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South Stack Lighthouse (Ynys Lawd)

Trinity House’s 1809 lighthouse on its own islet off Holy Island, reached down (and back up) 400+ cliff steps and a bridge. Open weekends 10.30am–4.30pm from 31 October.

Holyhead
·
Holy Island
South Stack Lighthouse on its island below the cliffs
Photo: Jeff Buck, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Price
Adult £10 · child (5–16) £5
Time needed
Sat nav
LL65 1YH
Local tip
Wear proper footwear (not flip-flops) and save some energy for the climb back up.

South Stack Lighthouse was built by Trinity House in 1809 on Ynys Lawd, a small island off the western tip of Holy Island. The only way to the lighthouse is down 400+ steps on the steep mainland cliff, across a bridge to the island, and back up the same steps afterwards. When tours run, they can include climbing the tower.

The lighthouse sits below the RSPB South Stack Cliffs reserve, which is a separate attraction with its own listing.

Good to know

The lighthouse is closed for maintenance until 30 October 2026. From Saturday 31 October it opens at weekends only, 10.30am to 4.30pm, until the end of the season. Last entry to the island and lighthouse is 3.45pm, and the ticket kiosk closes at 3.30pm. Opening is weather permitting, and lighthouse admission can close early, so arrive early and check the lighthouse’s Facebook page for weather updates. There are no public toilets at the lighthouse. Dogs are not allowed on the lighthouse island.

Tickets

Buy tickets at the kiosk next to the RSPB café at South Stack. Card and cash are both accepted, including on the island. Check lighthouse availability with the car park pay booth before you pay for parking.

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Plan your visit

Where to go
Park in the RSPB South Stack car parks; tickets are sold from the kiosk in the RSPB car park next to the café. Then walk down 400+ steps on the cliff to the bridge (and back up afterwards). Signposted from Holyhead, about 3 miles away.
Opening times
Closed for maintenance until 30 Oct 2026; from 31 Oct, weekends only 10.30am–4.30pm until the end of the season (last entry 3.45pm)
Prices
Adults £10 · concessions £8 · children (5–16) £5 · family (2 adults + up to 3 children) £25. Tickets from the kiosk next to the RSPB café; card and cash accepted, including on the island.
Booking
Not needed
Age suitability
Children up to 16 welcome but must manage the stairs by themselves; minimum height 1.1m to climb the tower.
Parking
Park in the RSPB South Stack car parks. Non-members pay (£3.50 up to 1 hour, £7.50 all day); RSPB members, Blue Badge holders and motorbikes free.
Public transport
Walk
Step-free access
No, steps or rough ground
Access details
The lighthouse can only be reached down 400+ steep steps on the cliff, and back up again. Visitors must be able to manage the stairs unaided; minimum height of 1.1m to climb the tower. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
Toilets
No
Facilities
No public toilets at the lighthouse
Dogs
Not allowed
Dog rules
Dogs are not allowed on the lighthouse island.
Details last checked
October 23, 2026
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