Point of Ayr Lighthouse

The lighthouse being seen farther by the beach. Alvaro Dimer (Atlas Obscura User)

The long-abandoned Point of Ayr Lighthouse is an old guide tower for ships coming to port along the north coast of Wales. The tower and the whole, huge low-tide beach is a place that makes your hair stand on end, bound to hypnotize visitors as they snap extraordinary photos.

Built in 1776 to guide the ships entering between the River Dee and Mersey Estuary, the lighthouse has been abandoned since the 1840s. At 60 feet tall, the structure has been damaged by storms over the years, which only adds to the eye-catching atmosphere. It is only accessible at low tide, when the waters recede, clearing a footpath to the tower.

The point is also home to a ghost legend. During nocturnal visits, some people have seen a man dressed in old-fashioned clothes on the top of the lighthouse, looking at the sea. Later, a paranormal team of professionals went to investigate the sightings and supposedly contacted with the ghost, called Raymond, a lighthouse keeper who died of a fever while manning the light.

Know Before You Go

The lighthouse is located on Talacre Beach in the village of Talacre (hence it's also called the Talacre Lighthouse), in Flintshire, Wales. You can walk to the lighthouse from the beach at low tide.