Point of Ayr Lighthouse Talacre
Wales' oldest lighthouse on a scenic beach, steeped in history and ghostly legends. A photographer's paradise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best access to lighthouse
Point of Ayr Lighthouse Talacre
Best Time
Best access to lighthouse
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wales' oldest lighthouse on a scenic beach, steeped in history and ghostly legends. A photographer's paradise.
"Gorgeous view of beach, lighthouse & sea. Great focal point for a walk."
Check Tide Times First! :wave:
Low tide is crucial for getting close to the lighthouse. Don't get caught out by the incoming sea!
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The terrain around the lighthouse can be rocky and uneven. Good footwear is essential for a safe exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Point of Ayr Lighthouse
Talacre Beach
Wales' oldest lighthouse, a historic beacon with a rumored ghost. A striking landmark against the coastal backdrop.
Talacre Beach Walk
Adjacent to the lighthouse
Expansive sandy and pebbly beach perfect for strolls, dog walking, and capturing coastal scenery.
Coastal Photography Spot
Talacre Beach
Ideal location for capturing dramatic seascapes, sunsets, and the iconic lighthouse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Beach Access
Ghostly Tales and Great Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First! :wave:
Low tide is crucial for getting close to the lighthouse. Don't get caught out by the incoming sea!
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The terrain around the lighthouse can be rocky and uneven. Good footwear is essential for a safe exploration.
Dog-Friendly Beach :dog:
Talacre Beach is a great spot for dog walkers. Keep them on a lead if necessary, especially near wildlife.
Pack for Photos :camera_with_flash:
This location is a photographer's dream, especially during sunrise and sunset. Bring your gear!
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :wave:
Low tide is crucial for getting close to the lighthouse. Don't get caught out by the incoming sea!
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The terrain around the lighthouse can be rocky and uneven. Good footwear is essential for a safe exploration.
Dog-Friendly Beach :dog:
Talacre Beach is a great spot for dog walkers. Keep them on a lead if necessary, especially near wildlife.
Pack for Photos :camera_with_flash:
This location is a photographer's dream, especially during sunrise and sunset. Bring your gear!
Ghostly Encounters? :ghost:
The lighthouse is known for its ghost stories. Visit at dusk for an atmospheric experience, but be mindful of safety.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the gorgeous views of the beach and lighthouse, noting its historical significance as Wales' oldest lighthouse. The accessibility during low tide is a highlight for getting closer, though the lighthouse itself is usually locked. It's a popular spot for walks and photography, but car parks can get busy in summer.
"We were lucky because we went out of season. It was lovely to see the lighthouse and surrounding beach and be on our own. Such a lovely place to visit. The tide was out so we were able to right upto the lighthouse and stairs."
Peter Stead
"Great focal point for a walk along the wide open beaches. You can access the steps of the lighthouse but you will have to scramble across a bunch of rocks and concrete to get there"
Anthony Hodgetts
"This was nice little surprise when out and about. Hidden away and depending on high or low tide allows you to get up close to the lighthouse.
It seems it’s no longer a working lighthouse, but rather, someone’s private hideaway. But still stunning nonetheless and it’s a nice walk along the beach too.
The batch further down is soft sand and covered in pebbles and shells. 🐚 🪨"
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lighthouse is located on Talacre Beach, near Prestatyn in North Wales. There are two main car parks: one directly at the site (53.35321642414517, -3.319730302110794) and another nearby with facilities (53.35196453461079, -3.3168028637702056). Access is easy from these points, but remember to check tide times for the best approach to the lighthouse itself.
Yes, there are car parks available. One is located at the site, and another is nearby with facilities. Be aware that car parks can fill up quickly during peak season, especially in summer.
Yes, you can walk to the lighthouse from the beach. However, access to the lighthouse itself involves scrambling over rocks and concrete, and is best achieved during low tide.
While the beach is generally accessible, getting close to the lighthouse can be challenging due to the rocky and uneven terrain. It might be difficult for those with mobility issues or very young children.
The best approach is during low tide, which reveals a path to the lighthouse. Always check tide times before your visit to ensure safe and easy access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the lighthouse and the surrounding beach. It's a public area accessible to everyone.
