Nash Point Lighthouse
Standing on the rugged cliffs of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Nash Point Lighthouse is one of Wales’ most striking coastal landmarks. Built in 1832 by Trinity House, the lighthouse was constructed to guide ships safely past the dangerous Nash Sands, a notorious stretch of sandbanks responsible for numerous shipwrecks over the centuries. Its creation followed several maritime disasters, including the tragic wreck of The Frolic, which highlighted the need for a dependable coastal beacon. One of the most interesting facts about Nash Point is that it was the last manned lighthouse in Wales. Lighthouse keepers remained on duty until 1998, when the station was finally automated, marking the end of an important chapter in Welsh maritime history. The lighthouse is also famous for its impressive fog signal station. For many years, the powerful foghorn warned ships during poor visibility and became one of the most recognisable sounds along the Bristol Channel. The fog signal remains an important part of the site's heritage and demonstrates how maritime safety evolved before the age of satellite navigation.
Marcross Wales
Nash Point Lighthouse is a magnificent 19th-century beacon set dramatically along the rugged limestone cliffs of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Constructed in 1832 following a tragic shipwreck on the nearby Nash Sands, this whitewashed tower rises thirty-seven metres above the sea and stands as an enduring symbol of maritime safety. Notable for being the last manned lighthouse in Wales to become fully automated in 1998, the historic station features two keeper's cottages and offers sweeping views across the Bristol Channel, making it a beloved highlight along the Wales Coast Path. Location: Nash Point, Marcross, Llantwit Major, CF61 1ZH, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, United Kingdom. It sits on the clifftops near the quiet village of Marcross, just southwest of Llantwit Major. Because of its scenic setting along the South Wales coast, visiting Nash Point places you close to a wonderful collection of historic landmarks and natural attractions. A short walk along the coastal path brings you to the imposing 12th-century St Donat's Castle and historic church. Heading slightly inland or along the coast leads to the medieval town of Llantwit Major with its historic church and local museum, as well as the dramatic golden sands of Dunraven Bay and the historic ruins of Ogmore Castle just a short drive further west.