Trwyn Du Lighthouse: Guardian of Anglesey’s Eastern Coast
Historic lighthouse guarding Anglesey’s eastern coast with striking black bands and a legacy of maritime safety since 1838.
Trwyn Du Lighthouse, standing 29 meters tall on the eastern tip of Anglesey near Penmon, has warned sailors since 1838 of the treacherous currents between Puffin Island and the mainland. Designed by James Walker, this striking white tower with three black bands was the first automated Trinity House lighthouse in 1922 and now operates with a solar-powered light visible up to 22 km away.
A brief summary to Trwyn Du Lighthouse
- 8X75+4Q, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during clear weather for the best views of Puffin Island and the Menai Strait.
- Bring binoculars to spot puffins on Puffin Island during breeding season from April to July.
- Explore nearby Penmon Priory and the pilots’ cottages to deepen your understanding of the area's maritime heritage.
- Listen for the fog bell’s toll every 30 seconds, a unique atmospheric feature of the lighthouse.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the local bus service from Llangefni or Beaumaris to Penmon village, with a journey time of approximately 30-45 minutes. Services run several times daily but check schedules seasonally. From Penmon, it is a 20-minute walk to the lighthouse along coastal paths.
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Car
Driving from Holyhead or Bangor takes around 40-60 minutes via the A55 and local roads. Limited parking is available near Penmon Priory, about a 15-minute walk from the lighthouse. Parking can be busy during peak season.
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Walking
For an active approach, hike along the Wales Coast Path from Beaumaris or Penmon. The terrain includes some uneven coastal trails and moderate inclines, suitable for most walkers and offering scenic views en route. Allow 1-2 hours depending on starting point.
Trwyn Du Lighthouse location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Trwyn Du Lighthouse
A Beacon Born from Tragedy and Maritime Necessity
Trwyn Du Lighthouse was constructed between 1835 and 1838 in response to the perilous waters off Anglesey’s eastern tip, particularly the dangerous currents separating Puffin Island from the mainland. The tragic wreck of the steamer Rothsay Castle in 1831, which claimed nearly 130 lives, galvanized calls from Liverpool’s maritime community for a guiding light at this site. The lighthouse was built at a cost of £11,589 and designed by James Walker, a pioneering civil engineer who later designed numerous notable lighthouses and iconic British landmarks.Innovative Design to Withstand the Sea’s Fury
Walker’s design was groundbreaking for its time: the lighthouse features a stepped base to dissipate the force of storm surges and towering waves, protecting the structure from damage. Its austere, vertical walls and crenellated stone parapet distinguish it from more ornate towers. The tower narrows above its midpoint and is painted white with three distinctive black horizontal bands. On its north and south faces, the words “NO PASSAGE LANDWARD” warn ships of the hazardous waters. Walker also experimented with a primitive water closet system, though seawater surges made it impractical.From Manned Tower to Automated Sentinel
Originally staffed by two keepers, Trwyn Du became the first Trinity House lighthouse to be automated in 1922, switching to acetylene operation and eliminating the need for permanent personnel. The light source evolved from an oil-burning Argand lamp to modern solar power in 1996. Today, the lighthouse emits a white flash every five seconds with an intensity of 15,000 candela, visible up to 22 kilometers (12 nautical miles) out to sea. It remains remotely monitored from Trinity House’s control center.Surrounding Maritime Heritage and Natural Beauty
The lighthouse stands near the site of a former lifeboat station established in 1832, which operated until 1915, saving numerous lives from shipwrecks in these hazardous waters. Nearby, the Penmon pilots’ cottages recall the skilled navigators who guided vessels through the Menai Strait’s tricky passages. The area offers stunning views of Puffin Island, once home to abundant puffin colonies, and the wild Irish Sea. The rugged coastline, pebble beaches, and nearby Penmon Priory enrich the visitor experience with layers of history and natural charm.Legends, Landscape, and Lasting Legacy
Local folklore imbues the area with tales of curses and hidden treasures linked to the monastic past of Puffin Island and the smuggling routes along the coast. The rhythmic tolling of the lighthouse’s fog bell, sounding every 30 seconds, adds to the atmospheric character of this exposed headland. Trwyn Du Lighthouse stands not only as a vital maritime safety aid but also as a symbol of human ingenuity confronting nature’s challenges, a sentinel where history, legend, and the sea converge.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Beaumaris Pier
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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& Mrs Jones
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The Victoria
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
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- Selfie Spots
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For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
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For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
