St Mary’s Lighthouse - Whitley Bay

Address: St Mary's Island Causeway, Whitley Bay NE26 4RS, United Kingdom.
Phone:1916434777.
Website: historicengland.org.uk
Specialties: Tourist attraction, Places of interest.
Other points of interest: On-site services, Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible toilet, Toilet, Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments, Credit cards, Good for kids.
Opinions: This company has 4662 reviews on Google My Business.
Average opinion: 4.7/5.

Location of St Mary’s Lighthouse

St Mary’s Lighthouse St Mary
1916434777

St Mary’s Lighthouse: A Beacon of History and Wonder in Whitley Bay

Located on St Mary’s Island, Causeway, Whitley Bay, NE26 4RS, United Kingdom, St Mary’s Lighthouse is a stunning tourist attraction that has been guiding mariners and delighting visitors for over a century. This historic lighthouse is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in maritime history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views of the North Sea.

Main Services

  • Guided Tours: St Mary’s Lighthouse offers guided tours, which provide an in-depth look at the history and operation of the lighthouse. Visitors can learn about the lighthouse's construction, its role in maritime history, and the challenges faced by the keepers who tended the light.
  • Exhibition and Interpretation: The lighthouse features an exhibition and interpretation area, which showcases the history of the lighthouse, the surrounding area, and the importance of maritime navigation. The exhibition includes interactive displays, artifacts, and photographs.
  • Shop and Cafe: Visitors can browse the lighthouse's shop, which sells a range of souvenirs, gifts, and nautical-themed items. The cafe serves a variety of refreshments, including snacks, drinks, and light meals.
  • Wheelchair Accessibility: The lighthouse is wheelchair accessible, with a flat entrance and accessible toilets. Visitors with mobility issues can enjoy the tour and facilities without difficulty.
  • Wheelchair-Accessible Car Park: The car park is wheelchair accessible, with plenty of space for visitors to park their vehicles.
  • On-Site Services: St Mary’s Lighthouse offers on-site services, including a gift shop, cafe, and toilets. Visitors can enjoy a range of amenities without having to leave the premises.

Location and Access

St Mary’s Lighthouse is situated on St Mary’s Island, Causeway, Whitley Bay, NE26 4RS, United Kingdom. The lighthouse is located on the north-east coast of England, approximately 2 miles north of Whitley Bay. Visitors can access the lighthouse by car, with a designated car park available on site. The lighthouse is also accessible by public transportation, with regular bus services connecting Whitley Bay to the nearby town of Wallsend. The lighthouse is situated on a small island, which can only be accessed at low tide. Visitors can walk to the island from the mainland via a causeway, which is approximately 1 mile long. The walk can be challenging, especially for those with mobility issues, but the scenery and views make it well worth the effort.

Featured Characteristics

St Mary’s Lighthouse is renowned for its stunning architecture and unique features. Some of the lighthouse's most notable characteristics include: * Unique Octagonal Tower: The lighthouse features a unique octagonal tower, which was designed by the renowned architect, George Armstrong. The tower is 100 feet tall and provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding area. * Original Lighthouse Lens: The lighthouse still retains its original lens, which was installed in 1903. The lens is an impressive 8 feet in diameter and is still functional today. * Well-Preserved Keeper's Quarters: The lighthouse features well-preserved keeper's quarters, which provide a glimpse into the lives of the keepers who tended the light. The quarters include a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. * Stunning Views: The lighthouse offers stunning views of the North Sea, the surrounding coastline, and the nearby islands.

