Souter Lighthouse

Have an enlightened time!

*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

0191 529 3161

souter@nationaltrust.org.uk

Opening times

10 March 2012 to 4 November 2012, 11am to 5pm (Last admission 4.30pm)

Closed Fridays, except Good Friday.

Open every weekend until 16th December.

Admission charges

Adult: £5.50

Children: £3.50

Family: £14.50

Free for National Trust members.

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