Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Evening sun on Souter Lighthouse, Tyne and Wear

A marvel of its age

More about this place

Father Christmas

Christmas 2017 at Souter 

If you like to get organised early for Christmas, we've got some dates for your festive diary.

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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.

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.

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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Bird Ringing Demonstration

Sat 30 Sep 2017
06:00-12:00
A rare opportunity to see wild birds at close quarters.

Great Run Local

Sun 01 Oct 2017
09:15-11:00
Free weekly 5k and 2k runs, open to all.

Hallowe'en Fun

Thu 26 Oct 2017
11:00-16:00
Enjoy haunting fun at Souter this Hallowe'en.

Get Crafty - build a lighthouse

Sat 11 Nov 2017
11:00-16:00
Become a mini lighthouse keeper - design and decorate your very own working lighthouse.

Christmas Craft Fair

Sat 18 Nov 2017
10:00-16:00
All of your Christmas shopping under one roof!

Night Run

Sat 18 Nov 2017
18:30-20:00
Grab your head torch for Souter's latest running challenge.
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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

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.

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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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

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