St Mary's Lighthouse Reviews Summary

Lighthouse and Surroundings

Pros:

• "The lighthouse is fun to visit with the kids and learn the history of the place."
• "The views from the car park are great as well."
• "A beautiful lighthouse, and an amazing spot to seal watch as they're always milling about on the rocks."
• "An absolutely stunning lighthouse, especially at sunset."
• "The lighthouse itself offers decent views for about £1.60pp."
• "Great place for watching wildlife. Spot the seals basking in the sun then walk up to the top of the lighthouse to get a brilliant sea view!"
• "The Visitor Centre located in the former Lighthouse Keeper's cottage is well worth a visit."

Cons:

• "Just a word of warning, when we were there on a busy Sunday afternoon the public toilets at the car park were locked up!"
• "Though we could not go up the light house as it was closed."
• "The lighthouse itself is really in need of attention inside and out as are the displays and historic items on show."
• "When we were there this time the shop etc. were taken over by school trips so all were closed to the public."
• "The lighthouse and shop are looking very tired which is a big shame."
• "Lighthouse and buildings are looking very sad and shabby. Unkept, unmaintained, rusty and dirty whitewash."
• "The lighthouse itself could do with some TLC."

Wildlife and Nature

Pros:

• "Love going here, lots of seals around the rocks, and after the visit go pick some winkles."
• "It's a fantastic view from the top though, see the seals on the rocks down below."
• "Great location to visit to see some seals resting as well as some sea birds."
• "A beautiful lighthouse, and an amazing spot to seal watch as they're always milling about on the rocks."
• "Lucky to see seals basking on the rocks."
• "Great place for bird watching."
• "The wildlife there is fabulous too. Dolphins. Seals. Gannetts. Golden Pluvers. Oyster Catchers. Shags. Razor Bill's. Herring. And many more."

Cons:

• "Well, besides the beautiful view, i would like to add for the dog parents to be careful when walking the doggies on the tall grass as we found some nasty stuff left by humans behind."
• "However this time the seals weren't to be seen and there were a few signs to say that the number there had reduced by 90% due to visitors getting too close to them on the rocks which was a shame."
• "You mustn't go and disturb them and get close, but look from a distant."
• "Only downside is some people encroach on the rocks to get too close to the seals."
• "The beacon can not be accessed due to wildlife and seals."
• "Make sure you stay off the rocks if the seals are out of the water so you don't disturb them."
• "The seals visit to say hello but you are not supposed to disturb them."

Accessibility and Facilities

Pros:

• "The actual lighthouse is accessible across a tidal footpath so check times before going."
• "Good car parks."
• "Easy Access & Parking. Great views."
• "Parking application Ringo £3 all day, but half mile away is free parking as well."
• "There is a well stocked gift shop and restrooms."
• "Toilets and car parking available."
• "Plenty of parking spaces and short walk across the causeway to the island."

Cons:

• "Causeway blocked in less than 25 minutes. Be warned."
• "The facilities weren't open so I'm commenting on the lighthouse grounds rather than inside or any other facilities."
• "Toilets were not available on the Island."
• "Toilets on site aren't very nice ... but they are open."
• "Car park public toilet out of action."
• "Another thing, the toilets in the car park were locked, why not have them open later, please?"
• "Car park is not free."