St Mary's, accessible via a short causeway, is a popular part-time island with rich history.
The Lighthouse, built in 1898, served until 1984 when modern navigational techniques made it no longer needed. Now, it and the former keepers' cottages operate as a visitor centre by North Tyneside Council.
The Nature Reserve includes rock pools, clifftop grassland, a beach, and new wetland habitats.
Visitors can climb 137 steps to the top of the lighthouse for spectacular views of the North East coast. You can also use a video facility at ground level that allows you to experience the same views, live and in colour. Other exhibits detail the Lighthouse's history and local wildlife of St Mary's Nature Reserve.
The shop, accessible without an admission fee, offers a range of unique gifts, souvenirs, and refreshments. A ramp ensures easy access for those with wheelchairs, prams, or buggies.
Getting Here
The Lighthouse is a major landmark situated north of Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear. Follow the brown tourist signs from the Whitley Bay turn-off on the A19 or from the end of the A1058 out of Newcastle.
There are large pay and display car parks on the mainland.
The Metro system can take you as far as Whitley Bay, where you will need to take a short walk from the Metro Station to Park Avenue. The No. 308 and 309 ‘Blyth’ buses travels every 15 minutes from here. Get off at Whitley Bay Cemetery for the island.
Group Visits
We welcome bookings from coach operators, schools, and community groups, and offer a variety of programmes. A warden service is available by prior arrangement. Private group visits outside normal hours can be arranged.
Call us for details on facilities for meetings, training events, children's parties, and weddings.
Opening Times
Our current opening times, and causeway crossing times
Admission Charges
| Ticket Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adults* | £4.30 |
| Senior citizen or child* | £2.20 |
| Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children) | £10.00 |
*EASE card discount applies
Events
Visit our Bookwhen page for details of our current events.
Thank you for bearing with us whilst the island is closed for essential building works.
Our summer rock pool rambles and fossil frolics will be relocated to Seaton Sluice Community Centre, just a 5 minute drive away. You can book these events via Bookwhen.
We are also exploring more family events for all ages, so stay tuned. We look forward to celebrating our annual events once the lighthouse is refreshed.
Accessibility
Find out how accessible this building is.
Contact us
St Mary’s Island
Whitley Bay
NE26 4RS
Telephone: (0191) 643 4777