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
Lighthouse Keeper Trail
Use your imagination 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!
Tuesday health walk
Enjoy a free gentle guided stroll from Souter Lighthouse.
Wednesday health walk
Explore the coast on a free guided walk.
Coffee afternoon by the sea with Age Concern Tyneside South
Join Age Concern Tyneside South at Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre for a dementia-friendly coffee afternoon.