The island of Anglesey Lighthouses, located off the northwest coast of Wales, is surrounded by rugged cliffs, dramatic tides, and centuries of seafaring history. Among its most iconic and enduring features are its lighthouses — silent sentinels guiding vessels through some of the UK’s most perilous coastal waters.
Whether you’re exploring on foot, by car, or by boat, the lighthouses of Anglesey offer an unforgettable journey through time, nature, and maritime engineering.
A Quick Overview of Anglesey’s Key Lighthouses
Anglesey is home to several notable lighthouses. Here are the most visited and visually striking:
LighthouseLocationHighlightsSouth StackHoly IslandClifftop views, seabird colony, epic sunsetsTrwyn Du (Penmon)Penmon PointPuffin Island views, fog bell, easy accessLlanddwyn IslandNewborough BeachTwr Mawr & Twr Bach, romantic ruins, tidal walkSkerries LighthouseOff NW AngleseyRemote, boat access only, wildlife havenHolyhead BreakwaterHolyhead PortLongest breakwater in UK, accessible walkSouth Stack Lighthouse – The Jewel of Holy Island
Quick Facts:
- Built in 1809
- Height: 41 meters
- Over 400 steps from the clifftop to the bridge
Perched on a rocky islet off the western cliffs of Holy Island, South Stack Lighthouse is arguably the most famous in Anglesey. Visitors descend steep stone steps and cross a narrow bridge to reach the base of the lighthouse, which still functions today.
Why Visit:
- Unmatched views of the Irish Sea
- RSPB South Stack: Birdwatchers can spot puffins, razorbills, and peregrines
- Stunning photography, especially at sunset
Trwyn Du Lighthouse – The Puffin Island Guardian
Also Known As: Penmon Lighthouse
Location: Penmon Point, East Anglesey
This striking black-and-white striped tower stands between Penmon Point and Puffin Island, guarding the eastern entrance to the Menai Strait.
Features:
- Still-active fog bell
- Superb views of Puffin Island
- Toll road access with nearby café and ruins of Penmon Priory
Ideal for photographers, Trwyn Du is especially beautiful at sunrise when the light hits the water between the island and the mainland.
Llanddwyn Island Lighthouses – Twr Mawr and Twr Bach
Located on the tidal island of Llanddwyn, these two lighthouses — Twr Mawr (“big tower”) and Twr Bach (“small tower”) — are symbols of romantic legend and coastal navigation.
Highlights:
- Located within Newborough National Nature Reserve
- Nearby ruins of Saint Dwynwen’s chapel
- Panoramic beach walks with mountain views
Though no longer operational, the lighthouses’ whitewashed structures are incredibly photogenic and steeped in mythology.
Skerries Lighthouse – Remote and Wild
Location: Skerries Rocks, northwest of Anglesey
Built: 1716, rebuilt in 1804
Accessible only by boat, Skerries Lighthouse is located on an isolated reef that is also a wildlife sanctuary. Home to puffins and grey seals, this lighthouse played a vital role in safely guiding ships into the Irish Sea for centuries.
Boat tours from Holyhead or Cemaes Bay often pass the Skerries for sightseeing and birdwatching.
Holyhead Breakwater Lighthouse – End of the Line
At the end of Holyhead Breakwater — the longest in the UK — sits a compact yet crucial lighthouse that assists port traffic and ferry operations.
Experience:
- Scenic 1.5-mile walk along the breakwater
- Close views of ferry terminals and marine traffic
- Great for anglers and coastal walkers
While not as iconic in design, its industrial charm and strategic importance make it worth a visit.
Anglesey Lighthouse Trail: Suggested Route
Create your own Anglesey lighthouse itinerary with this suggested loop:
- Start at South Stack Lighthouse
- Head northeast to Holyhead Breakwater
- Drive across the island to Penmon Point (Trwyn Du)
- Walk to Llanddwyn Island (tide-dependent)
- Optional boat trip to Skerries Lighthouse
This route covers all the major lighthouses and showcases the full diversity of Anglesey’s coastline.
Photography & Best Visiting Times
LighthouseBest Time to VisitNotesSouth StackSunsetGolden cliffs and seaTrwyn DuSunriseFacing east; morning reflectionsLlanddwynLow tideIsland access on footHolyhead BreakwaterDaytimeLong walk, bring water/snacksSkerriesMay–JulyPuffin season, calm seasSEO Optimization Strategy
Keyword Placement Table:
KeywordPlacement LocationAnglesey lighthousesTitle, intro, headings, image ALT textLighthouses in AngleseyBody content, meta tagsTrwyn Du LighthouseIndividual section, alt keywordSouth Stack LighthouseH2 subheading and contentLighthouse trail AngleseySuggested route sectionConclusion
The lighthouses of Anglesey are more than just waypoints for ships — they are guardians of Welsh coastal heritage, witnesses to centuries of sea trade, shipwrecks, and navigation triumphs. Each one tells a story: of engineering, of nature, of survival.
Whether you’re a history lover, wildlife enthusiast, or coastal walker, Anglesey’s lighthouses offer a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the power of the sea with the beauty of Wales.
FAQs
1. How many lighthouses are there in Anglesey?
Anglesey features at least five prominent lighthouses, with others being smaller navigational beacons or located on nearby islets.
2. Can you go inside South Stack Lighthouse?
Yes, South Stack is open seasonally for guided tours. Visitors can climb the steps to learn about the lighthouse’s history and function.
3. Is Llanddwyn Island always accessible?
No, it’s a tidal island. Check local tide times before walking out, and allow enough time to return safely.
4. Do the lighthouses still work?
Some lighthouses like Trwyn Du and South Stack remain active, while others like Twr Mawr serve as historical monuments.
5. What wildlife can you see near the lighthouses?
Expect puffins, seals, dolphins, seabirds, and more — especially near South Stack, Puffin Island, and the Skerries.