Gibbs Hill Lighthouse

Gibbs Hill Lighthouse stands on a ridge in Southampton Parish, 117 feet tall and first lit in 1846, and it is the oldest cast-iron lighthouse in the world according to the official tourism profile. It is a beautiful object in itself, its tower visible from much of the south shore, and its position on a hill makes the light visible far out to sea. The reason visitors come is the climb. A spiral staircase of 185 steps leads to a gallery around the top, where the view takes in the south shore beaches, Little Sound and Hamilton, with the Royal Naval Dockyard in the distance, and on a clear day the whole thin strip of the island appears laid out like a map. The ticket to climb is modest, and there is a gift shop at the base. The lighthouse is open Monday to Saturday from about half past nine to half past four, and from ten on Sundays and holidays, though you should confirm current hours before you go. It is a short drive from Horseshoe Bay, so the two make a natural pair. Wear shoes with grip and bring water.

Closures and works, which matter for November planning: the lighthouse has historically closed every February for annual maintenance, and it was closed for repairs after hurricane damage in 2015. In May 2026 a government minister told the House of Assembly that maintenance was planned, including replacing the roof during painting and installing stronger railings on the upper deck, with work expected to begin around the summer. No dates for closure or reopening were given in the source we found, so we cannot say whether the climb is open on a given day. Call the lighthouse at 441-238-8069 or check its website before you travel, and treat the hours above as indicative.

If the climb is open: take your time on the stairs and rest on the landings. The 185 steps are not extreme, but the spiral is narrow and people pass in both directions. The top gallery is exposed to wind, so hold your hat, and children should be supervised closely. The government has said it plans to improve upper deck security after past incidents, so follow the posted guidance and stay behind the railings. Photograph from the gallery, but also from the lawn below, where the lighthouse and the sea make a classic frame.

Fitting it into a day: combine the lighthouse with Horseshoe Bay and the coastal path in the morning, then lunch near the Southampton area before heading to the Dockyard or Hamilton. A late afternoon visit gives soft light but check the closing time, since the last climbers go up before half past four. If the lighthouse is closed for works, it is still worth a short stop for the exterior and the views from the grounds, although the gallery is the whole point of the climb.