The point marks the western limit (on the English side) of the Bristol Channel with the Atlantic Ocean continuing to the west.

It was blessed by Frederick Temple, Bishop of Exeter, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury, and the light was lit for the first time by Lady Stucley of Hartland Abbey during the opening ceremony on 1 July 1874.

[3][6] The optic, a first-order rotating catadioptric array designed by James Chance,[7] had been installed earlier that year.

[21] Having carried out a thorough assessment of the requirements for Aids to Navigation off Hartland Point, Trinity House determined that the light at this location could be reduced to a nominal range of 8 nautical miles.

This light can be more economically provided by a modern LED beacon in front of the original lighthouse, with no detriment to the safety of the Mariner.

"[23] In 2022 the unique biform optic was stolen: during restoration works it had been placed in a storage facility in Ilfracombe, after which it had been due to be reinstated in the tower; a reward was offered for its return.