Souter Lighthouse

Have an enlightened time!

See & do Souter Lighthouse, with its dramatic red and white hoops, is an iconic landmark on the North East coast.

You can experience what life was like for the Lighthouse Keeper, with a reconstructed Victorian Keepers cottage and many hands on activities. And for the kids there's also an open-air play area and fun activity trail, along with some fantastic regular events such as craft activities and rock-pool rambles.

Visitors can still see the machinery, which remains in working order, and of course climb to the top of the tower. It's well worth the effort, and once you've regained your breath you can literally see for miles!

The beautiful South Tyneside coastline below may seem very calm now, but it was in fact once very dangerous. Many ships ran aground amongst the treacherous reefs & rocks and smugglers plied their dastardly trade on our shores. When the lighthouse opened in 1871, with its state of the art technology it was very much needed!

Decommissioned in 1988 this property is now managed and protected by the National Trust.

Surrounding the Lighthouse are miles of grassy fields, spectacular cliffs and rocky bays. A haven for wildlife, and a must for all visitors!

Did you know?

Souter was the first lighthouse in the world to be constructed for electric illumination.

Highlights

Climb the 76 steps to the top for spectacular views
Clamber on the 'Neptune' boat in the open air play area
See the engine room with all its machinery

How to get here

Souter Lighthouse
Coast Road
Whitburn
Tyne and Wear
SR6 7NH

Phone: 0191 529 3161
Email: souter@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website: National Trust: Souter Lighthouse

Opening times 2013

16 to 24 February, 11am to 5pm

2 to 3 and 9 to 10 March, 11am to 5pm

16 March to 30 June, 11am to 5pm daily except Fridays (open Good Friday)

1 July to 31 August, 11am to 5pm daily

1 September to 3 November, 11am to 5pm daily except Fridays

Weekends between 9 November and 15 December, open 11am to 4pm Saturdays and Sundays (subject to planned events)

Last admission is half an hour before closing.

Admission charges

Adult: £6.00
Children: £3.50
Family: £15.50
Groups (10 or more people): Adults £5.00, Children £3.00

Free for National Trust members.

Admission free to tea-room, cafe and shop.

Facilities

Tea room
Free car and coach parking
Toilets
Baby changing facilities
Gift shop
Group discounts available

Access

Accessible toilet
Braille guide
Large print guide
Tactile exhibits
Wheelchair access to ground floor
For those unable to climb the tower live camera pictures from the top of the tower can be viewed at ground level