Practical Information

Visitors to St Mary’s Lighthouse should be aware of the following practical information: * Opening Hours: The lighthouse is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. The last tour departs at 4 pm. * Admission Prices: Admission prices vary depending on the time of year and the type of tour. Visitors can expect to pay around £5-£10 per person for a standard tour. * Accessibility: The lighthouse is wheelchair accessible, with a flat entrance and accessible toilets. * Parking: There is a designated car park on site, with plenty of space for visitors to park their vehicles. * Facilities: The lighthouse offers a range of facilities, including a gift shop, cafe, and toilets.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

St Mary’s Lighthouse has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from visitors. Some of the most common praises include: * Breathtaking Views: Visitors have praised the lighthouse for its stunning views of the North Sea and the surrounding coastline. * Well-Preserved Lighthouse: Visitors have been impressed by the lighthouse's well-preserved condition, which provides a glimpse into the past. * Friendly Staff: Visitors have praised the lighthouse staff for their friendliness and knowledge of the lighthouse and its history. * Excellent Value for Money: Visitors have praised the lighthouse for offering excellent value for money, with a range of tours and facilities available at affordable prices. With its stunning architecture, unique features, and breathtaking views, St Mary’s Lighthouse is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in maritime history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views of the North Sea. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, an exhibition and interpretation area, a shop and cafe, and a range of facilities, all while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding area.

Frequently asked questions about St Mary’s Lighthouse

What are the main services offered at St Mary’s Lighthouse?

Guided tours, exhibition and interpretation area, shop, cafe, and wheelchair accessibility.

Is St Mary’s Lighthouse wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the lighthouse is wheelchair accessible with a flat entrance and accessible toilets.

How can I access St Mary’s Lighthouse?

By car with a designated car park, or by public transportation with regular bus services from Whitley Bay to Wallsend.

What are some of the unique features of St Mary’s Lighthouse?

The lighthouse features a unique octagonal tower designed by George Armstrong, and it still has its original lighthouse lens.

Can I access the island at high tide?

No, the island can only be accessed at low tide via a causeway. Please check tide times before visiting.

Reviews of St Mary’s Lighthouse

St Mary’s Lighthouse - Whitley Bay
Sophie T.
5/5

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. For people with children: at low tide St Mary s island s causeway is a fabulous place for rock pooling. The lovely gentleman who sells ice-cream & coffee always has a stock of clear buckets, spades and nets all reasonably priced.

St Mary’s Lighthouse - Whitley Bay
Kevin P.
5/5

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!

St Mary’s Lighthouse - Whitley Bay
ilona R.
5/5

Lots of parking (3 quid all day) areas then a walk to the lighthouse. Check tide times as path disappears under the sea! Lighthouse not always open, so check if going specially to climb it. Lots of steps spiraling up (no good if a fear of heights) then shallow steep steps to the top. Great views, little shop, hide to see birds\seals, lots of info and seals😍 Be careful walking on the rocks, hold kids hands, dogs allowed but not in the lighthouse. Path open around the lighthouse to explore the views, fab!

St Mary’s Lighthouse - Whitley Bay
Arron H.
5/5

Such a cool place! Wait for the water to recede and then cross the causeway while checking out the rock pools. Nice lighthouse and some great views from the top. Plenty of seals on show too!

St Mary’s Lighthouse - Whitley Bay
Marques
5/5

Pretty cool experience to climb up the winding staircase and be greeted with a magnificent light at the top, paired with the unbeatable views. Easily worth the £6, if only to help them pay towards the internal repainting that’s in desperate need and will end up costing in the millions.

St Mary’s Lighthouse - Whitley Bay
hayley E.
5/5

Lovely visit to St Mary's lighthouse Whitley bay. Well worth the climb up to the top amazing views, watch the seals . Discount for over 60s. It's on a causeway so check tides. Picnic area & viewing points for the wildlife. Gift shop & toilets.

St Mary’s Lighthouse - Whitley Bay
Darren B.
5/5

Fantastic place to visit, not just a lighthouse but a nature reserve with Grey Seals and a wide variety of sea birds. You can go up the lighthouse, which gives phenomenal views of the Northumberland Coast. It's 137 steps to the top of the lighthouse but worth it. Check the tide timetables due to it being on a causeway.

St Mary’s Lighthouse - Whitley Bay
Purdy B.
4/5

Amazing day at St Mary's Lighthouse. I spent around 6 hours here and the kids loved it. We found a secluded spot where we could put our beach towels down and chill out. The kids love the rock pools. We only had 1 problem with the area and it was the amount of flies around. I mean hundreds haha. Loads of ladybirds as well. Ive never seen so many.