The Bishop Rock is a small islet in the Atlantic Ocean famous for its lighthouse. It belongs to the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago located 45 km (28 mi) off the southwestern tip of the Cornish peninsula of the UK. From 145 Scilly islands, only six have been inhabited. Bishop Rock is the smallest, covering 0.000736 sq. km (8,000 sq. feet). As the world's smallest island that has a building on it, it's listed in the Guinness Book of Records.
The lighthouse appeared on the island in 1847 after a few ships crashed into a rock nearby, but it was shortly washed away. The current building was constructed in 1858. The Bishop Rock was significant since it marked the eastern end of the North Atlantic shipping route. Its western end is the entrance to Lower New York Bay.
The lighthouse now serves as a beacon of light for ships and a small hotel for four people. When the tide is high, the base of the lighthouse covers the whole island, giving no space for anything else. In the 19th century, the structure was called “King of the Lighthouses.” It is also the second tallest in the UK, 50 m high (167 feet). It has ten floors consisting of two oil rooms, a living room, a bedroom, and a helipad.
The Bishop Rock cruises run from April through October, although they are weather dependent and might get cancelled if the sea is rough.
Practical info
What is the best timeframe to visit the lighthouse located on the Smallest Island in Isles of Scilly?
To visit the Bishop Rock Lighthouse, tourists must plan their trip accordingly from April until October. The island, which is situated off the southwestern end of the Cornish peninsula, provides a boat ride to visitors during this time frame. However, it is subject to cancellation when there is a severe sea condition. Show more
What historical significance does Bishop Rock Lighthouse carry?
Bishop Rock Lighthouse's historical significance lies in that it marks the ultimate westerly spot of Scilly Isles. Furthermore, this lighthouse has been referred to as the 'King of Lighthouses' in the 19th century. It denotes the eastern-most end of the North Atlantic shipping route, while the entrance to Lower New York Bay is the western-most spot. It is also considered as a part of the Guinness Book of Records for being the tiniest inhabited island in the world with a structure on it. Show more
What is the height of Bishop Rock Lighthouse?
With a height of 50 meters (167 feet), the Bishop Rock Lighthouse is the second tallest lighthouse in the United Kingdom. The structure stands 35 meters (115 feet) tall, while another 15 meters (50 feet) comes from the base that elevates light to over 44 meters (144 feet) above ordinary water levels. It houses ten floors, which include oil rooms, living, bedroom, and helipad. Show more
Is accommodation available at Bishop Rock Lighthouse?
Indeed, Bishop Rock Lighthouse offers accommodation in the form of a small hotel that can accommodate four people. With modern amenities but still retaining its rich historical heritage, the hotel offers guests a cross-section of the property's past. Booking packages for accommodation can be accompanied by tours with boat rides, running from April to October, subject to weather conditions. Show more
