Start Point Lighthouse, Torcross, South Devon
Lighthouse in stunning location on the tip of Devon
Explore the South Devon coast from the Dartmouth area all the way down to Torcross and Beesands and Hallsands and you'll see a ligthouse on the tip of a coastal point. This is Start Point Lighthouse.
Location of Start Point Lighthouse
Start Point is at the southern end of Start Bay in South Devon. Salcombe and the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary are to the west. Dartmouth and the Dart Estuary are to the north. A lighthouse rises from the coastal point.
We've positioned Start Point on Google maps. Zoom in on the 'Satellite' setting to see its location.
Directions and parking for Start Point Lighthouse
Follow the A379 from Kingsbridge or Dartmouth down to the Torcross area. You then drive skinny lanes south to the countryside above Start Point.
There's a car parking area near Start Farm above Start Point. This is clearly visible on Google's satellite imagery. Charges apply.
It's fun to walk in as well. We'd recommend following the South West Coast Path from East Prawle or the small car parking area at Prawle Point. Alternatively, walk in from the large car parking areas around Torcross. Both are sensational walks.
Start Point Lighthouse
Follow the Start Point Lighthouse access road down to the lighthouse. This is open to the public at specific times during the year. Consult the Start Point Lighthouse website for details. We've been on a couple of occasions and the guides have been great. Charges apply.
The lighthouse dates from 1836.
Other Devon lighthouses
Berry Head Ligthouse at Berry Head above Brixham at the southern end of Tor Bay on The English Riviera.
Lynmouth Foreland Lighthouse is in an extraordinary location across the water from Lynmouth and Lynton in Exmoor National Park. Lynmouth Foreland Lighthouse is near the Devon/Somerset border.
Bull Point Lighthouse at Bull Point is at the far north west corner of Devon on the coast between Ilfracombe and Woolacombe.
Crow Point Lighthouse and Instow Lighthouses guard the mouths of River Taw and River Torridge in North Devon. The views from both, especially at low tide, are amazing.
Hartland Point Lighthouse at Hartland Point on the Hartland Peninsula is on one of the wildest and most beautiful stretches of UK coastline. Superb place.
There are two lighthouses at either end of Lundy Island.
Other Cornwall lighthouses
Trevose Head Lighthouse. Another stunning coastal location at Trevose Head between the glorious Mother Ivey's Bay Beach and Constantine Bay Beach.
Godrevy Lighthouse. Famous lighthouse at the northern end of St Ives Bay.
Pendeen Lighthouse. One of many beautifully located lighthouses in West Cornwall.
Tater Du Lighthouse. Located on sublime coastline between Mousehole and Porthcurno.
Lizard Lighthouse is down on the Lizard Peninsula in West Cornwall.
St Anthony Lighthouse. Guards the mouth of the Fal Estuary near St Anthony and St Mawes and across the water from Falmouth.
Things to do by Start Point Lighthouse
If you're a keen walker then we'd recommend a circular walk taking in Start Point, Peartree Point and Lannacombe Beach. Follow the South West Coast Path from the car parking area. The path cuts across Start Point. Follow it around Peartree Point to Lannacombe Beach. Spend some time on the beach and then yomp up the farm track to the car parking area and top of Start Point.
Beaches by Start Point Lighthouse
Great Mattiscombe Sand (Beach), Lannacombe Beach, Woodcombe Sand (Beach), Malcombe Sand (Beach) and Horseley Cove (Beach) line Lannacombe Bay to the west.
Sunny Cove (Beach), Mill Bay Beach (National Trust) and East Portlemouth Beaches (Small's Cove up to Ditchend Cove) line the east side of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary.
North Sands (Beach) and South Sands (Beach) are on the west side of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary.
Hall Sands (Beach), Bee Sands (Beach), Slapton Sands (Beach) and Blackpool Sands (Beach) line Start Bay to the north.
Other things to do near Start Point Lighthouse
For pubs, try the Pigs Nose Inn in East Prawle or the Cricket Inn in Beesands.
The Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary is extraordinary. You can take a foot ferry from East Portlemouth across the water to Salcombe.
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