Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Evening sun on Souter Lighthouse, Tyne and Wear

A marvel of its age

More about this place

A young child at the top of Souter Lighthouse prepares to abseil down the tower

Taking outdoor activities to a new level at Souter 

Indulge your adventurous side this summer.

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Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Things to see and do 

Visitors walking along path to Souter Lighthouse and The Leas
A display of scones on the counter at Souter's cafe
Visitors walking towards 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.

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.

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.

A boy and girl sit on the grass looking at an insect they have found

50 things to do before you're 11 3/4 at Souter  

Tick some mini-adventures off your list.

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.

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Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

What's on 

A family laughing in the sunshine in front of the red and white striped tower of Souter Lighthouse

Summer holidays at Souter 

Beat summer holiday boredom with fun for everyone.

Visitors with helmets and head torches on a guided tour of Smallcleugh Mine, Nenthead

Going underground with Pinpoint Adventure 

Special offsite event: a rare opportunity to explore Smallcleugh Mine under the North Pennines at Nenthead, Cumbria.

Upcoming events

See all events

Great Run Local

Sun 22 Jul 2018
09:15-11:00
Free weekly 5k and 2k runs, open to all.

Special offsite event: Underground lead mine adventure

Sun 22 Jul 2018
09:45-15:30
A tour of Smallcleugh Mine, Nenthead, Cumbria

Walks for all

Mon 23 Jul 2018
10:00-11:30
Weekly Monday walks to suit all ages and abilities.

Summer of sport

Mon 23 Jul 2018
11:00-15:00
Free outdoor games and sports activities for all ages.

Souter sleepover

Sat 28 Jul 2018
11:00-23:45
A camping event for the whole family.

Bee and butterfly walk

Sat 28 Jul 2018
11:30-13:00
A summer saunter along the coast with local wildlife expert Dave Foster.
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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.

An artificial sand martin nest bank with 140 holes overlooks a pond in Whitburn Point Local Nature Reserve

Saving Souter's sand martins 

An artificial nesting bank offers a safe haven for sand martins.

Tree sparrows feeding on seeds

Tree sparrows take flight at Souter 

One of Britain’s most endangered birds has bounced back from the brink at Whitburn Coastal Park.

A storm petrel which has landed on the ground at The Leas at night

Stormies over Souter 

Once a year, under the cover of darkness, some very special overseas visitors arrive on The Leas.

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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

The exterior of Lighthouse Cottages 1 and 2, Tyne and Wear

Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage 1, Tyne & Wear

As part of the lighthouse, you’ll be a stone’s throw from the coast.

The exterior of Lighthouse Cottages 1 and 2, Tyne and Wear

Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage 2, Tyne & Wear

A cliff top cottage neighbouring the iconic lighthouse.

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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

A volunteer works on a boardwalk across a pond at Souter Lighthouse

Volunteering at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas 

You can give the gift of time as a volunteer at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

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Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Art and collections

Our collections

Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas on the National Trust Collections website

Search the collections
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