New London Lighthouse
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New London Lighthouse

4.5
·199 reviews·Kensington, Canada

Iconic New England lighthouses offering stunning coastal views, rich history, and intriguing ghost legends.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour light

CrowdLow
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New London Lighthouse

New London Lighthouse

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic New England lighthouses offering stunning coastal views, rich history, and intriguing ghost legends.

4.5
(199 reviews)

"Magnificent view. Walking through the tall grass to get there is out of a movie."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 Golden Hour Magic

Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most stunning photos and serene atmosphere.

👻 Ghostly Encounters?

Learn about the legend of 'Ernie,' the ghost rumored to haunt the Ledge Lighthouse.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 199 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

New London Ledge Lighthouse

New London Ledge Lighthouse

New London Harbor

Iconic water-bound lighthouse with a unique masonry design and a rumored resident ghost.

Instagram+1
New London Harbor Lighthouse

New London Harbor Lighthouse

New London Harbor

The oldest and tallest lighthouse in New England, visible for nearly 15 miles.

Instagram+1
Coastal Views & Beaches

Coastal Views & Beaches

Near the lighthouses

Enjoy magnificent views from the tall grass and sandy beaches, perfect for picnics and ocean watching.

Reddit+1
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Planning Your Visit

Best Time for Photos

Capture the magic of New London Lighthouses during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views. Golden hour light enhances the historic architecture and coastal scenery, making for unforgettable photos. Instagram+1

Ghostly Legends & History

Explore the intriguing history and local legends surrounding the New London Ledge Lighthouse, including tales of a resident ghost named Ernie. Instagram+2

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Low
When
Off-season
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The lights are on at The Churchill Arms in Kensington 🎄✨🤩 #london #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #christmas
@londonedition
178.9K likes • 2.6M views

🌅 Golden Hour Magic

Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most stunning photos and serene atmosphere. Instagram+1

👻 Ghostly Encounters?

Learn about the legend of 'Ernie,' the ghost rumored to haunt the Ledge Lighthouse. Instagram+1

📍Princess Diana memorial garden, Kensington gardens #london #londonfreethingstodo #londonthingstodo #kensingtonpalace #fyp
@patrisia.hubchuk
115.8K likes • 1M views
A moment of calm at New London Ledge Lighthouse during sunrise. Fun Fact: Did you know that New London Ledge Lighthouse in New London, Connecticut not only illuminates the way for sailors but also boasts a unique Second Empire architectural style? #lighthouse #newlondon #newlondonct #connecticut #usa #history #funfact #newengland #yourshotphotographer
lighthouse__hunter
691 likes • 3.9K views

🚗 Parking Pointers

Parking can be limited, especially during peak season. Arrive early or consider off-season visits. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Beach Access

Enjoy the clean, quiet beaches near the lighthouses for a relaxing picnic or stroll. Reddit

Ledge Lighthouse moonrise in New London, CT! So thankful to have a flying camera since I couldn't line these up from land. Shout out to seagulls! #newlondonct #ct #ledgelighthouse #drone #lighthouse #djimavic3pro
tonynorthrup
944 likes • 21.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌅 Golden Hour Magic

Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most stunning photos and serene atmosphere. Instagram+1

👻 Ghostly Encounters?

Learn about the legend of 'Ernie,' the ghost rumored to haunt the Ledge Lighthouse. Instagram+1

🚗 Parking Pointers

Parking can be limited, especially during peak season. Arrive early or consider off-season visits. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Beach Access

Enjoy the clean, quiet beaches near the lighthouses for a relaxing picnic or stroll. Reddit

📸 Drone Photography

Drones can offer unique perspectives, but be mindful of local regulations and wildlife. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(199 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the magnificent views and the picturesque walk through tall grass to reach the New London Lighthouses and their adjacent beaches. The historical significance of the lighthouses, particularly the New London Harbor Lighthouse, is a major draw. However, some find the lack of interior access and limited parking to be drawbacks.

"Magnificent view. Walking through the tall grass to get there is out of a movie. One of my favourite beaches and places in PEi."

Buschra Jalabi

"Try to take river rd to cape rd… cape rd x cape tryon rd is a disaster single lane… Aside from trying to get here, the beach and walk to the lighthouse is nice and easy. No access to see inside the lighthouse or read about it… Nice views."

Yung Vsop

"This simple lighthouse is just a couple of hundred meters from a beach. Free Parking at the beach, though not a lot of parking space, I went on a motorcycle so it was easy for me to park, but a cars may have to fight it out for available parking. A bit of dirt road (just a few hundred meters) to get to parking."

Hai Vu

What People Like

Magnificent views
Scenic walks
Historical significance

What People Dislike

No interior access
Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The lighthouses are accessible by car, with parking available near the beaches. Some visitors recommend taking Cape Road to the very end for parking. Reddit While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, the area is scenic for driving. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available near the beaches, but it can be limited, especially during busy times. Arriving early is advised. Reddit

Yes, you can walk to the lighthouses from the nearby parking areas. The walk through tall grass and along the beach is often described as scenic. Reddit

One Reddit user mentioned that the stretch of Cape Road near Cape Tryon Road can be a single-lane disaster, suggesting to take Cape Road to the very end for better access. Reddit

For the New London Lighthouse, take Cape Rd to the very end for parking. Some visitors have added maps to help first-time visitors avoid confusion with private driveways. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, visiting the exterior and surrounding areas of the New London Lighthouses is free. There is no mention of admission fees for viewing from the outside. Reddit+1

Currently, there is no access mentioned for seeing inside the New London Lighthouses or reading about their history on-site. Reddit

The lighthouse areas and surrounding beaches are typically accessible during daylight hours. Specific hours for any potential tours are not widely published. Reddit

Information on guided tours for the New London Lighthouses is not readily available. Most visitors enjoy the exterior views and the surrounding natural beauty. Reddit

The beaches near the lighthouses are generally free to access, with free parking available, though it can be limited. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, creating a magical atmosphere. Instagram+1 Drone photography can also provide unique aerial shots. Instagram

No specific restrictions on general photography have been mentioned. However, drone usage may be subject to local regulations. Instagram

The historic architecture, coastal setting, and the opportunity for stunning sunrise/sunset shots make them highly photogenic. Instagram+1

While the ghost of 'Ernie' is a local legend, there are no reports or possibilities of photographing a ghost. Instagram+1

The beaches and the areas with tall grass offer excellent vantage points for capturing the lighthouses against the ocean backdrop. Reddit

🎫 👻 Local Legends & History

Built between 1906 and 1909, the New London Ledge Lighthouse is a rare turn-of-the-century, water-bound lighthouse with a masonry, Federal style design, serving as a navigational aid. Instagram

Yes, it's rumored to be haunted by a former light keeper named 'Ernie,' who supposedly lingered as a ghost. Instagram+2

Legend has it that Ernie, a former light keeper in the 1920s, remained as a ghost until psychics intervened in 1981. Instagram+1

It's the nation's fifth oldest light station and the seventh oldest lighthouse overall, as well as the tallest and oldest lighthouse in Connecticut. Instagram+1

The New London Lighthouse is linked to the famous ship Marco Polo, adding to its historical interest. Reddit

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