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.
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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Directions |
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
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Souter Lighthouse Postcode for SatNav: SR6 7NH
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Contact
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