Things to do on the island

St Mary’s Island is a popular tourist attraction. The part time island has all the charm of a miniature island with a visitor centre and lighthouse with stunning coastal views during tidal access. Visitors can climb the 137 steps to the top of the lighthouse and explore the newly refurbished visitor centre that featuring new exhibitions and activities that shine a light on its rich history and local wildlife. These include: 

• An indoor wildlife hide with HD cameras offering close-up views of seals and birds

• A time-lapse display showing tidal movements and views from the tower

• New exhibitions exploring the island’s history, geology, and wildlife

• An interactive vessel finder to identify and track passing ships in real time

• A children’s area called the Little Lighthouse Keepers’ zone, with themed toys, a mini play-lighthouse and submarine

• A virtual lighthouse keeper projection sharing stories of life on the island and day-to-day lighthouse operations

Lots of visitors come to see the seals and birds on the reserve. There are wetlands on the wider reserve as well as cliff top grasslands and beaches to visit.