At a glance
Eight historic lighthouses on the North Wales coast — from Trinity House South Stack (open to visitors in summer) to the Llanddwyn Island lights on Newborough Beach. Concentrated on Anglesey, which guards the approaches to the Irish Sea.
About North Wales lighthouses
The coastline of North Wales — particularly Anglesey — was one of the most dangerous in British waters. The western approaches to the Menai Strait and the passage between Anglesey and the Skerries rocks were responsible for hundreds of shipwrecks before the systematic development of lighthouse navigation in the 18th and 19th centuries. Trinity House, the lighthouse authority for England and Wales, built most of the major Anglesey lights from the late 1700s.
South Stack Lighthouse (1809) marks the westernmost point of Anglesey — a tidal island connected to the 400-step cliff path by an aluminium bridge. The lighthouse stands 28 metres tall on a stack of white quartzite that drops sheer into the Atlantic. The RSPB reserve above the cliffs adds a wildlife dimension: puffins, guillemots and razorbills nest on the same quartzite below the lighthouse from April to July.
Llanddwyn Island, off the south-western tip of Anglesey, has two lighthouses on its tidal promontory — an 1800 stone tower and an 1845 successor. The island is named for St Dwynwen, the 5th-century Welsh patron saint of lovers, whose ruined chapel and holy well survive on the island. The combination of lighthouse heritage, early Christian archaeology and spectacular Snowdonia views makes Llanddwyn one of the most rewarding short walks on Anglesey.
All 8 North Wales lighthouses
Practical information
Visiting South Stack
The lighthouse itself opens to visitors typically April–September (check trinityhouse.co.uk for current dates). The descent to the bridge (400 steps) is not suitable for those with limited mobility. RSPB Ellin's Tower visitor centre on the cliff above is free and accessible. Combined lighthouse and RSPB visit takes about 2 hours.
Llanddwyn access
The island is accessible on foot from Newborough Beach at low tide — confirm tide times before visiting. The car park at Newborough Forest charges £5–8 per day (Natural Resources Wales). Walk through the forest (20 minutes) to reach the beach, then along the beach to the island (further 20 minutes).
Frequently asked questions
Yes. South Stack Lighthouse on the westernmost tip of Anglesey is open to visitors in summer (typically April–September). The lighthouse sits on a small island connected to the mainland by an aluminium bridge — reached via 400 steps down the cliff face. Trinity House operates the lighthouse. The RSPB South Stack visitor centre nearby is free and open April–September with telescopes overlooking the seabird cliffs. Puffins nest on the cliffs from April to July.
South Stack is the most famous and visited, but the Skerries Lighthouse (on a rocky island 3 miles off the north-west tip of Anglesey) has the more remarkable history. It was the last privately owned lighthouse in Britain — the Meyrick family held a private Act of Parliament authorising them to levy dues on passing ships. When Trinity House finally compulsorily purchased it in 1841, the compensation paid was £444,984 — the largest sum ever paid for a lighthouse and enough to make the Meyrick family wealthy for generations.
Llanddwyn Island has two lighthouses — an old stone lighthouse (1800) and a later operational tower (1845) built on the tidal island off the south-western tip of Anglesey at the edge of Newborough Beach. The island is associated with St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers (the Welsh equivalent of St Valentine's Day is celebrated on 25 January, St Dwynwen's Day). The ruins of her 16th-century chapel, the two lighthouses and a lifeboat house make this one of the most atmospheric spots on Anglesey.
Yes — Point Lynas on the north-east tip of Anglesey is one of the best seabird watching headlands in North Wales, particularly during autumn migration (August–November). In strong north-westerly winds, large numbers of Manx shearwaters, storm petrels, gannets, skuas and auks pass the point. Harbour porpoise are frequently seen. The lighthouse complex (1835) is now residential but the headland is publicly accessible. The walk from Llaneilian village takes about 20 minutes.
Point Lynas Lighthouse on Anglesey is available as a self-catering holiday let through the former lighthouse keepers' cottages — one of the most spectacular coastal holiday cottages in Wales. The Skerries Lighthouse is not accessible for overnight stays. Trinity House does not generally offer public overnight access to operational lighthouses. Several converted lighthouse keeper cottages elsewhere on Anglesey are available through Landmark Trust and private lets.
South Stack is 4 miles west of Holyhead on Anglesey. Drive via the B4545 to the RSPB car park at South Stack (SH 209 819). From the car park, walk 400 steps down to the lighthouse bridge — the steps are steep but well-maintained. Alternatively, the RSPB visitor centre at Ellin's Tower (on the cliff above) is accessible without the descent and has excellent views. Bus service 22/22A from Holyhead operates to South Stack in summer.