RSPB South Stack Cliffs covers heathland and farmland running out to sheer sea cliffs on the western edge of Holy Island, looking across to South Stack island and its lighthouse. Entry to the reserve is free and it is open at all times.
What to see and do
Ellin’s Tower, a white Victorian building on the cliff edge, is the main viewpoint over the seabird ledges. In spring, guillemots, razorbills and puffins breed on the cliffs, and choughs may be seen along them all year. The RSPB runs guided walks and hires out Nature Quest backpacks.
Good to know
The visitor centre, café, shop and toilets open 10am to 5pm. The RSPB car parks are charged for non-members. A level path runs from the Ellin’s Tower car park to the viewpoint; the route from the visitor centre has 25 uneven steps. Dogs are welcome on the reserve but not in the café. Drones are banned from 1 March to 31 July. South Stack Lighthouse is run separately and has its own listing.
Where to go
Follow the brown signs from Holyhead town centre (about 3 miles). Park at the visitor centre car park for the café and shop, or at the Ellin’s Tower car park for the level path to the viewpoint. what3words: devalued.glimmers.talkers.
Opening times
Reserve and car parks open 24 hours, every day
Prices
Reserve entry free for all. Parking (non-members): £3.50 up to 1 hour, £7.50 all day; buses/coaches £8 up to 1 hour, £20 all day. Free for RSPB members, Blue Badge holders and motorbikes. No validity period stated by RSPB.
Parking
RSPB car parks open 24 hours, including Ellin’s Tower and Visitor Centre car parks (visitor centre car park tarmac, others compacted stone). Non-members: £3.50 up to 1 hour, £7.50 all day; coaches £8 up to 1 hour, £20 all day. Free for RSPB members, Blue Badge holders and motorbikes. 7 Blue Badge spaces. No overnight parking or camping.
Public transport
Holyhead railway station is about 3 miles away.
Step-free access
Partly step-free
Access details
Level route from Ellin’s Tower car park to the viewpoint outside Ellin’s Tower, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The route between the visitor centre and Ellin’s Tower has 25 uneven steps; the coastal trail is rugged, uneven and narrow. Accessible toilet and baby changing in the visitor centre; no toilets at Ellin’s Tower. 7 Blue Badge spaces across the Ellin’s Tower and Visitor Centre car parks. Access guide on AccessAble.
Toilets
Yes, including an accessible toilet
Facilities
Visitor centre · Café · Shop · Toilets · Accessible toilet · Baby changing · Ellin’s Tower viewpoint · Blue Badge parking · Dog water bowls
Dogs
Allowed with restrictions
Dog rules
Dogs welcome on the reserve and in Ellin’s Tower; keep them under control and on paths. Only assistance dogs in the visitor centre (so not in the café). Water bowls at the visitor centre and Ellin’s Tower.
