Anvil Point Lighthouse
Iconic 19th-century lighthouse on Dorset's dramatic Jurassic Coast, offering spectacular sea views and scenic coastal walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Golden hour magic
Anvil Point Lighthouse
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 19th-century lighthouse on Dorset's dramatic Jurassic Coast, offering spectacular sea views and scenic coastal walks.
"A lovely spot to venture to on foot through the woods and along the coast, highly recommended."
🚶♀️ Walk from Durlston Castle
Enjoy a beautiful walk with stunning views. Grab coffee/cake at Durlston Castle en route!
📸 Capture the Views
The cliff walks offer incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunrise/sunset.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dramatic Coastal Vistas
Cliff tops surrounding the lighthouse
Panoramic views of the English Channel and rugged Dorset coastline. A photographer's dream!
Historic Lighthouse Structure
Anvil Point
A picturesque 19th-century lighthouse standing sentinel over the sea. Iconic and photogenic.
Coastal Path Walks
From Swanage or Durlston Country Park
Scenic trails offering rewarding views and a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing Anvil Point Lighthouse
Best Views & Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk from Durlston Castle
Enjoy a beautiful walk with stunning views. Grab coffee/cake at Durlston Castle en route!
📸 Capture the Views
The cliff walks offer incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunrise/sunset. 
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The coastal paths can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is a must for your hike.
🚫 No Lighthouse Access
You can't go inside the lighthouse itself, but the surrounding scenery is the main attraction.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk from Durlston Castle
Enjoy a beautiful walk with stunning views. Grab coffee/cake at Durlston Castle en route!
📸 Capture the Views
The cliff walks offer incredible photo opportunities, especially at sunrise/sunset.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The coastal paths can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is a must for your hike.
🚫 No Lighthouse Access
You can't go inside the lighthouse itself, but the surrounding scenery is the main attraction.
🚗 Park at Durlston Country Park
This is the closest parking. From there, it's a rewarding walk to the lighthouse.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking coastal views and the scenic walks leading to Anvil Point Lighthouse. Many highlight the beauty of the surrounding landscape and the opportunity for photography. While the lighthouse itself isn't accessible, the journey and the vistas are considered well worth the effort. Some note that the primary access is via walking trails, with limited facilities directly at the lighthouse.
"A lovely spot to venture to on foot through the woods and along the coast, highly recommended."
Oliver Schofield
"This is not a place that you can visit unless you book accommodation here, it’s not cheap!
It’s located on a prominent position on the cliff top just past Durlston country park.
You can walk up to & past as you walk along the coastal path, a great pace for a photograph or two."
A G
"Lovely walk out to Anvil Point lighthouse beautiful walking trails and cliff top paths with wonderful views. Breakfast, coffee, or cake at Durston Castle en route."
Shane Harvey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way to reach Anvil Point Lighthouse is by walking along the coastal path. You can start from Swanage town or Durlston Country Park, which has parking available. The walk offers beautiful scenery along the way.
There is no direct parking at the lighthouse itself. The nearest parking is at Durlston Country Park, from where you can embark on a scenic walk to the lighthouse.
The road leading directly to the lighthouse is primarily for access to the holiday cottages. Visitors typically park at Durlston Country Park and walk the rest of the way.
Walking the South West Coast Path is highly recommended. It provides breathtaking views and connects you to other points of interest like Durlston Castle and Old Harry Rocks.
The walk is generally considered moderate, with some inclines. It's a rewarding hike, but comfortable walking shoes are essential.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit the grounds around Anvil Point Lighthouse. The area is accessible via public coastal paths.
Unfortunately, you cannot access the interior of Anvil Point Lighthouse as a visitor. It's a working lighthouse and also has attached holiday cottages.
The coastal paths are generally accessible at all times. Durlston Country Park has specific opening hours for its facilities, which are worth checking if you plan to visit them.
The cottages are available for holiday rentals only and are not open for public tours. Booking well in advance is recommended if you wish to stay.
While access to the park itself is free, there may be charges for parking. It's advisable to check the official Durlston Country Park website for the most current information.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the lighthouse and coastline. The golden hour provides beautiful, soft light.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the lighthouse against the vast sea, close-ups of its historic architecture, and panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast.
The entire cliff path offers excellent vantage points. Look for elevated spots along the trail for the most expansive and impressive compositions.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details of the lighthouse or distant sea views. A tripod is beneficial for low-light photography at sunrise/sunset.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check local bylaws and guidelines for Durlston Country Park and the surrounding coastal areas before flying a drone.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The main activity is enjoying the stunning coastal walks and the panoramic views of the English Channel. You can also visit Durlston Country Park nearby.
The lighthouse itself is not open to the public. However, there are two attached cottages available for holiday rental, offering a unique stay with sea views.
Restrooms and cafes are typically found at Durlston Country Park. There are no facilities directly at the lighthouse itself, so plan accordingly.
Absolutely! A day trip from Swanage or nearby towns is perfect for enjoying the coastal walk and the lighthouse views.
The two pylons near the lighthouse mark the eastern end of a set of markers used for measuring a nautical mile, a historical navigational aid.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the lighthouse itself isn't accessible, the journey there is the highlight. Durlston Country Park has facilities that can make a family day out more comfortable, including restrooms and a cafe. Encourage kids to look for seabirds and interesting rock formations along the coast.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
+1Aim for sunrise or sunset for the best light. Experiment with wide-angle lenses for sweeping landscapes and telephoto lenses for capturing the lighthouse's details. Don't forget a tripod for those magical low-light moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Coastal Path
+2Be prepared for varied terrain, including some steep ascents and descents. The path is well-maintained in most sections, but sturdy walking shoes are essential. Keep an eye out for local wildlife; the area is known for its diverse birdlife and wildflowers, especially in spring and summer.
+1Consider stopping at Durlston Country Park on your way. It offers facilities like a visitor centre, cafe, and restrooms, making it a convenient starting or ending point for your coastal adventure. The park itself is a nature reserve with its own walking trails and points of interest, including Durlston Castle, which provides historical context and often serves as a pleasant spot for refreshments.
The Anvil Point Lighthouse Cottages
Booking a stay in one of these cottages is highly recommended for a truly immersive experience. Visitors who have rented the cottages often rave about the incredible sea views and the peaceful atmosphere. It's an ideal option for couples or small families looking for a memorable getaway on the Dorset coast.
While the cottages themselves are private, their location means that guests are perfectly positioned to explore the surrounding coastal paths. Waking up to the sound of the waves and having direct access to some of the most beautiful stretches of the Jurassic Coast is a significant draw for those choosing to stay here.
Photography Opportunities
+1When composing your shots, consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the coastline and the lighthouse in its entirety. For more detail, a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating the lighthouse or capturing distant maritime activity. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light conditions, ensuring sharp images even when the sun dips below the horizon.
Beyond the lighthouse itself, explore the surrounding coastal paths for unique perspectives. Look for interesting foreground elements, such as wildflowers or rock formations, to add depth to your landscape photography. The ever-changing sea conditions can also add a dynamic element to your images, from calm, glassy waters to dramatic, wave-battered shores.
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