New Brighton Lighthouse sits where the River Mersey water meets that of Liverpool Bay. You will also hear the lighthouse referred to as Perch Rock.  A ‘perch’ is a piece of timber that supports a lantern.  A perch first stood here in 1683 as a beacon to steer the ships safely on their way.

The lighthouse foundation stone was laid in 1827.  Work could only take place during low tide and was completed in 1830.   New Brighton was decommissioned in 1973, however, funding has been secured to bring it back to life and be lit again.

Fort Perch Rock was built in 1820s to defend Liverpool Bay from a French invasion and sits on the same sands.  It housed 18 guns, mainly 32-pounders.  The guns faced the Rock Channel which was the main entrance for shipping to the Mersey.  The ships passed 900 yards from the guns and Fort Perch Rock soon became known as the ‘Little Gibraltar of the Mersey’. Today it serves as a tourist attraction and museum.

A great place to visit to walk or cycle the along the beach and river front towards Liverpool where the area is pedestrianised.