South Stack Lighthouse

South Stack Lighthouse sits on a small rocky islet off the north-west tip of Holy Island, close to Holyhead and the hamlet of Penrhosfeilw on Anglesey, Wales. The white tower, completed in 1809, is among the island's most photographed landmarks, and reaching it means a long stairway down the cliff and a footbridge across a deep gully.

Where does it come from?

Daniel Alexander, consulting engineer to Trinity House, designed the lighthouse, and Joseph Nelson built it. It was the first lighthouse Alexander worked on. The light guided ships heading for Holyhead harbour across the Irish Sea, where reefs and strong tidal streams off the island's western cape had long caused wrecks. The tower was raised and given a new lantern in 1874, the light was electrified in 1938, and the station was automated in 1984. The lighthouse and its former keepers' quarters hold Grade II listed status from Cadw (listed in 1971), and the Welsh heritage record Coflein catalogues the site under number 41288.

How do you get there?

From the RSPB car park at the cliff top, a stone stairway leads down to the water. Guides put it at roughly 400 steps, with benches along the way. A footbridge crosses to the islet; the current one dates from 1998 and replaced an earlier suspension bridge. The return climb is the hard part, so allow time and wear sturdy shoes. The route is not suited to anyone with significant mobility difficulties.

What can you see and do?

Tours of the interior are run by South Stack Ynys Lawd Ltd under licence from Trinity House. You can look round the former engine room and climb the tower. Climbers must be at least 1.1 m tall, and children must manage the stairs on their own. Tickets are sold on the day from the kiosk in the RSPB car park next to the cafe, at least an hour before a tour starts. Opening hours and prices change, so check the operator's website first. Tours depend on the weather and can be cancelled at short notice.

The coastline is worth the trip even if the tower is closed. The surrounding cliffs form the RSPB Ynys Lawd reserve, where guillemots, razorbills and puffins breed in spring and choughs, rare members of the crow family, can be seen all year. The reserve has its own visitor centre, separate from the lighthouse tours.

When should you visit?

Spring and early summer suit birdwatchers, when the cliff colonies are busiest. Afternoon and sunset light is best for photographs. In strong wind or thick fog the tower may be shut, leaving a cliff walk and birdwatching as the main options.

What else is nearby?

Holyhead and its port are only a few kilometres away. The cafe by the RSPB car park is handy for a rest before or after the stairs.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drive to South Stack Lighthouse? Only as far as the cliff-top car park. From there you walk down the steps and across the bridge.

Can you climb the tower? Yes, on a guided visit when the weather allows. The minimum height is 1.1 m.

Where do you buy tickets? At the kiosk in the RSPB car park on the day, at least an hour before the tour.

Is the lighthouse still working? Yes. It has been automated since 1984 and still serves as a navigation light.