Sports & Leisure

St Mary's Lighthouse

A much-loved landmark on a small tidal island just north of Whitley Bay, connected to the mainland by a causeway. Climb the 137 steps for spectacular coastal views, explore the visitor centre and nature reserve, or enjoy world-class birdwatching from the hide.

St Mary's Island, Whitley Bay NE26 4RS 0191 200 8650

About St Mary's Lighthouse

St Mary's Lighthouse stands on St Mary's Island, a small tidal island just north of Whitley Bay reached by a causeway that is accessible at low tide and submerged at high tide. The lighthouse was built on the site of a former chapel and first lit on 31 August 1898, remaining operational until 1984 when it was superseded by modern navigation. Since then the lighthouse and former keepers' cottages have been run as a visitor centre by North Tyneside Council. Visitors can climb 137 steps to the top for sweeping views across the North Sea and coastline, while the surrounding island includes a nature reserve popular for birdwatching and exploring rock pools.

Featured in These Guides

Blog posts and guides that feature St Mary's Lighthouse.

Whitley Bay Film Festival Returns for September 2026 with Nick Broomfield

The volunteer-run film festival is back across Jam Jar Cinema, St Mary's Lighthouse and other coastal venues this September, with documentary maker Nick Broomfield headlining opening night.

Family Activities in Whitley Bay: Days Out with the Kids

The best family days out in Whitley Bay, from the beach and the Links to St Mary's Lighthouse, the Spanish City and a great spread of rainy-day soft play, grouped so you can plan around the weather.

Date Night in Whitley Bay: Restaurants, Bars and Things to Do

Where to eat, drink and wander for a romantic evening in Whitley Bay, from Park View restaurants and the Spanish City dome to cocktails, craft ale and a walk along the seafront.

Interesting Facts About Whitley Bay

From a pleasure dome that was once the second largest in the country to an electrified island lighthouse and a Dire Straits song, here are the stories that make Whitley Bay so distinctive.

An Evergreen Guide to the Whitley Bay Film Festival

A volunteer-run celebration of cinema in unforgettable coastal settings: what the Whitley Bay Film Festival is, its distinctive venues, and how to find the programme and book tickets each September.

Whitley Bay on Screen: Film and TV Locations

From the floodlit Spanish City dome in Vera to St Mary's Lighthouse and the wider coastline, a guide to the film and TV filmed around Whitley Bay.

Halloween in Whitley Bay

The coast at its spookiest: Seaton Delaval Hall's big Halloween programme and its resident ghosts, an atmospheric island lighthouse, and family fun nearby.

£11m Seafront Route Linking Tynemouth and Whitley Bay Celebrated

A five-mile walking, wheeling and cycling route between Tynemouth and St Mary's Lighthouse has been completed and celebrated with a launch weekend on the coast.

Best Wedding Venues in Whitley Bay

From the restored Spanish City dome to a lighthouse on a tidal island, some of the most distinctive wedding settings on the North East coast.

St Mary's Lighthouse Voted England's Number One Lighthouse

Whitley Bay's St Mary's Lighthouse has been ranked the best lighthouse in England by TripAdvisor travellers, with a near-perfect 4.5 score and rave reviews for its wildlife and views.

Local Museums and Archives Near Whitley Bay

St Mary's Lighthouse, the Stephenson Railway Museum, Segedunum Roman Fort, and Newcastle's free galleries -- a guide to the museums and heritage sites within easy reach of Whitley Bay.

Whitley Bay at War: The Coast Defences

Coastal guns, anti-invasion beach obstacles, searchlight batteries, the wartime role of St Mary's Lighthouse, evacuees, and rationing on the coast -- Whitley Bay in the Second World War.

View on Google Maps

More Sports & Leisure in Whitley Bay

Jam Jar Cinema

Independent, community-run cinema in the heart of Whitley Bay, showing the best of new releases, classics, documentaries and world cinema across three screens, with two bars and full accessibility.

Spanish City

The North East's most iconic seafront building, the Grade II listed Spanish City dome originally opened in 1910 as a concert hall and tearoom. Beautifully restored and reopened in 2018, it now houses restaurants, a tearoom, and event spaces beneath its landmark dome.

Whitley Bay Playhouse

A state-of-the-art theatre and entertainment venue hosting music, drama, comedy, dance, and family shows throughout the year. The Playhouse is a cultural centrepiece for the town with a busy programme of touring productions and local events.

← Back to Directory