Lighthouse Explorers News
Keep up with the latest from Lighthouse Explorers. Our blog follows our group trips, events, projects and adventures, sharing what we’ve been up to as we explore and celebrate lighthouse heritage.
-
Building a Future in Heritage: Some Big News
I have some incredibly exciting news to share! Before I get into the details, I wanted to tell you a bit about how we got here along my slightly messy career path, the choices shaped (and derailed) by Covid, and why this moment feels so special. Today, I’ve taken a leap forward in building my…
-
Why you should volunteer at Leasowe Lighthouse
When you walk up to Leasowe Lighthouse on the windswept Wirral coast, it feels almost timeless. Built in 1763, it’s Britain’s oldest brick-built lighthouse. It’s also been out of use for over 100 years; it’s light was extinguished in 1908. Currently, a team of dedicated volunteers called ‘The Friends of Leasowe Lighthouse’ keep the metaphorical…
-
Exploring South Foreland Lighthouse with (a couple of) strangers
Welcome back to another dose of lighthouse history and exploration! Today’s post is all about our sixth Lighthouse Explorers group trip (and the third of the 2025 season). This one was particularly special. Cared for by the National Trust, South Foreland Lighthouse is one of the most beautifully preserved lighthouses I’ve ever had the fortune…
-
Exploring Smeaton’s Tower & Eddystone Lighthouse: Our First Group Trip of 2025
It’s been far too long since my last lighthouse-related adventure. Life’s been hectic, but I’ve also had one big thing to look forward to: the Summer of Lighthouse Adventures! This summer will take me on seven different lighthouse group trips, plus a spectacular cycling expedition along part of the Irish coastline. The 2024 Group Trips…
-
Lighthouse Keeper Interview Transcript (Gerry Butler)
Earlier this week I released ‘The Joys of Lighthouse Keeping‘, an interview with ex-lighthouse keeper, Gerry Butler. This is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. If podcasts aren’t your cup of tea, the transcript is below. Enjoy! Introducing Gerry: ex-lighthouse keeper, and current caretaker of Galley Head Lighthouse Annie: I was fortunate enough to get…
-
The Joys of Lighthouse Keeping, an Interview with Gerry Butler
Recently, I had the pleasure of talking to Gerry about his years as a lighthouse keeper. He started with the Commissioners of Irish Lights in 1969, formally retiring in 1990. He had an incredible career, even serving at Fastnet Lighthouse in 1979, during the infamous yacht race disaster. For the full interview, you can listen…
-
Exploring Hurst Point lighthouse and castle
Exploring Hurst Point lighthouse and castle. A blog covering the history of the site, as well as my experience visiting the lighthouse.
-
Nash Point Lighthouse ~ The Group Trip That Never Was
The trip to Nash Point lighthouse on 20 October 2024 was supposed to be the third Lighthouse Explorers group trip and the first outside of England! The journey to Belle Tout and Beachy Head, gorgeous lighthouses in Eastbourne, was the first group trip. The second trip was to Old Dungeness Lighthouse, a lighthouse set on…
-
The history of Pilot Bay Lighthouse | The widow, the keeper, and the horse.
Pilot Bay Lighthouse has a rich history, full of tales demonstrating community spirit and commitment to a safer lake.
-
A gem of the Scottish coast: Rattray Head lighthouse
The lighthouse built despite repeated rejections from Trinity House: Rattray Head lighthouse. The tower was originally proposed by engineer Alan Stevenson in 1851, however, the lighthouse’s construction was postponed repeatedly due to skepticism over its necessity. I visited the lighthouse in September 2023, and was blown away by its beauty.