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St Mary’s lighthouse

LighthouseReached between the tides via a short causeway, St Mary’s Lighthouse has all the fascination of a miniature, part-time island. The Lighthouse, completed in 1898, on a hazardous coast for shipping, remained operational until 1984 when it was superseded by modern navigational techniques.

North Tyneside Council now operates the Lighthouse as a visitor centre, through the Libraries and Museums service.

Facilities include a popular shop and an exhibition/meeting room, which is available for hire.

Visitors can climb the 137 steps to the top of the Lighthouse, which provides spectacular views of the North East coast. The surrounding Nature Reserve contains an area of rock pools, cliff top grassland, a beach and a wetland habitat.
Further services provided include an educational service and organised activities during some school holidays.

Please check opening times, which are variable due to the tidal nature of the island and how to find us for further details.

Contact /Visit us

St Mary’s Lighthouse
St Mary’s Island
Whitley Bay
NE26 4RS

Tel: 0191 200 8652
stmaryslighthouse@northtyneside.gov.uk

How to find us

Map and directions

By coach/car:
The Lighthouse is a major landmark situated just north of Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear. To find us follow the brown tourist signs from the Whitley Bay turn-off on the A19 or from the end of the A1058 out of Newcastle.

By public transport:
The Metro system can take you as far as Whitley Bay, where you will need to take a short walk from the station to Park Avenue. The No.308 ‘Blyth’ bus travels every 15 minutes from here and you should alight at the Whitley Bay Cemetery for the island.

Parking:
There are large car parks on the mainland for which there is a pay and display charge.

Opening times

Wherever possible we are open seven days a week between April and September, and during weekends and school holidays in the winter. However, it is not possible for us to open on some days because of tidal conditions.

The stated opening times can also be subject to variations on occasion due to weather affecting the times of the tide.

Events for families

‘Rockpool Rambles’

The staff at St Mary’s Lighthouse run Rockpool Rambles for children and families during the school holidays. These are suitable for 5 year olds and upwards and last for about an hour. They cost £1.50 per person and provide lots of hands-on fun.

Admission charges

  • Adult £2.10
  • Child/concessions £1.10
  • Family ticket £4.65

(North Tyneside Ease Card Discounts are available on the above).

Family tickets are 2 adults & 2 children.

Group prices on application.