Days out: safe at sea

A round up of lighthouses to visit

Pendeen Lighthouse, Pendeen, Penzance, Cornwall, (01736 788418) Guided tours of this still-working lighthouse, which was built in 1900, last around half an hour and include a visit to the engine room. Amongst other things on display, you'll find the last really large foghorn in the country. Open between Easter and the end of September between Monday and Friday, from 10am to 5pm (last admission 30mins before closing). Entrance is pounds 2 for adults, pounds 1.50 for concessions, pounds 1 for students and children or pounds 5 for a family ticket.

Long Hill Lighthouse, nr Wicklow, Ireland. Irish Landmark Trust (00 353 1 662 8425) This octagonal stone lighthouse was built in 1781 as one of a pair but, after being struck by lightning in 1836 and gutted by the ensuing fire, it came out of service and remained empty until 1996 when the Irish Landmark Trust bought and renovated it. The lighthouse, which is designed with a room on each floor, can now be hired out by six people. A week's stay costs between pounds 400 and pounds 750 depending on the season.

South Foreland Lighthouse, St Margaret's-at-Cliffe, Dover (01304 852463) Peeking over Dover's white cliffs, this lighthouse was built in 1843 and was used for the first successful trials in radio navigation. Once you reach the lighthouse on foot from Langley Cliffs there is an information room and visitors also have access to the tower and balcony around the light. The lighthouse is open between 4 April and 25 October on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 2.30 to 5.30pm. National Trust members get in for free, otherwise it costs pounds 1.50 for adults and 75p for children

Souter Lighthouse, Coast Road, Whitburn, Sunderland (0191 529 3161) Built in 1870, this red-and-white striped lighthouse was the first to be powered by alternating electric current. Now owned by the National Trust, the engine room, light tower and keeper's cottage are all on view and there is a video, model and information display. Opening times are 11am to 5pm every day except Fridays, between 1 April and 31 October. Entrance for non-members costs pounds 2.50 for adults or pounds 1.25 for children.