Gibbs Hill Lighthouse
St. Anne’s Road, Cross Bay, Southampton
Bermuda boasts two lighthouses, but the one at Gibbs Hill is notable as the first of only a few in the world to be made from cast iron. Standing 354 feet (108 meters) above sea level on one of Bermuda’s highest hills, the sparkling white lighthouse was first lit in 1846 and automated in 1964, its light visible for miles out to sea.
Visitors to the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse can climb the 185-step spiral staircase to the top of the tower for spectacular views of South Shore, Little Sound, Hamilton, and the Royal Navy Dockyard. Exhibits on the way up recount the history of the lighthouse and its importance to Bermuda, while the former signal station now houses a gift shop and restaurant. Many sightseeing tours around the island include a stop at the lighthouse, and you can see the white facade aboard leisurely cruises along the Southampton coast.
The Gibbs Hill Lighthouse is a must-visit for history buffs and photographers.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb 185 steps to reach the lantern at the top.
Due to its spiral staircase, the lighthouse isn’t wheelchair or stroller accessible.
Gibbs Hill Lighthouse overlooks Sinky Bay Beach in Southampton Parish. To get there via public transportation, take bus #7 from Dockyard to the bus stop at Lighthouse Road and walk to the base of the lighthouse.
The lighthouse welcomes visitors daily throughout the year, though it’s best to visit on a clear day for the views. Visit between February and May for a chance to spot migrating whales from the top of the lighthouse.
Due to a dangerous coral reef surrounding the island of Bermuda, shipwrecks off the coast were once a common occurrence. Some 300 shipwrecks lie in the waters offshore, and in just 10 years before the lighthouse was built, almost 40 ships came to grief. The beams from Gibbs Hill remain an essential element to shipping safety in Bermuda.
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