LANDMARKS 7 (8)

1.

UNIQUE British landmarks
It’s natural that the UK should be one of the most
widely visited destinations in the world for its
unique and amazing landmarks. There is an
incredible wealth of famous places in the UK which
are really worth exploring. Many UK landmarks are
renowned throughout the world, especially the
most famous London landmarks like Big Ben, St
Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye and Westminster
Abbey. In this monologue I’d like to dive deeper
into the incredible world of stunning sights of the
British Isles and share with you one of the
attractions that impressed me the most way.

2.

Searching for some iconic places of the UK I’ve found the
one that seems the most impressive from my point of
view. South Stack Lighthouse - a lighthouse, located at the
north-west tip of Wales, is one of the
most recognizable icons of the British coast. It is
considered to be a famous working lighthouse and
breathtaking sunset spot. I’d like to touch upon the
history and some peculiarities of this legendary
lighthouse. At first it should be underlined that the
lighthouse is located in the Irish Sea, on the far northwest of Wales, on a tiny islet of the same name South
Stack, which gave the name to the lighthouse itself —
South Stack Lighthouse. The islet is in fact a lonesome
rock in the sea, nearby a small island of Holyhead, which
in turn lies near a bigger island of Anglesey.

3.

Lighthouse has been a beacon of safety, guiding mariners
since its inception in 1809. With its dramatic backdrop of
steep cliffs and panoramic ocean views, this lighthouse is
not only functional but also an iconic symbol of Wales’s
maritime history and the rugged beauty of its coastline.
Built by Daniel Alexander, the South Stack Lighthouse
was designed to warn ships of the treacherous rocks lying
beneath the surface. Given the challenge of its location –
atop a small islet separated from the mainland – the
lighthouse was a marvel of engineering for its time. For
over two centuries, it has weathered storms, and
technological innovations, yet its primary purpose has
remained unchanged: to guide and protect.

4.

One of the main attractions for visitors to the South Stack
Lighthouse is the descent down the 400 steps to the footbridge (and
then back up again!), which offers a thrilling perspective of the
lighthouse and a chance to appreciate the engineering marvel it
truly is. The bridge leads to the island where, for a small fee,
visitors can enter the lighthouse.
Inside, exhibits detail the history of the lighthouse, the lives of its
keepers, and the technical evolution of its machinery and lighting
systems. The climb to the top is rewarded with breathtaking views
of the Irish Sea and the Welsh coastline, making it a photographer’s
paradise.
It would be unfair not to mention that beyond its maritime
significance, the cliffs surrounding the South Stack Lighthouse are
of great interest to both botanists and birdwatchers. They are home
to a variety of seabirds. The unique rock formations and maritime
climate have given rise to a rich variety of plants, some of which are
found nowhere else on Earth.

5.

The lighthouse is open to the public
between April and September. However,
due to its popularity and the limited
space inside, it’s always a good idea to
check opening times and any visitor
restrictions before setting out.

6.

In conclusion, I can’t but draw your attention
to the fact that the South Stack Lighthouse
stands as a testament to human ingenuity and
the profound relationship between the Welsh
people and the sea. It offers a blend of
history, technology, natural beauty, and
adventure, making it a must-visit for anyone
travelling to Holy Island. Whether you’re
drawn by its history, the stunning views, or
the diverse birdlife, South Stack promises a
memorable experience.

7.

Answer the following questions in
full sentences:
1. Why are the British Isles worth exploring?
2. Where is South Stack Lighthouse located?
3. Why does this landmark attract people’s attention?
4. Where does the name of South Stack Lighthouse come from?
5. When was the lighthouse created?
6. Is the lighthouse only a functional symbol?
7. What was the purpose of designing South Stack Lighthouse?
8. Why the lighthouse was considered a marvel of engineering for its time?
9. What is one of the main attractions for visitors to the South Stack Lighthouse?
10. Why is the lighthouse worth visiting for photographers?
11. What else is the lighthouse famous for?
12. When can you visit this place?
13. Why is the lighthouse a must-visit for anyone travelling to Holy Island?