The lighthouse is not open for regular tours and is generally locked. You can view it from the outside and explore the beach at any time.
Occasionally, the lighthouse may offer open-day tours, but these are not regular. It's best to check local listings or inquire if you're interested in an interior visit.
There is no entrance fee for Talacre Beach. Access to the beach and the area around the lighthouse is free.
You can get close to the lighthouse, especially during low tide. However, the terrain around it is rocky and uneven, so be cautious.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. The golden hour casts a beautiful glow on the lighthouse and the beach. 
Drone photography is popular here, capturing stunning aerial views of the lighthouse and coastline. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
You can capture wide-angle seascapes, close-ups of the lighthouse, and shots of the pebble and shell-covered beach. The changing tides also offer unique photographic opportunities.
It can get busy during peak times, especially in summer. Visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays can provide a more serene photography experience.
Experiment with different angles from the beach, especially during low tide. Aerial shots from a drone offer a unique perspective.
🎫 👻 Local Legends & History
Built in 1776, it's the oldest lighthouse in Wales. It played a crucial role in guiding ships into the River Dee and Mersey Estuary. It's a Grade II listed building.
Yes, the lighthouse is known for its ghostly legends. Sightings of an old lighthouse keeper, Raymond, have been reported, adding a spooky allure to the site.
Generally, the lighthouse is locked and not open for public access. However, there are occasional open-day tours.
Its location was strategic for maritime navigation, guiding ships between the River Dee and Mersey Estuary.
It's a tapered cylindrical brick structure, approximately 16-18 meters (52-59 feet) tall, with a base diameter of about 7.8 meters (25.75 feet).
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to check the tide times, as low tide makes it easier and safer to explore the area around the lighthouse. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day of beach fun with the kids. While the lighthouse itself is generally locked, the surrounding beach and the historical tales of ghosts can spark children's imaginations. Ensure children wear appropriate footwear for the rocky terrain near the lighthouse to avoid any slips or falls.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+1 Drone pilots will find the aerial views of the coastline and the lighthouse particularly rewarding. +1To get the best shots, aim for low tide to get closer to the lighthouse and explore the beach's textures. Consider visiting on a weekday or during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and have more freedom to capture your desired content.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
+2 Visiting during dusk or early evening can enhance the atmospheric and potentially spooky experience. While the lighthouse is generally locked, the tales and the eerie ambiance of the location are enough to intrigue any paranormal enthusiast. Remember to be respectful of the site and any private property.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Talacre Beach and Its Surroundings
Visitors often enjoy the opportunity to explore the diverse marine life found amongst the shells and pebbles, especially when the tide is out. The area around the lighthouse is a popular spot for photographers, with opportunities to capture stunning seascapes, especially during sunrise and sunset.
+1 Drone footage highlights the dramatic coastal scenery and the iconic silhouette of the lighthouse against the sky. +1While the lighthouse itself is generally inaccessible, its historical significance and the surrounding natural beauty make Talacre Beach a compelling destination for a day trip or a relaxing coastal escape.
The Legend of the Haunted Lighthouse
+1 This spectral figure is reportedly named Raymond, and paranormal investigators have claimed to make contact with him. Some visitors have reported feeling unwell after visiting the site, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
While the lighthouse is no longer operational and is now a private property, these tales of the paranormal continue to draw curious visitors and add a layer of mystique to the historic landmark. Whether you're a believer in ghosts or simply appreciate a good local legend, the stories surrounding Point of Ayr Lighthouse add an intriguing dimension to its historical appeal.
Historical Significance of Point of Ayr Lighthouse
+1 Its primary function was to guide ships safely into the estuary where the River Dee meets the Irish Sea, a vital role in the region's maritime trade. The lighthouse is a tapered cylindrical brick structure, standing approximately 16 to 18 meters tall, and is recognized as a Grade II listed building, underscoring its architectural and historical importance. For over a century, the lighthouse served its purpose, witnessing countless vessels navigate the waters. Although it is no longer a working lighthouse, its imposing presence on Talacre Beach continues to evoke the era of seafaring and coastal navigation.
Visiting Point of Ayr Lighthouse offers a tangible connection to Wales' rich maritime past. Its enduring structure and the stories it holds make it a significant landmark for those interested in history and coastal heritage.
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