St Mary’s Lighthouse

About:

St Mary’s Lighthouse is one of Whitley Bay’s most memorable landmarks, standing on a small tidal island just off the North Tyneside coast. It has that rare quality of feeling both easy to visit and slightly magical, because the island is only reached by a causeway when the tide is low. At high tide, the sea covers the crossing and the lighthouse becomes cut off from the mainland, giving it the feel of a miniature part-time island. Visitors should always check the safe crossing times before setting off, as access depends entirely on the tide.

The lighthouse itself was completed in 1898 on a stretch of coast that had long been hazardous for shipping. It remained in operation until 1984, when modern navigational systems made it redundant. Since then, the lighthouse and former keepers’ cottages have been run as a visitor centre by North Tyneside Council, allowing visitors to explore the site rather than simply admire it from the shore.

One of the highlights of a visit is the climb to the top of the lighthouse. There are 137 steps, but the reward is a sweeping view across Whitley Bay, the North Sea and the wider North East coastline. On a clear day, it gives a brilliant sense of how dramatic this stretch of coast really is, with beaches, rocks, sea birds and distant headlands all visible from above. For visitors who cannot manage the climb, there is a video facility at ground level offering a live view from the top.

The surrounding island is just as important as the lighthouse. St Mary’s Island is a nature reserve, with rockpools, clifftop grassland, beach areas and wetland habitats. It is a good place for wildlife watching, especially for anyone interested in seabirds, coastal plants or rockpool creatures. The area is also known as a haul-out site for seals, which come ashore to rest, moult and digest food, making it feel wonderfully wild despite being so close to Whitley Bay.

As part of a day out, St Mary’s Lighthouse adds a proper sense of adventure. It combines sea views, local history, wildlife and the simple thrill of walking across a tidal causeway. Whether visited after exploring Whitley Bay Promenade, Spanish City or the town centre, it is one of those coastal places that feels distinctive, atmospheric and completely tied to the rhythm of the sea.