South Stack Lighthouse
Holyhead, United Kingdom
A white lighthouse on a rock islet below Holy Island’s cliffs, reached by about 400 steps and a small bridge only when it is open, which is not always. From April to July the RSPB clifftop reserve is busy with guillemots and razorbills.
South Stack is a small rocky islet below the cliffs of Holy Island, the island off Anglesey, about 5 km (three miles) west of Holyhead. The 28 m lighthouse was built in 1809 to a design by Daniel Alexander and automated in 1983. About 400 steps and a footbridge lead to the island. Access is not always possible: tickets are bought on site, and according to Trinity House the lighthouse was last closed for essential maintenance (as of October 2026). The cliffs are part of an RSPB reserve, where you can watch razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars, peregrines and choughs, along with a handful of puffins. One viewpoint is Ellin’s Tower.
Nearby are the remains of Iron Age round houses on Holyhead Mountain (Ty Mawr). The site lies on the Anglesey Coastal Path. A car park sits just above the cliffs. Wear sturdy shoes, because the descent and especially the climb back up the steps are tiring; the route is unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
- Nearest town
- Holyhead, United Kingdom
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 53.3068, -4.6980
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Blackthorn Farm Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover3 km from South Stack LighthouseMotorhomes
- Blackthorn Farm CampsiteCampsite3 km from South Stack LighthouseShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Pen-y-Llyn Touring Caravan SiteMotorhome stopover11 km from South Stack Lighthouse · 45 pitchesMotorhomesDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Gadlys Coastal Holiday CottagesCampsite12 km from South Stack LighthouseTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Bodfan FarmMotorhome stopover15 km from South Stack LighthouseCaravansMotorhomesShowersToilets
- The RingMotorhome stopover22 km from South Stack LighthouseCaravansMotorhomes
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is South Stack Lighthouse?
South Stack Lighthouse is in Holyhead, United Kingdom, at GPS 53.3068, -4.6980. It is about 34 km from Caernarfon.
Can you camp near South Stack Lighthouse?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Ty Mawr Farm Campsite, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 40 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass South Stack Lighthouse?
South Stack Lighthouse is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Anglesey and the Llŷn peninsula.
What is there to see near South Stack Lighthouse?
Places worth a stop nearby: Caernarfon Castle (34 km), Beaumaris Castle (41 km), Porthdinllaen (41 km) and Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) (49 km).
When is the best time to visit South Stack Lighthouse?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)