St Mary's Lighthouse: Historic Coastal Beacon and Nature Reserve
Historic lighthouse and nature reserve on a tidal island offering panoramic coastal views and seal watching near Whitley Bay.
St Mary's Lighthouse stands on a small tidal island just north of Whitley Bay, England, connected to the mainland by a causeway submerged at high tide. Built in 1898, this iconic lighthouse guided ships until 1984 and now serves as a museum and visitor centre. Visitors can climb its 137 steps for panoramic coastal views, explore the surrounding nature reserve with rock pools and seal habitats, and enjoy the rich maritime history of this Grade II listed landmark.
A brief summary to St Mary's Lighthouse
- St Mary's Island Causeway, Whitley Bay, NE26 4RS, GB
- +441916434777
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Check tide times before visiting to ensure safe crossing of the causeway, which is submerged at high tide.
- Climb the 137 steps to the top of the lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views of the North East coast.
- Bring binoculars for seal spotting at the RSPB viewing shed located near the lighthouse.
- Use the accessible ramp from the causeway to the island if you have mobility needs or are visiting with prams.
- Visit the small museum and gift shop to learn about the lighthouse’s history and pick up unique souvenirs.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car
Drive to the Whitley Bay area and park in the nearby car parks, which typically charge around £3 for all-day parking. From there, walk approximately 1.8 miles along the coast to the lighthouse causeway. Note that the causeway is only accessible at low tide.
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Public Transport
Take the Tyne and Wear Metro to Whitley Bay station, followed by a 30 to 40-minute walk along the coast to the lighthouse. Bus services also serve Whitley Bay, but there is no direct public transport to the lighthouse island.
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Walking
For a scenic route, walk about 1.8 miles from Whitley Bay beach to the lighthouse along the coastal path. The terrain is mostly flat and suitable for most walkers, but be mindful of tide times for safe crossing of the causeway.
St Mary's Lighthouse location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St Mary's Lighthouse
A Beacon Through the Ages
St Mary's Lighthouse sits on St Mary's Island, also known as Bait Island, a rocky tidal island off the coast of Whitley Bay. The site has a long maritime history dating back over a thousand years when monks from Tynemouth Priory maintained a lantern to warn mariners of dangerous rocks. The current lighthouse was constructed between 1896 and 1898 by the John Miller company of Tynemouth, replacing an older lighthouse at Tynemouth Priory that had become ineffective due to industrial pollution. The lighthouse tower, approximately 38 metres (120 feet) tall, was built with brick and cement render and originally housed a first-order bi-valve Fresnel lens made in Paris, which flashed twice every 20 seconds using a paraffin lamp. This historic light was the last Trinity House lighthouse to use oil before electrification in 1977.Transition to Modernity and Decommissioning
In 1977, the lighthouse was converted to electric power, replacing the original kerosene lamp with a sealed beam lamp array powered by batteries. Two years later, in 1979, the lighthouse was automated, and by 1984 it was decommissioned as advances in navigation technology rendered it obsolete. The modern light system was repurposed for the Inner Dowsing light platform, the first major lighthouse to run on solar power. Following closure, Trinity House donated a smaller optic from Withernsea Lighthouse to be installed at St Mary's, which remains on display atop the tower. The original large Fresnel lens was later returned and is exhibited in the lighthouse museum.Visitor Experience and Natural Surroundings
Today, St Mary's Lighthouse operates as a popular visitor attraction managed by North Tyneside Council. Access to the island is via a 170-metre causeway that is submerged at high tide, creating a unique tidal island experience. Visitors can climb the 137 steps to the lighthouse’s viewing platform for spectacular panoramic views of the North East coastline, Whitley Bay, and the North Sea. The surrounding nature reserve features rock pools, cliff-top grasslands, a beach, and newly created wetland habitats. It is also an important haul-out site for seals, which can often be spotted basking on the rocks, with a dedicated RSPB viewing shed offering binoculars for seal watching.Facilities and Accessibility
The lighthouse complex includes a small museum detailing its maritime history and the local wildlife. A visitor centre and café provide refreshments, while a gift shop offers a variety of unique souvenirs. Accessibility is enhanced by a ramp from the causeway to the island, accommodating wheelchairs, prams, and buggies. The lighthouse keeper’s cottages have been refurbished, including sustainable heating upgrades. Due to tidal conditions, opening times vary and visitors are advised to check tide times before visiting.Architectural and Cultural Significance
St Mary's Lighthouse is a Grade II listed building, recognized for its historical and architectural importance. The lighthouse and adjacent keeper’s cottages are fine examples of late 19th-century maritime engineering and design. The structure’s distinctive white tower with black lantern stands as a landmark on the North East coast, symbolizing the region’s rich nautical heritage. The lighthouse also connects visitors to centuries of coastal history, from medieval monastic lights to modern navigational aids.Engagement with Nature and Heritage
Beyond its architectural allure, the site offers a tranquil environment for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The tidal island setting creates a dynamic landscape where visitors can experience the interplay of sea and land, observe diverse wildlife, and reflect on the human stories linked to this coastal sentinel. Educational exhibits and interpretive displays enrich the visitor experience, making St Mary's Lighthouse a multifaceted destination blending heritage, nature, and stunning scenery.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
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For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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- Panoramas
- Waterfront
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For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
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For the eco-conscious traveler
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
