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Family-friendly things to do at Souter Lighthouse

Two adults and two children look up at the huge, multi-faceted glass optic of Souter Lighthouse's lantern
Exploring the lighthouse on a family day out at Souter | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

There are lots of family activities at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas to help make the most of your visit. Find out more about what's on and plan your visit.

Summer holiday activities

Gear up for action-packed summer holidays by the sea. Dive into self-led activities every Saturday - Wednesday between 18 July and 2 September, with games in the Foghorn Field and a lighthouse keeper trail. Get active with facilitated football, rounders or dodgeball sessions, and games with Smile Through Sport designed for families with SEND (dates of facilitated sessions are still to be confirmed - please check back for updates). If you need a moment of calm after all that fun, find your zen through family yoga, nature crafts, or simply relax in a sunny spot with an ice cream.  

On 19 July, 2 and 30 August, join COAST South Tyneside on a Seashore safari and go rock pooling to find watery wonders. 

Inside the lighthouse, find out how lighthouse keepers lived, play interactive games and climb to the top of the tower for a bird's eye view. For details of summer events, head to our what's on page.

Planning your family visit

  • Baby-changing facilities are available
  • For safety reasons, back-carriers are not permitted inside the lighthouse.

Family-friendly events  

Souter's year-round events programme offers lots for families to do, indoors and out. To find all upcoming events, head to our events page.

A family in summer clothes plays basketball in the sunshine within the whitewashed stone walls of the Foghorn Field. A child is mid-jump as they throw the orange ball into the net.
Playing basketball at Souter | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Family fun at Souter Lighthouse

Souter is a very special lighthouse to visit, it was the first in the world designed and built to be powered by electricity. You can discover how lighthouse keepers lived and how they helped to keep ships at sea safe. Get hands-on with interactive activities and climb 76 steps to the top of the tower, where you’ll find Souter’s huge, powerful lamp and views stretching for miles.  

With the Foghorn Field outside and over two miles of open grassland on The Leas, there’s plenty of space to run, play and picnic. 

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

You can tick a few outdoor mini-adventures off your ‘50 things’ list any day of the week. Just for starters you could:

It doesn't matter if you’re over 11¾ - parents and grandparents can join in too.  

Borrow a balance bike 

Your little ones can borrow a balance bike free of charge when visiting Souter Lighthouse and The Leas. You don’t need to book anything; just turn up and get going. They're available during school holidays and weekends, as long as the weather isn't too wet or wild. 

Adults and children look out the window of the lantern room in the Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne and Wear

Discover more at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Find out how to get to Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, where to park, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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Things to see and do at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas 

Find out what to see and do on a visit to Souter Lighthouse and The Leas. Climb the lighthouse, explore the rock pools and discover this haven for wildlife.

A visitor sits cross legged on a bench on the edge of an area of short grass, looking towards the red and white striped tower and white painted buildings of Souter Lighthouse. Low sunlight casts long shadows. Pink tinged thin grey clouds cover most of the sky above a dark blue-grey strip of sea.

Eating and shopping at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas 

Discover where to eat, drink and browse for second-hand books during a visit to Souter Lighthouse and The Leas.

A halved fruit scone on a plate topped with jam and clotted cream, and a plate of fruit scones

Family-friendly places to visit 

Looking for a family day out that'll keep everyone entertained? Find things to do with the kids at the places we care for near you.

A family plays near the sun sculpture in the centre of the parkland, Lacock Abbey. It is summer, the sun is shining and the children smile towards the camera.

Adventure awaits: family fun in the North East 

From wild woodland walks to castles and houses full of stories, the North East is bursting with family adventures. Whether you're climbing, exploring, or just enjoying nature, our places offer unforgettable days out for kids of all ages. Come and make memories together.

A family exploring the lantern room at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ 

Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

Children bug hunting amongst coastal grass.

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