St. mary lighthouse uk

St. Mary's Lighthouse in the UK, built in 1898 and decommissioned in 1984, now serves as a museum and tourist attraction on the northeast coast of England.

About this subject

St. Mary's Lighthouse is located on St. Mary's Island off the coast of Tyne and Wear in northeast England. Built in 1898, it was designed to aid navigation in the North Sea, originally equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens that emitted a white flash every five seconds. Standing 38 meters tall, its light could be seen up to 12 nautical miles away. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1984 after an automatic buoy was installed in the area.

The island is accessible on foot via a stone causeway at low tide. In addition to the lighthouse, the site includes a former coastguard station and a small museum showcasing the history of the lighthouse and local maritime life. The island is also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its limestone geology and the variety of seabirds that breed there, such as kittiwakes and cormorants.

The lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction, especially during summer when visitors can climb the 137 steps to the top for panoramic views of the North Sea and the Northumberland coast. Surrounding coastal paths offer birdwatching opportunities and scenic walks. The lighthouse's distinctive white and red stripes make it a recognizable landmark, frequently featured in regional photography and art.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get to St. Mary's Lighthouse?

The lighthouse is on St. Mary's Island in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside. Access is via a stone causeway that is covered at high tide. Check local tide times before visiting.

What is the height of St. Mary's Lighthouse?

The lighthouse is 38 meters tall, with 137 steps to the top.

Is St. Mary's Lighthouse still operational?

No. It was decommissioned in 1984 and replaced by an automatic buoy. It now serves as a museum and tourist attraction.