Souter Lighthouse |
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Souter is a special place all year round and was the first lighthouse in the world designed and built to be powered by electricity. Opened in 1871, decommissioned in 1988, the National Trust acquired it and opened it to the public in 1990.
Souter remains an iconic beacon, hooped in red and white and standing proud on the coastline midway between the Tyne and the Wear.The lighthouse overlooks the cliffs of Marsden Bay, high above the rocks and notorious currents of the 'Whitburn Steel' that have wrecked dozens of ships and claimed the lives of many mariners.
Explore the lighthouse, starting in the Engine Room, with its impressive machinery and find out how lighthouses and ship to shore signalling work through hands-on displays. Go into the lighthouse keeper's living quarters and climb the seventy six steps to the top of the tower to enjoy magnificent views of the coastline. Enjoy the same view without leaving the ground floor by operating the remote controlled CCTV. Souter has a varied events programme from festivals, fairs and formal concerts to Easter trails, Hallowwen fun and an annual 'pirate day' - somehting to staisfy all ages.
After enjoying refreshments in Souter's own tea-room, you can walk the cliff top paths along The Leas, see the changing moods of the seascape below, and watch the seabirds on the cliffs and around the great sea-stack of Marsden Rock. Dogs on leads are welcome on The Leas but please use 'pooper scoopers' - bins provided.
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More Pictures (Click Photos for Gallery) |
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Opening Times
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(2011 times)
12th March to 30th October:11am - 5pm daily. Closed Fridays but open Good Friday. Also open Fridays in July and August: 11.00am - 4.00pm. Call 0191 5293161 for details of winter opening. |
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Admission Charges
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(2011 prices)
Adult £5.50; Child (under 18) £3.50; Family Ticket £14.50Includes voluntary 10% donation; visitors can however choose to pay the standard admission prices which are displayed at the property. Pre-booked Groups; Adult £4.50; Child £3.00. National Trust Members Free. |
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Directions
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| By bus: Stagecoach Sunderland - South Shields, passes Sunderland railway station and South Shields Metro station. Buses stop by main gate. Bus E1 from both Sunderland and South Shields |
| Show map of Souter Lighthouse... |
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Souter Lighthouse Postcode for SatNav: SR6 7NH |
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Nearby Attractions
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South Shields Museum & Art Gallery
(3 Miles)*
An exciting day out for all the family, South Shields Museum & Art Gallery explores the story of South Tyneside through sensational displays, hands-on exhibiits and stunning art. |
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Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum
(3 Miles)*
Situated beyond the easternmost point of Hadrian's Wall, Arbeia Roman Fort stood guard at the mouth of the River Tyne. |
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Monkwearmouth Station Museum
(4 Miles)*
The museum is housed in an outstanding grade 2* listed 1840s station building commissioned by the famous railway entrepreneur George Hudson. |
| more attractions in Whitburn (T and W) and things to do in Whitburn (T and W) ... |
| more things to do in Tyne and Wear and days out in Tyne and Wear... |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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