St Mary's Lighthouse
Iconic lighthouse on a tidal island, offering stunning coastal views, seal spotting, and a climb to the top.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Access the island
St Mary's Lighthouse
Best Time
Access the island
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic lighthouse on a tidal island, offering stunning coastal views, seal spotting, and a climb to the top.
"Climb the winding staircase for magnificent views and spot seals basking on the rocks!"
🎯 Check Tide Times First!
The causeway is only accessible at low tide. Plan your visit accordingly! :clock1:
🔭 Bring Binoculars for Seals
Enhance your seal spotting experience from the RSPB shed. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Climb to the Top
Lighthouse Tower
Ascend the winding staircase for breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the North Sea.
Seal Watching
Rocky Outcrops
Observe the playful seals basking on the rocks. A dedicated RSPB shed offers binoculars for optimal viewing.
The Tidal Causeway
Island Access
Experience the unique walk across the causeway, which disappears under the sea at high tide.
Coastal History & Nature
Exhibition Rooms
Explore exhibits detailing the lighthouse's history and the local marine life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tide Times are Crucial
Seal Spotting Success
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tide Times First!
The causeway is only accessible at low tide. Plan your visit accordingly! :clock1:
🔭 Bring Binoculars for Seals
Enhance your seal spotting experience from the RSPB shed. :camerawithflash:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be rocky and uneven, especially on the causeway. :athletic_shoe:
🌬️ Dress for the Weather
It can be very windy and exposed on the island. Layers are recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tide Times First!
The causeway is only accessible at low tide. Plan your visit accordingly! :clock1:
🔭 Bring Binoculars for Seals
Enhance your seal spotting experience from the RSPB shed. :camerawithflash:
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be rocky and uneven, especially on the causeway. :athletic_shoe:
🌬️ Dress for the Weather
It can be very windy and exposed on the island. Layers are recommended.
💰 Parking Fee
There's a parking fee, usually around £3 for the day. :parking:
⬆️ Lighthouse Climb
Be prepared for many steps if you plan to climb to the top. :arrow_up:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Mary's Lighthouse for its stunning coastal views, the unique experience of climbing the tower, and the joy of spotting seals. The historical significance and the natural beauty of the location are frequently highlighted as major attractions. Some visitors note that the lighthouse interior could benefit from further renovation, and the reliance on tide times requires careful planning.
"It took me years to actually figure this out BUT there is a shed on the island, close to the lighthouse, where the RSPB kindly provide binoculars that lets you watch the seals. After years of literally walking past the open door to the shed it was an incredible surprise the first time I went in!!!!! Check the crossing times before you go. For fabulous walks on the cliffs with stunning views of St Mary's Lighthouse try the old Hartley Car Park. There is also a pub (Delaval Arms) which seems popular. Park nearby. Walk towards Tynemouth for gorgeous views from the cliffs. You are welcome ;)"
Sophie T
"Amazing place to visit. Was very blustery when we visited, but managed to see a few groups of seals resting up out of the water. Visiting the lighthouse is very interesting, and you can climb the steps up to the light itself for an amazing view over the coast. Such a lovely place!"
Kevin Phillips
"Really lovely place. Came here for a wedding where the tide comes in and keeps you 'stranded' for a few hours whilst the causeway is covered, it was a wonderful experience! The staff were very kind and helpful, and I've never seen so many seals basking on the rocks! There is also a great little museum."
Tobi Male
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Mary's Lighthouse is located on a tidal island off the coast of Whitley Bay. You can reach it by car, parking at the nearby car park (around £3 all day), and then walking across the causeway when the tide is out. Public transport options include buses that stop in Whitley Bay, followed by a walk to the lighthouse.
Yes, there are several parking areas near the lighthouse, with a fee typically around £3 for all-day parking.
Yes, cycling is a great way to reach the lighthouse, especially when the causeway is accessible.
The most common and recommended way to access St. Mary's Lighthouse is by walking across the causeway during low tide.
You can reach Whitley Bay by public transport, and then it's a pleasant walk to St. Mary's Lighthouse.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the island and grounds is generally free, but there is a fee to climb the lighthouse tower and explore the exhibition rooms. +1
The lighthouse opening hours can vary, especially depending on the tide. It's best to check the official website or call ahead to confirm opening times, particularly if you plan to climb the tower.
The cost to climb the lighthouse is typically around £6, which helps fund its upkeep and renovations. +1
No, the lighthouse is not always open for climbing. It's essential to check the opening times in advance, especially if visiting specifically to ascend the tower.
You can visit the island and walk around the lighthouse at any time, but access to the lighthouse tower and exhibitions is subject to opening hours and tide times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At St. Mary's Lighthouse, you can climb the tower for stunning views, explore the history and nature exhibits, watch for seals from the RSPB shed, and enjoy the coastal walk. +1
Yes, seals are frequently spotted basking on the rocks around St. Mary's Lighthouse. Bring binoculars for a closer look from the dedicated RSPB shed. +1
Be cautious when walking on the rocks, as they can be slippery and uneven. Hold children's hands and be mindful of the waves.
Dogs are welcome on the island and around the lighthouse, but they are not permitted inside the lighthouse tower itself.
The views from the top of the lighthouse are magnificent, offering panoramic vistas of the coastline, Whitley Bay, and the North Sea.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden light for photography. The dramatic coastal scenery and potential for aurora sightings also make it a prime spot. 
Seascape photography, lighthouse shots, timelapses, and capturing the aurora borealis are popular genres here.
Yes, with patience and binoculars from the RSPB shed, you can get great photos of the seals on the rocks.
Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the expansive coastal views. Tripods are useful for low-light conditions like sunrise or aurora photography. +1
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas or at specific times. Always check local regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities on the island are limited. Sturdy footwear is essential for navigating the rocky terrain. Consider bringing a small backpack for essentials. The open spaces around the lighthouse are perfect for a family picnic on a pleasant day.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Lovers
Remember to check the tide times to safely access the island and explore the causeway. The exposed nature of the location means it can be windy, so dressing in layers is advisable. The combination of dramatic coastal scenery, historical significance, and abundant wildlife makes it a rewarding destination for walkers and nature lovers alike.
📸 Photographers
+2 The lighthouse itself, with its distinctive architecture, stands out against the sky and sea. Don't miss the chance to photograph the powerful waves and the seals that frequent the rocky shores. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for expansive views and a tripod for low-light conditions, especially if you're hoping to capture the aurora borealis.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Tides
This tidal nature adds a unique element to the visit, creating a sense of adventure and urgency. When the tide is out, the causeway is a popular walking route, allowing visitors to explore the island freely. However, it also means that facilities on the island might have limited operating hours or be inaccessible during certain periods. Always factor in the tide when deciding how long you plan to spend at the lighthouse.
Wildlife Encounters: Seals and Birds
Beyond the seals, the coastal environment also attracts various bird species. Birdwatchers can find opportunities to spot seabirds and waders, especially during migration seasons. The lighthouse itself serves as a landmark for both marine and avian life, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the area. The surrounding waters and rocky shores provide a habitat for a range of coastal creatures, making it a fascinating spot for nature enthusiasts.
Photography Opportunities
+2The dynamic coastal environment also lends itself to captivating photography. Powerful waves crashing against the causeway and rocks, especially at high tide, create dramatic seascape shots.
+1 The island's location makes it a potential spot for aurora borealis sightings, offering a unique opportunity for astrophotography enthusiasts to capture the Northern Lights dancing above the lighthouse. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit