After seeing South Stack Light House pop up in almost every ‘things to do on Anglesey’ list, I had to check it out for myself. This time, I went solo. No kids, no chaos. Just me, a bottle of water, and a healthy dose of curiosity.
Ofcourse, my ‘mum hat’ was on the whole time. I was there with one goal: to see whether South Stack deserves a spot on the family’s adventure list. So if you’re wondering whether to brave the cliffs with little ones in tow, here’s everything you need to know (and then some).
Getting To South Stack Light House (and What You’ll Want to Know First)
South Stack is easy to get to, just hop on the A55 and follow signs for Holyhead. You’ll pass Breakwater Country Park and Holyhead Marina, and the views start to get properly postcard-worthy from there.
There’s a decent-sized car park, but parking doesn’t come cheap. It’s £3.50 for an hour or £7.50 for the day, which felt about as steep as the surrounding cliffs themselves. I was only planning to stay for a couple of hours, but with no mid-range option, I paid the premium and cracked on.
Toilets? Yep, there’s a public loo in the RSBP visitor centre (at the car park), which is a win if you’ve got little bladders in the back seat.
If you’ve got a buggy, most of the cliff-top paths are fine, just stick to the flatter routes and avoid the steps down to the lighthouse.
First Impressions
As soon as I stepped out of the car, I was hit with that “wow-this-is-special ” feeling. I couldn’t see the lighthouse straight away (it’s tucked around the cliffs), but I could see a painter’s palette of wildflowers climbing up Holyhead Mountain. Purples, yellows, deep greens… like a watercolour painting brought to life.
Less magical? That parking fee (just sayin’).
The path towards the cliffs are sandy, wide, and easy to navigate. As I walked, curiosity kicked in. I was really hoping the lighthouse would live up to the hype.
Spoiler alert: yes. Yes, it would.
That First Glimpse of the Lighthouse
I turned a corner along the path and genuinely gasped. The lighthouse suddenly came into view, perched dramatically at the base of those towering cliffs like something straight off a film set.
Even from a distance, it had this presence. Solid, striking, and somehow calming all at once. Easily one of the best views I’ve ever seen with my own two eyes.
But is it Toddler Friendly?
The short answer? Not really.
My three-year-old would’ve lasted about five minutes before I’d have aged ten years. The cliffs are steep, the drops are unforgiving, and there are very few barriers or railings.
That said, my six-year-old? She’d absolutely love it. The lighthouse, the open space, and the sense of adventure would be right up her street. I’d still hold her hand tight and stick to the main paths, but it’d be a brilliant day out for that age.
Exploring Elin’s Tower: Shade, Surprises & Seals
After a bit more exploring (because this place deserves it), I headed into Elin’s Tower to grab some shade. To my surprise, I ended up staying way longer than planned.
In all honesty, I was expecting a dusty old visitor centre, but this was anything but. Inside, there’s loads of colourful info about the history of the lighthouse; Romans, long-serving keepers, even a famous politician who once lived nearby.
Upstairs? Game-changer. Telescopes and binoculars offer panoramic views across the Irish Sea, and there’s even a kid’s corner with colouring, which is great for giving tired legs a break.
The RSPB staff were great too, so friendly and full of knowledge. One of them pointed out a porpoise and her calf swimming just off the coast. Seriously magical.
Would I Recommend South Stack Light House with Kids?
Yes… but with a bit of age-awareness.
If your kids are younger than 4, it might be a bit too much. The cliffs are intense, the paths can get busy, and it’s not the place to be chasing a runaway toddler near the edge.
But for slightly older kids, say 6 and up, it’s an absolute gem. There’s drama, nature, space to explore, and enough wow-factor to keep them talking about it for days.
Don’t forget to pack:
- Windbreakers & layers – it can be breezy even on a sunny day!
- Binoculars – trust me, the kids will love bird-spotting
- Snacks & drinks – there’s a small seasonal café, but bring backup
- A pound for the telescope – they’ll want a go!
- Sensible shoes – no flip flops or tantrum-inducing sandals
If you’ve paid for parking, make the most of it by also exploring Breakwater Park or one of the RSPB trails nearby. There’s loads to see in this little corner of Anglesey.
And if you’re lucky, you might spot a porpoise too.
South Stack Light House & RSBP Nature Reserve FAQs
Is South Stack Lighthouse open all year round?
Not quite – it usually opens from April to October, weather permitting. Always check before setting off.
Is there a café or food nearby?
There’s a small seasonal café near the car park, but bringing your own snacks is a safe bet.
Can you take buggies?
On the cliff-top walks, yes – just avoid the steps to the lighthouse.
Is it suitable for toddlers?
There were toddlers there when I went, but honestly, I’d say they’d have a better, safer trip to nearby Breakwater Park.
Planning a visit? Let me know how you get on and send pictures!
