Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Evening sun on Souter Lighthouse, Tyne and Wear

A marvel of its age

More about this place

A black and white image of Souter Lighthouse taken in 1910

Shipwrecks off Souter 

Delve into the maritime history hidden beneath the waves off the north east coast. Free workshops reveal a forgotten WWI battleground.

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Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Things to see and do

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  • Visitors walking along path to Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

    Explore  

    Explore the Leas, two and a half miles of magnesian limestone cliffs or enjoy a bird observatory, viewing screens and wetland habitats at Whitburn Coastal Park.

  • A display of scones on the counter at Souter's cafe

    Eating and shopping at Souter 

    Take time out to indulge in delicious refreshments in the Lighthouse Cafe. Visit our shop, packed with coastal themed gifts and Souter souvenirs.

  • Visitors walking towards Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

    Get active 

    Walk with your group and stop for a snack, run along the finishing stretch of the world famous Great North Run or cycle the 10.5 miles that make up the two rivers cycle way.

Walking at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Souter Lighthouse, Sunderland

The Souter Saunter, Sunderland 

Take The Souter Saunter and explore the coast at a relaxed pace. Discover the site of a lost village, take in a nature reserve and do some wildlife watching along the way.

A man walks in the rain with a child on his shoulders

Souter Lighthouse autumn trail 

Autumn is a great season to get out and about with the whole family at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas. Our Autumn Trail is an easy route for all ages, taking in ponds and a bird hide as well as plenty of coastal views.

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Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

What's on 

Upcoming events

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Souter Seashore Safari

Sun 28 May 2017
11:30-13:30
Join a Ranger to search the rockpools along Souter's rocky shore.

World Ocean Week

Tue 30 May 2017
11:00-16:00
Celebrate everything about the sea at Souter Lighthouse.

Junior Conservation Day

Fri 02 Jun 2017
10:00-16:00
Peak behind the scenes with Kate, our conservation officer.

East Coast War Channels Family History Workshop

Tue 13 Jun 2017
10:00-12:30
The East Coast War Channels stretched from the Thames to the Tyne and beyond, protecting ships that carried vital supplies during WWI. Discover the role north east communities played during this period. Will you reveal family links?

East Coast War Channels Family History Drop-in

Tue 13 Jun 2017
13:00-15:30
The East Coast War Channels stretched from the Thames to the Tyne and beyond, protecting ships that carried vital supplies during WWI. Is your family be connected with this largely forgotten piece of maritime heritage?

East Coast War Channels Creative Writing Workshop

Wed 14 Jun 2017
10:00-16:00
The East Coast War Channels stretched from the Thames to the Tyne and beyond, protecting ships that carried vital supplies during WWI. This workshop will use poetry and prose to explore the ships wrecked off the north east coast and their human cost.
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Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

History

Souter Lighthouse with foghorns installed 1907

Discover our history 

Built in 1871 Souter was the first lighthouse in the world purpose built to use electricity. Learn more about it and the treacherous seas, fog on the Tyne and the family legacy.

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Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Wildlife

Seabird at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Unearth our wildlife 

From seabirds to falcons and bee orchid to sea plantain there's plenty to discover on a visit to our special place.

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Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Venue hire

A unique venue for your event at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Celebrate with us 

Whether celebrating a birthday, anniversary or wedding. Let our special place be the backdrop to your occasion.

Find out more
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Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Places to stay

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas Keepers Cottages 1 & 3

Holiday with us 

Enjoy cosy cottages, private gardens and beautiful sea views when you holiday at our special place.

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Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Learning

Visitors enjoying activities in Souter's Compass Room

Learning at Souter Lighthouse 

A beacon of learning for groups of all ages

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Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Get involved

Two people inspect historic features in Souter's engine room

Get hands-on to help care for Souter Lighthouse 

We're looking for new conservation volunteers to make a clean sweep in 2017.

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