coastal walk, not a promise of an easy stroll. National Trust: Morte Point and Bull Point circular walk

If conditions or young legs make the full circuit unsuitable, keep the visit modest. Spend time in Mortehoe, take in the coastline from the established paths, and save a more ambitious section for another day. Our Mortehoe history guide gives the village context, while North Devon shipwrecks explains why this coast's headlands, rocks and maritime stories are so closely connected.

For walking ideas and practical preparation, use our North Devon South West Coast Path guide. Check the current route information before setting out, particularly after storms or prolonged rain, and follow any signs or temporary diversions on the day.

A few habits make these places better for everyone:

• Stay on the signed public route. Coast paths can run close to operational sites and private land; a good view does not require crossing a boundary.
• Let the weather choose the scale of the day. Wind, wet ground and poor visibility can change an exposed walk quickly. Pick a shorter local outing, or another part of the coast, when the forecast is against you.
• Keep children close near cliffs. The National Trust specifically warns that the Bull Point route has steep sections and high-wind exposure. The Foreland Point route includes a narrow option that is unsuitable in poor weather or for people uneasy with heights.
• Do not use a heritage page for navigation. Check official walking information, signs and any on-the-day closures. Lighthouses are working infrastructure, and the sea and cliff paths deserve the same respect whether you are there for a photograph or a full walk.