Trwyn Du lighthouse sits at the southeast edge of Anglesey at Penmon point, which is why it’s more commonly known as Penmon Lighthouse.
It’s one of the more popular lighthouses in Anglesey because it’s a very photogenic spot with rocky cliffs all around and Puffin Island in the background.
I recently visited and in this guide, I’ll explain a little bit about the lighthouse, how to get there, and share some other things to do while you’re in the area.
About Trwyn Du Lighthouse
Trwyn Du Lighthouse was built by Trinity House to mark the route between Pen Mon, Anglesey and Ynys Seiriol (known as Puffin Island) after a notable shipwreck in 1831 in which 130 people died.
The 29m-tall (95') lighthouse was designed by civil engineer James Walker between 1835–1838. Walker was a well-known engineer at the time and was responsible for no fewer than 21 lighthouses across Britain and went on to become a consulting engineer for Big Ben in London.
The lighthouse is recognisable for the three black stripes on a white background and the words ‘NO PASSAGE LANDWARDS’ on either side.
Although originally a manned lighthouse, Trwyn Du Lighthouse has been automated since 1922 and in 1996 it was converted to solar power. The light flashes once every 15 seconds and can be seen up to 12 nmi (22 km) away
How To Visit Trwyn Du Lighthouse
By Car: To visit Trwyn Du Lighthouse, head East from Beaumaris along the B5109 and keep right to follow the road along the coast. When you reach the small village of Penmon, you’ll be required to pay a toll for each vehicle to continue up to Penmon Point where the lighthouse is located.
The toll station is found outside the old lifeboat station (near Penmon Dovecot and St Seiriol’s Well). If you park at the Priory by the toll station, the same fees apply.
Where to Park? Once you have paid the toll, continue driving to Penmon Point where there is plenty of parking outside of the Pilots House Café.
By Public Transport: There is no public transport to Penmon Point and Trwyn Du Lighthouse. Instead, you’ll have to catch the bus to Ty Gwyn bus station (service no. 58) and walk the remaining 2 miles along the coastal path which will take around 40 minutes.
Visitor Information
How Much Is The Toll At Penmon?
The toll to access Penmin Point and Trwyn Du Lighthouse is £1 for motorbikes, £3.50 for cars, £7.50 for vans and minibuses, and £12.50 for motorhomes. This is a daily charge and cash only.
Are There Toilets At Penmon?
Yes, there are toilets at Penmon Point inside the Pilots House Café. The toilets are free although you may need to purchase something from the café.
Can You Walk to Penmon Lighthouse?
Penmon lighthouse sits just offshore but has a small causeway that the lighthouse keepers would have used to reach it. At low tide, you could walk across this, however, you would most certainly get wet. I would recommend wearing swimwear and grippy waterproof shoes because it will be very slippery.
Things To Do at Penmon Point
Once you’ve admired the beauty of Penmon Lighthouse, you may be wondering what else there is to do at Penmon Point now that you’ve paid the toll. Well, here are a few suggestions:
1. See the Sea Bridge
Just around the corner, a few minutes' walk, from the lighthouse is a natural feature in the cliff known as the Sea Bridge. This is where the might of the sea has forced water through the rocky cliff.
Initially, it would have been a cave, but over time, the continued pressure has pushed its way through creating an archway. Get a photo underneath, if you dare.
2. Have Food and Drink (Maybe Even Cocktails) at the Pilot House Café
There’s a surprisingly good café at Penmon Point located inside the old pilot’s house where the lighthouse keepers would have lived. It’s thoughtfully called the Pilots House Café.
I was very surprised at how extensive the menu was for such a remote café, with everything from full meals to cocktails. I didn’t try anything other than the coffee myself, however, it was quite busy considering I visited on a weekday morning so that’s a good sign.
Prices were reasonable for a tourist hotspot. Cocktails were around £7, coffee was £3 and most meals were £10-15.
3. Go Fishing
Keen fishermen might be interested to know that Penmon Point is a popular fishing spot. According to Fishing in Wales, some of the fish you can expect to find here include mackerel, pollack, whiting, codling, bass, and dogfish.
4. Walk Along the Coastal Path
Trwyn Du lighthouse is based on the Wales Coastal Path so why not try walking along here? A popular route is from Beaumaris to Pen Mon Point as mentioned here. However, if you’re going to do this, you would be better off parking near Beaumaris to avoid paying the toll for Penmon Point. See my dedicated guide to find out more about what things you can do in Beaumaris.
If you have a craving for more lighthouses, then Anglesey has you covered. See my guides to South Stack and Twr Mawr too.
Related Questions
Is Penmon A Working Lighthouse?
Yes, Penmon lighthouse is a working lighthouse, however, it is not a manned lighthouse and has been automated since 1922.
Can You Drive To Penmon Point?
Yes, you can drive to Penmon Point where you’ll find Penmon Lighthouse (officially called Trwyn Du Lighthouse), the sea bridge, and the pilot's house café. However, you will need to pay a toll for each vehicle because it’s private property.
Can You Stay Overnight At Penmon Point?
Officially, overnight vehicles are not allowed at Penmon Point. However, they have a very relaxed attitude as long as you pay the toll again on your way back the following day.
What Time Is High Tide At Penmon Point?
You can find the latest tide times for Penmon Point over on the Met Office site here.
Published: 22 November 2022