South Stack cliffs nature reserve has been on our bucket list for years and we finally managed to cross it off! We are keen birders and this is absolute heaven, not only for the bird life but for the Mediterranean feel of Holy Island
About South Stack
Located on Holy Island in Anglesey , the reserve is made up of heathland and farmland and RSPB help preserve the land to provide suitable nesting and feeding spots for the rare birds you can see here, including the rare Choughs
The cliffs provide nest sites for as many as 9,000 seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwake and fulmars. Other birds to use this habitat include peregrines and ravens. The RSPB state that around 180,000 people visit the island each year.
South Stack Cliffs is one of the best places for wildlife in the UK, and is designated as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Protected Area (SPA) and is in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB).
The lighthouse
Built by Trinity house in 1809, South Stack Lighthouse is located on a small island reached via a descent of 400 steps down the steep mainland cliffs. We did not do this on our visit, it was very busy and we did not feel comfortable walking down steps so steep with that amount of people going up and down. Visitors can enjoy the engine rooms and then climb to the top of the light house(it was closed on the day we visited) You do need to pay and book before you go in the lighthouse and you can purchase your tickets in a little ticket hut in the RSPB Visitor centre's car park.
Our visit
It was a lovely afternoon, the sun was shining and it was fairly warm too. We took the narrow path along the cliff which was absolutely stunning. We sat for a while just taking in the view and watching the birds fly past. The heathland and plants were lovely too, with striking yellow colours. We are keen birders and go bird spotting regularly so when we found out about South Stack a few years ago. we added it to our 'bucket' list. I am so glad we decided to visit during our holiday and it is definitely not somewhere we will forget in a hurry. We didn't do an awful lot other than just watch the world go by and it was super relaxing.
Top tips for visiting
Always be weather aware, it can change quickly
If travelling with younger kids always keep an eye on them close to the cliff edge, it is a long way down.
Suitable footwear, the terrain is rocky
Take a drink with you and plenty of camera battery!
Good to know
Toilets in the visitors centre
Café
Car parks
Gift shop
Picnic area
Binocular hire
Play area
Guided walks
Viewing point
Address
RSPB South Stack,
South Stack Rd,
Holyhead
LL65 1YH