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Souter Lighthouse

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

A historic 19th century lighthouse overlooking a 2 mile stretch of beach, grasslands, and cliffs. Souter was the first electrically powered lighthouse in the world, and was built to ease passage for ships entering the Wear. Climb the 76 steps to the top of the tower for excellent views out to sea.

The red and white striped lighthouse was built in 1871 by Sir James Douglas, and pioneered the use of AC (alternating current) power. Visitors can access the engine room, living quarters, and the light tower, while a specioal exhibit in the Compass Room has displays covering the history of the lighthouse and the seafaring heritage of the area. You will lean about life at sea, how ships communicate with the land, smuggling, shipwrecks, and pirates.

To the south of the Souter Lighthouse is Whitburn Coastal Park, leading to the Whitburn Point Local Nature Reserve.

In an interesting sidenote, the lighthouse does not stand on Souter Point, which is the next headland to the south, but rather on Lizard Point. The lighthouse was named for Souter Point to avoid confusion with an earlier lighthouse on Lizard Point, Cornwall.
Coast Road, Whitburn, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England, SR6 7NH

About Souter Lighthouse
Attraction Type: Historic Property
Website: Souter Lighthouse
National Trust
Location map
OS NZ407641
Photo Credit: Steve F, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Tynemouth Castle and Priory - 3.9 miles (Castle) Jarrow Monastery - 4.3 miles (Abbey) Bede's World - 4.4 miles (Family) Hylton Castle - 4.6 miles (Castle) Segedunum Roman Fort (Hadrian's Wall) - 6.7 miles (Roman) Seaton Delaval Hall - 9.3 miles (Historic House) Holy Jesus Hospital - 9.6 miles (Historic Property) Bessie Surtees House - 9.7 miles (Historic Property)

Nearest Towns and Villages Seaton Delaval - 9 miles away Blyth - 12.2 miles away Newbiggin-by-the-Sea - 15.8 miles away Ponteland - 16.2 miles away Morpeth - 18.5 miles away Ovingham - 19.9 miles away Belsay - 20.6 miles away Bywell - 22.5 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Souter Lighthouse

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

1 Urpeth Terrace - 12.7 miles from Souter Lighthouse Chester le Street, County Durham Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £150

66b South Terrace Cottage - 18.5 miles from Souter Lighthouse Esh Winning, County Durham Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £120

Mariners View - 20.3 miles from Souter Lighthouse Hartlepool, Cleveland Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £270

More Self Catering near Souter Lighthouse

Nearest Hotels

Sunderland Marriott - 2.6 miles from Souter Lighthouse Sunderland, Tyne and Wear Stay from: £90.00

Sir William Fox Hotel - 2.6 miles from Souter Lighthouse South Shields, Tyne and Wear Stay from: £25.00

The Sir William Fox Hotel - 2.6 miles from Souter Lighthouse South Shields, Tyne and Wear Stay from: £39.50

More Hotels near Souter Lighthouse

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Annie's Guest House - 3 miles from Souter Lighthouse South Shields, Tyne and Wear

Athol House - 3 miles from Souter Lighthouse South Shields, Tyne and Wear From: £27.00

Forest Guest House - 3.2 miles from Souter Lighthouse South Shields, Tyne and Wear From: £26.00

More bed and breakfasts near Souter Lighthouse

South Shields (Ampitheatre)
Tourist Information Centre
Sea Road
South Shields
Tyne and Wear
England
NE33 2LD
Tel: 0191 455 7411
Fax: 0191 455 7411
Email: foreshore.tic@s-tyneside-mbc.gov.uk
Seasonal opening
Map