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Listed with a view: A taste of some of B...

15 May 2025

Listed with a view: A taste of some of Britain's coastal gems

By Joanne Townsend Administration Assistant

A lighthouse stands on the shore as the sun sets behind it, with clouds and tidal pools visible in the scene.

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Everyone has their own memories of the seaside, whether it’s a family walk along the pier, treating yourself to a stick of rock or an ice-cream, the thrill of your first roller-coaster ride, or maybe just taking in some of the beautiful scenery and breathtaking views.

Britain has a rich and distinctive seaside heritage with rugged coastlines. It is home to an array of historic coastal structures that all tell stories of navigation, defence, industry and leisure. There are so many listed historic sites to visit and here are just a few.

Perch Rock Lighthouse

Perch Rock Lighthouse, located at the entrance to the River Mersey near New Brighton, England, is a historic and iconic landmark that is now a Grade II* listed building.

It was originally built in 1683 and was designed to guide ships safely into the port of Liverpool, warning them of the shifting sandbanks and treacherous waters. As the port of Liverpool developed in the Nineteenth Century, it was deemed inadequate as it only produced limited light.

A white lighthouse stands in shallow water near the shore, surrounded by rocky, mossy sand at low tide under a clear sky.

Construction of the present tower began in 1827. It is 95 feet tall and was modelled on the trunk of an oak tree. It is free standing with a white tower and a red iron lantern. The lighthouse was originally powered by a coal-fired light which was later converted to electricity.

Perch Rock stopped being an active lighthouse in 1973 as modern navigational technology made it redundant, however it still remains a symbol of maritime history. It sits on a small tidal island, making it accessible only at low tide which adds to its charm.

Find out more here: Visit New Brighton – New Brighton Attractions & Activities – Perch Rock Lighthouse

The scenic Railway at Dreamland – Margate

The Scenic Railway at Dreamland Margate was built in 1920 as the centrepiece of the amusement park and is one of the oldest and iconic roller coasters in the world. This wooden roller coaster was officially made a Grade II listed structure in 2008 and is a symbol of the park’s rich history.

Designed by the renowned Engineer Harry Stedman the ride stretches for over 1,000 feet and offers breathtaking views of the Kent coastline.

As one of the few surviving pre-WWII wooden coasters in the UK, it holds a special place in the history of Dreamland and British amusement park culture. Additionally, over the years the Scenic Railway has undergone several restorations, ensuring its continued safety and functionality.

Find out more about what is on offer at Dreamland here: AMUSEMENT PARK – Dreamland Margate

A wooden roller coaster with an empty green train on the track under a clear blue sky.

Brighton Palace Pier

Brighton Palace Pier is a famous landmark on the Southern coast of England and offers a mix of arcades, fairground attractions, and scenic views over the English Channel.

Originally opened in 1899, this classic Victorian pleasure pier has a distinctive structure and steeped in tradition, which helped to earn its Grade II listed status.

The Pier suffered extensive damage in a fire in 2003 but was restored and remains a loved feature of Brighton’s coastal landscape and is definitely a place to visit if you are in the area.

Find out more about visiting Brighton Palace Pier here: Welcome to Brighton Palace Pier

Smeaton’s Tower is a historic lighthouse built by engineer John Smeaton in 1759 on the Eddystone Rocks, off the coast of Devon, England.

This was one of the first lighthouses constructed using granite and it stood on the Eddystone Rocks until 1877, when it was dismantled and relocated to Plymouth Hoe, where it still stands today as a prominent landmark.

Smeaton’s Tower is now a Grade I listed building and remains a popular tourist attraction which is open for visitors to climb its 93 steps, including steep ladders to the lantern room allowing you to observe the beautiful views surrounding it.

Discover more about Smeaton’s Tower here: Smeaton’s Tower | The Box Plymouth

Red and white striped lighthouse stands on grassy lawn near the coast, with sea and cliffs visible in the background.

Ruined twin-tower church stands on a cliff above rocks at sunset, overlooking the sea with a metal railing in the foreground.

Reculver Towers, located on the North coast of Kent, are the remains of the medieval church of St Mary. It was built within the ruins of a Roman fort known as Regulbium in the 7^th century.

The twin towers became a recognizable landmark for sailors, acting as a navigation marker for ships at sea.

Much of the site has been lost to coastal erosion, but the twin towers continue to be an iconic fixture on the Kent coast.

This historic Grade I listed site is today in the care of English Heritage and you can find out more about visiting Reculver Towers on their website: Reculver Towers and Roman Fort | English Heritage

Hythe Pier, located in Hythe, Hampshire is a historic structure that has been awarded Grade II listed status.

Stretching 2100ft (640m) from the centre of Hythe out into the channel of Southampton Water, the pier opened in 1881 to facilitate ferry steamers travelling between Southampton and Hythe and was one of the main access points to the New Forest.

In 1922, an electric railway was built on the south side of the pier which is still running today and is believed to be the oldest continuously operating public pier train in the world.

You can find out more here: Hythe Pier Heritage Association – Preserving and restoring the Pier for community benefit

Aerial view of a coastal town with a port, curving breakwaters, boats, and buildings along the shoreline.

Seaham Harbour – County Durham

Seaham Harbour is located on the Northeast coast of England in County Durham and is a historically significant port town known for its maritime heritage and coastal charm.

Much of the harbour infrastructure, including the North Pier and associated buildings have been awarded Grade II listed status.

The harbour was constructed in the early 19^th century to support the coal industry and facilitate trade. Today, the harbour is a focal point for tourism, leisure, and local history and you can find out more here: Seaham Harbour Marina – Pontoon Berths, Slipway, Charter Fishing

Listed coastal structures in the UK are more than relics of the past; they are vibrant reminders of the country’s enduring connection with the sea. As landmarks of maritime history, defence, and leisure, they offer cultural, educational, and tourism value and all have their own story to tell.

Owning a listed home

Alongside many beautiful seaside gems, there are hundreds of thousands of listed properties across the UK. Many of which are residential homes, used in day to day life.

Owning a listed home is a privilege and a responsibility. Ensuring a listed home is properly protected is vitally important – that’s where we can help.

At Abode, we are listed property insurance specialists. If you’d like some free advice or to speak to one of our expert advisors, please contact us on 01622 476 433.

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