Buzza Tower is a 19th-century tower situated on St. Mary's Island in the Isles of Scilly, Cornwall, England. The 45-foot-tall tower was built in 1834 as a navigational aid to guide ships through the surrounding waters. Its name is derived from the Cornish language, with "Buzza" meaning "buzzard" or "hawk". The tower's design is inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture, featuring a circular base, a tapering column, and a lantern room at the top. Although it was originally intended to be a lighthouse, it was never equipped with a light, instead serving as a daymark to assist mariners. Today, Buzza Tower is a popular tourist attraction and a prominent landmark in the Isles of Scilly.
Grade 2 listed building built in 1820's perched above Porthcressa beach. Formally a windmill and then became a memorial to King Edward VII when it was restored in 1912. Further restoration was carried out in 2012/14 when it became a camera obscura for a bit until closing in 2019 ish. Now closed but seating can be used to take in the great views. Can be reached via a steep path from the beach below or the road from the Hospital.
A great granite lump of a tower unfortunately not open when we visited. Originally the tower for a windmill. Great views but it is at the top of a, 'hill' so not easily accessible for anyone of limited mobility.
The tower is high on the hill above Hugh town on St Mary's Island. Just below it is one of the neolithic entrance tombs that can be found all over this island. This picture shows the tomb in the foreground and looking across at Hugh Town below.
In itself, it is interesting, but the location provides some of the most spectacular and beautiful views of anywhere in the United Kingdom. Even without going up the tower the views are breathtaking in every direction. Closed on Saturday and Sunday which is a shame as it can be easily missed.
Not to be missed. The clearest camera obscurer I've seen with a fascinating and amusing commentary by the owner who is a font of information on the Islands. It's open when the flags up. A great way to spend an hour and cheap at twice the price.
Great place to sit and soak up stunning views of Scilly...and now the added bonus of the Camera Obscura! Fascinating to hear about the project and see inside the tower (after all these years!) and the view from the camera is brillliant! Mark(?) is brilliant! Lots of anecdotes and local knowledge, as well as being interested in visitors comments too. Worth a visit!
Good for kids
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Grade 2 listed building built in 1820's perched above Porthcressa beach. Formally a windmill and then became a memorial to King Edward VII when it was restored in 1912. Further restoration was carried out in 2012/14 when it became a camera obscura for a bit until closing in 2019 ish. Now closed but seating can be used to take in the great views. Can be reached via a steep path from the beach below or the road from the Hospital.
A great granite lump of a tower unfortunately not open when we visited. Originally the tower for a windmill. Great views but it is at the top of a, 'hill' so not easily accessible for anyone of limited mobility.
The tower is high on the hill above Hugh town on St Mary's Island. Just below it is one of the neolithic entrance tombs that can be found all over this island. This picture shows the tomb in the foreground and looking across at Hugh Town below.
In itself, it is interesting, but the location provides some of the most spectacular and beautiful views of anywhere in the United Kingdom. Even without going up the tower the views are breathtaking in every direction. Closed on Saturday and Sunday which is a shame as it can be easily missed.
Not to be missed. The clearest camera obscurer I've seen with a fascinating and amusing commentary by the owner who is a font of information on the Islands. It's open when the flags up. A great way to spend an hour and cheap at twice the price.
Great place to sit and soak up stunning views of Scilly...and now the added bonus of the Camera Obscura! Fascinating to hear about the project and see inside the tower (after all these years!) and the view from the camera is brillliant! Mark(?) is brilliant! Lots of anecdotes and local knowledge, as well as being interested in visitors comments too. Worth a visit!
