st. mary's lighthouse and visitor centre

Lovely location and you can walk across to the island at low tide just make sure you make note of the tides coming in for the return and don't get stranded. You can walk all around the island and scramble over the rocks and explore tide pools. History of the island is there and at some times you can climb up the stairs of the lighthouse - wonderful view. You must take careful note of the tide schedule.

we had a walk to the lighthouse on a bright windy morning and it was a great visit....will definitely be returning with the grandchildren!

Interesting venue for all walks of life and families... the Centre could do with a little modernising but would highly recommend the visit.

We went to Whitley for a long weekend, we didn't do much research before going so when we looked out of our hotel window and saw this beautiful old lighthouse we couldn't wait to visit. The lighthouse is only open on certain days a month, so check before you go, luck on our side, it was open, we walked across the causeway with its lovely rock pools to a very old lighthouse, we where able to go to the top, fortunately it was a brilliant clear day, very old fashioned and rather neglected, but wouldn't have missed the opportunity..

St Mary's lighthouse is unique - separated from the mainland by a hundred yards or so of causeway so that it is cut off at high tide, it nestles on the tiny St Mary's Island with a cluster of picturesque cottages at its feet. The shop and exhibition are small and interesting and the walk up the slightly scary staircase all the way to the top is well worth the effort. The views from there are amazing! And on the floor below the light room is furnished with an old cabinet that can only have been made to measure the curved lighthouse wall. The rock pools surrounding the island are proper old-fashioned fun for little ones, too. The sea breezes often make it chillier here than you might expect so bring a jumper.

What a lovely little interesting place this is. The staff were very friendly however things are looking a little tired round the edges. The visitor centre could do with a fresh pair of eyes for example someone has donated a lovely mosaic of the lighthouse but it is not hung on the wall on display, just propped up. The computer screen was on but with nothing playing so I sorted it out but, some people may not have known how. The children's room could offer a lot more for the space it uses. It's very informative and interesting, but with a little more thought and a couple of days spent updating things it could be far better. Having said all this I would still recommend a visit and don't shy away from going up the final steep steps. There's not many and the views you get when you go right into the top are worth it.

Plesent visit to St Mary's Lighthouse and visit centre . The day was clear and cold but worth it especially the climb up the Lighthouse it was very steep but the veiw from the small windows was worth it.

I have visited this lovely lighthouse and visitor centre on many occasion. Its a great place to 'explore' when the tide is out with the kids, wading through the rockpools looking for crabs and fish. On the other side of things the lighthouse itself is a great tourist attraction with enough to see and do looking back at its history in the museum area. Great walks also around and about along the coast.Super.

I thoroughly enjoy going to the lighthouse, from climbing the lighthouse steps to wandering through the museum area. The setting is idyllic and the lighthouse is wonderfully maintained. It's breezy so take a jacket, but absolutely worth a visit!

Lovely looking building at end of causeway accessible when tide is out. Details on website of openings. Good exhibition at bottom of lighthouse and hot drinks available. Top is reached by spiral staircase - somewhat scary with peeling paint on walls - but we got there. Last bit is almost like a ladder- v steep. Be brave and go for it fantastic views from the top.Car park is 80p per hour -no change given.Lighthouse £2.85 full price.

The Lighthouse at Whitley Bay is very evocative of the North East so worth a visit. There is a good level of detail about the Lighthouse in the ground floor museum. If you're brave you can climb to the top for fantastic views of the coast. The exhibition needs some attention, it does look a little shabby, however this adds to its charm and for the cheap entrance fee it is worth it.

Disappointed with this as it was tatty poorly maintained, very little in the way of facilities and the ladies toilet was a disgrace won't be going back

I've been here hundreds times (grew up 5 minutes away) and I still love to visit.Fantastic place for a walk, take the kids "rockpooling", or visit the lighthouse and go inside, I've even swam here many times in the summer.You can also walk along the cliffs at the top, and I know there are also a few geocaches here too.

This is one of them places everybody enjoys visiting great memories from childhood and l still enjoy going to the island . The top of the lighthouse is a must and the view from the top is fabulous just to even climb around the rocks at the back bring back memories. Great place for children they'll love the excitement of crossing to the island and climbing the lighthouse steps. 10/10

Walking across at low tide is fantastic fun and the kids love it!Bring your wellies and hunt for crabs in the rocks..!The first time we visited, we even got to meet a seal or two up close.This place is constantly changing with the seasons and worth a trip anytime of the year