Heritage Open Days at Souter Lighthouse 2026
Enjoy free entry to Souter Lighthouse for Heritage Open Days on 15 & 19 September
- Booking not needed
- Free event
Opened in 1871, Souter Lighthouse was a marvel of its age and remains an iconic beacon. Hooped in red and white, it stands proud on the coastline midway between the Tyne and the Wear. It was the first lighthouse in the UK designed and built to be powered by electricity.
Climb to the top of the tower and enjoy views across the coast, you might even spot a dolphin or two, or travel back in time and see what life was like for a lighthouse keeper by visiting the keepers cottage. If you want to dig even deeper into the history join one of our expert volunteers for a talk on the history of the lighthouse and the local area.
Enjoy drinks and snacks from the Lighthouse Café or browse in the second-hand bookshop.
Times
The basics
- Accessibility
See main page for more info
- Other
Heritage Open Day is a popular day for everyone to enjoy. Please expect busier than usual car parking. We recommend travelling by foot, bike or public transport because the car park has limited capacity. To avoid the crowds, try coming on a weekday.
Upcoming events
Summer of Play: SEND kids' outdoor games with Smile Through Sport
Join us for outdoor games and sports activities designed for children aged 6 and up with SEND and their families.
Summer of Play: Lighthouse Keeper Trail
Use your imagination this summer as you take on a day in the life of a lighthouse keeper with a list of important jobs to keep the lighthouse running and impress the inspector!
Summer of Play at Souter 2026
With a variety of ways to play, you could end up staying all day! Come get competitive or imaginative with our fun line up of activities.
Summer of Play: SEND adult outdoor games with Smile Through Sport
Play outdoor games and sports activities designed for adults (18+) with SEND.