St. mary lighthouse uk

St. Mary's Lighthouse, located on St. Mary's Island off the northeast coast of England, is a historic landmark and tourist attraction near Whitley Bay.

About this subject

St. Mary's Lighthouse is situated on St. Mary's Island, a tidal island off the coast of Tyne and Wear in northeast England. Built in 1898, the lighthouse was designed by engineers James Douglass and William Tregarthen Douglass, featuring a masonry tower 38 meters tall. Its light had a range of 26 nautical miles, guiding ships approaching the River Tyne and the port of Newcastle from the North Sea.

The lighthouse operated for 79 years until decommissioning in 1977, replaced by modern navigation systems. Today, St. Mary's Island is a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, hosting colonies of seabirds such as gulls and fulmars. At low tide, visitors can reach the island via a stone causeway connecting St. Mary's and Brierdene beaches. The site offers panoramic coastal views and is near Whitley Bay, a popular seaside town.

The lighthouse is a well-preserved example of Edwardian maritime architecture. Its white and red tower, along with the attached keeper's house, attracts photographers and history enthusiasts. The property was sold to a private owner in 1980 and converted into a museum and visitor center, though it is currently closed for renovations. Nevertheless, the island remains a destination for walking and wildlife watching, especially during spring and autumn bird migrations.

Interestingly, the lighthouse served as inspiration for the film 'The Lighthouse' (2019), though the production used visual effects to depict a more isolated setting. The actual structure appears in numerous artworks and photographs, symbolizing the maritime heritage of northeast England. Its location on a tidal island adds an element of adventure, as visitors must check tide times to avoid being stranded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is St. Mary's Lighthouse located?

St. Mary's Lighthouse is on St. Mary's Island, off the coast of Tyne and Wear in northeast England, near Whitley Bay.

Is St. Mary's Lighthouse still operational?

No, the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1977. The island is now a nature reserve, and the lighthouse is closed for renovations.

Can visitors access St. Mary's Island?

Yes, at low tide via a stone causeway. Visitors should check tide times to avoid being stranded.