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Nash Point Lighthouse: Historic Beacon on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast

Historic 1832 lighthouse on Wales’ Glamorgan Heritage Coast, blending maritime legacy with stunning cliff-top views and rare wildlife.

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Nash Point Lighthouse, a Grade II listed structure built in 1832, stands on the rugged Glamorgan Heritage Coast near Marcross, South Wales. Originally featuring twin towers designed by James Walker, it guided mariners away from the hazardous Nash Sands. Now automated, the lighthouse offers visitors scenic cliff-top views, a visitor centre, and a glimpse into maritime history amidst a protected natural environment rich in rare plants and wildlife.

A brief summary to Nash Point Lighthouse

  • Marcross, CF61 1ZH, GB
  • +447866767707
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Climb the high lighthouse tower for panoramic views but note there is a minimum height restriction of 1.1 metres.
  • Visit during the foghorn demonstrations held twice monthly to experience this unique maritime tradition.
  • Explore the surrounding coastal paths for scenic hiking and fossil hunting opportunities.
  • Check opening times for the visitor centre before planning your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Cardiff to Nash Point Lighthouse takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes via the A48 and B4265. Parking is available near the visitor centre but can be limited during peak times. No parking fees apply.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Llantwit Major and nearby towns to Marcross village, about 1.5 km from Nash Point. From Marcross, a moderate walk along the coast path leads to the lighthouse. Bus frequency varies, so check schedules in advance. Tickets cost around £3–£5.

  • Walking

    For active visitors, hiking along the Wales Coast Path from Llantwit Major to Nash Point offers a scenic 5 km route with some steep sections and uneven terrain. Suitable footwear and moderate fitness are recommended.

Nash Point Lighthouse location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Nash Point Lighthouse

Architectural Heritage and Maritime Significance

Nash Point Lighthouse was constructed between 1831 and 1832 following a tragic shipwreck of the passenger steamer Frolic on the dangerous Nash Sands, which claimed over 50 lives. Designed by James Walker, chief engineer for Trinity House, the station originally featured two circular towers—the taller eastern tower standing 37 metres high and the western tower 25 metres high—positioned approximately 300 metres apart. These twin towers ensured distinct visibility during daylight, aiding mariners in navigating the Bristol Channel safely. The low tower was decommissioned in the 1920s as red sector lights on the main tower took over its function, and its lantern removed in the 1950s. Electrification arrived in 1968, and Nash Point was the last staffed lighthouse in Wales until automation in 1998.

Natural Environment and Conservation

The lighthouse sits within the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, an area renowned for its dramatic cliffs composed of Lias limestone interspersed with softer materials, making it a site of geological interest and vulnerability to erosion. The surrounding meadow is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, notable for rare flora such as the tuberous thistle discovered in 1977. Wildlife including choughs can also be observed. The coastal landscape features fossils like ammonites and gryphaea, and the nearby Nash Bank is formed from Jurassic mudstones overlain by sand and gravel, adding to the area's scientific value.

Visitor Experience and Facilities

Since opening to the public in 2007, Nash Point Lighthouse offers visitors a unique experience combining history and nature. The visitor centre provides educational displays and hosts the foghorn sounding twice monthly for demonstration. Visitors can climb the high tower to view the original optical equipment and enjoy sweeping views of the Bristol Channel and surrounding cliffs. The site is popular for hiking, with trails connecting to nearby beaches and villages such as Marcross. The lighthouse complex also accommodates wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, where the foghorn replaces traditional bells.

Maritime Stories and Local Legends

Nash Point’s history is marked by maritime tragedies and rescues. Beyond the Frolic disaster, a notable 1907 collision between the ships Heliopolis and Orianda near the point resulted in loss of life. The lighthouse’s fog signal, installed in 1906, was a vital audible warning in poor visibility, and although no longer essential, it remains a cherished part of the site’s heritage. The nearby beach still reveals remains of shipwrecks at low tide, connecting visitors tangibly to the area’s seafaring past.

Preservation and Modern Role

Today, Nash Point Lighthouse is monitored remotely by Trinity House’s Planning Centre in Essex, reflecting advances in navigational technology such as the Differential Global Positioning System transmitter located nearby. The lighthouse continues to serve as a vital aid to navigation while balancing its role as a heritage site and nature conservation area. Its preservation as a Grade II listed building ensures that this emblematic beacon remains a symbol of maritime safety and coastal beauty on the Welsh coast.

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