The lighthouse was built using approximately 675,000 bricks.
The original lantern light was powered by paraffin oil before being converted to electricity in 1977.
The island contains a former lighthouse keeper's cottage that has been repurposed for educational exhibits.
The causeway leading to the island is submerged for several hours during high tide, making the site inaccessible twice daily.
The site hosts a colony of grey seals that can often be observed on the rocks at low tide.
St Mary’s Lighthouse is a 19th-century decommissioned beacon situated on St Mary's Island, accessible only via a tidal causeway. The structure, completed in 1898, replaced an earlier 12th-century chapel that once stood on the same site. Visitors can climb the 137 spiral steps to the lantern gallery for panoramic views of the North Sea coastline. The complex includes a visitor centre, a small museum detailing the lighthouse's history, and an observation deck. The lighthouse ceased active maritime service in 1984 when it was automated and subsequently replaced by modern electronic systems. The island is part of a Local Nature Reserve known for its diverse rock pools and marine wildlife. The island is frequently cut off from the mainland by the rising tide, dictating visitor access times. The site is a Grade II listed building maintained by the local council.
From the mainland beach looking back towards the island as the tide starts to recede.
Check the daily tide tables before departing to avoid becoming stranded on the island.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear suitable for navigating slippery rock pools and uneven coastal paths.
Bring binoculars if you intend to spot local seabirds or grey seals in the surrounding waters.
Attempting to cross the causeway when the tide is rising or when warning signs are active.
Access is strictly dependent on the tidal cycle; the island is inaccessible during high tide.
Avoid disturbing the wildlife in the rock pools and follow safety signage regarding tidal movements.
