Souter Lighthouse, South Shields

Lighthouse in South Shields

Souter Lighthouse
Souter Lighthouse
CC BY-SA 2.0 / malcolm tebbit

Standing on the cliffs between Whitburn and Marsden, Souter Lighthouse is a bold red-and-white landmark with the kind of sea views that make you stop mid-step and just watch the horizon. It was built to protect ships from a notoriously treacherous stretch of coastline, where wrecks were heartbreakingly common, and today it remains one of the top attractions in South Shields for anyone who loves maritime history with fresh air and space to roam.

What makes Souter different is the story behind the technology: it was designed from the outset to run on alternating electric current, a world-first that turned it into a genuine innovation site rather than “just” a lighthouse. It's a natural highlight on a walking tour of South Shields too, because the surrounding clifftops are as much the experience as the tower itself, with the added bonus of a separate foghorn building behind the lighthouse that hints at how brutal visibility can be out here.

History and Significance of the Souter Lighthouse

Souter Lighthouse opened in 1871 on a coastline that demanded respect. The reefs and rock shelves offshore had a grim reputation among mariners, and the late 19th century saw the urgent push to modernise navigational safety where accidents clustered.

The lighthouse’s claim to fame is its electricity story. While other places experimented with electric lighting, Souter was purpose-built around alternating current, making it a technological statement as much as a lifesaving structure, and it helped push the idea that coastal infrastructure could be engineered around new power systems.

The foghorn station completes the picture of how the site worked in real conditions. When the North Sea rolled in mist, spray, and low visibility, sound became as important as light, and seeing that separate building on the cliff is a reminder that this was a full safety system, not a single tower.

Things to See and Do in the Souter Lighthouse

Climb the lighthouse tower for the classic payoff: wide coastal views, the sense of height over the cliffs, and a clear understanding of why this location mattered. The experience is as much about looking down at the rock shelves and bays as it is about looking out to sea, especially on a breezy day when the coastline feels alive.

Make time for the Foghorn House behind the lighthouse. Even without poor visibility, it adds a layer of drama and realism, turning the visit into a story about how sailors were guided through the worst conditions, not just the best-weather postcard moments.

Then do the simple thing that often becomes the highlight: walk the clifftop paths of The Leas. The route is easy to tailor to your energy level, whether you want a short out-and-back for photos or a longer loop that takes in birdlife, wild grassland, and that endless, bracing North Sea atmosphere.

How to Get to the Souter Lighthouse

The nearest airport is Newcastle International Airport (NCL), which is the most convenient option for reaching South Tyneside by public transport or car. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to South Shields on Booking.com.

By rail, the simplest approach is to take National Rail to Newcastle Central or Sunderland, then connect onward to South Shields via local services. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

From central South Shields, local buses run out toward the coast, and it's easy to aim for stops on Coast Road near the lighthouse, then walk the final minutes along the clifftop. Taxis are also straightforward if you want the quickest, least complicated hop from the town centre.

If you’re driving, follow the A183 Coast Road toward Whitburn/Marsden and use the on-site car parks, which place you right at the start of the clifftop paths.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Souter Lighthouse

  • Entrance fee: Lighthouse tower (without Gift Aid): Adult £6.50; Child £3.25 (under 5 free); Family £16.25. Grounds and coastal walks: Free.
  • Opening hours: (Summer) 15 February–31 October: Daily: 11:00–17:00.
    (Winter) 01 November–31 December: Friday – Sunday: 11:00–17:00.
    Closed: Monday – Thursday (November – December); 01 January–14 February.
  • Official website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas
  • Best time to visit: Aim for late afternoon for softer light on the sea, or go earlier on weekends to beat the busiest arrival window.
  • How long to spend: Two hours works well for the tower, foghorn building, and a short clifftop walk; add extra time if you want a longer coastal loop.
  • Accessibility: The clifftop paths are generally manageable, but expect exposed wind and uneven surfaces; the tower climb involves stairs and is best approached at an unhurried pace.
  • Facilities: You’ll typically find a café, toilets, and a small shop area when the site is operating, plus plenty of space for a picnic on the surrounding grassland.

Where to Stay Close to the Souter Lighthouse

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in central South Shields so you can walk to restaurants, the seafront, and local sights; if your trip prioritises nightlife, big-city dining, and late transport options, Newcastle city centre is the most practical base while keeping the coast an easy day trip. For a convenient South Shields stay with quick access to the coast by taxi or bus, Little Haven Hotel is a strong pick with sea-facing atmosphere. If you want something central for an easy in-town base, The Sea Hotel keeps you close to the town’s main routes and amenities. For a more upmarket, city-focused base with excellent connections for exploring the wider North East, Maldron Hotel Newcastle works well if you plan to combine coast walks with urban evenings.

Is the Souter Lighthouse Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you want a place that feels both purposeful and elemental: real maritime history, real weather, and views that don’t need embellishment. The tower adds a clear “destination” moment, but the surrounding clifftops are what make the visit feel spacious and memorable.

It’s also a smart choice when you want a low-friction day out. You can keep it simple with the climb and a short walk, or stretch it into a longer coastal ramble without needing a complicated plan.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is an easy win for families because it mixes a clear goal (the lighthouse) with plenty of outdoor space to burn energy. The key is to plan around the wind, because the clifftop can feel much colder than the town on the same day.

Keep the visit flexible: do the tower when everyone’s fresh, then let the walk be as long or short as your group feels like. A snack stop or picnic afterwards usually turns it into a genuinely relaxed outing rather than a rushed attraction.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Souter works beautifully for couples who like dramatic scenery without crowds pressing in. The best moments are often the simple ones: a slow clifftop stroll, a warm drink after the wind, and a few quiet minutes watching the sea change colour.

If you time it for later in the day, the light can be exceptional, and the coastline feels more cinematic. Pair it with a relaxed dinner back in South Shields or Newcastle to keep the day balanced.

Budget Travelers

The coastal walks are free, so you can get most of the experience without paying for the tower if you’re watching costs. If you do pay for entry, treat the climb as your “splurge” and then let the rest of the day be a self-guided coastal hike with photo stops.

Public transport can keep the day affordable, but build in a little buffer so you’re not stressed about bus timing. This is a place that’s best enjoyed at a slower, weather-led pace.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (1,900)

National Trust - Souter Lighthouse and The Leas in Whitburn is a red-and-white lighthouse set on scenic coastal paths ideal for walks and birdwatching; visitors praise climbing the steep stairs for sweeping coastline views, spotting seabirds (and sometimes dolphins), and enjoying guided commentary at the top. The small café and tidy facilities provide a welcome stop, with outdoor seating and family-friendly lawn space with toys for children. Accessible parking is available including easy disabled parking and members can park free by scanning their card. Guides are knowledgeable, the site is popular with families, and the lighthouse offers an engaging, walkable outing.

Jamie-lee Blackburn
4 months ago
"We went here yesterday for a family day out, first time here and we all absolutely loved it. Beautiful location and lots of lovely walks. Thelighthouse was amazing and my kids loved it especially at top looking out. We had food in the cafe and the service was great and the staff were friendly. The toilets were clean and tidy. They had kids toys out on the lawn next to the lighthouse which my kids and niece loved...."
Lisa Daly
4 months ago
"Explore a lighthouse, why not 😅. Absolutely loved it here. Sea air and sand. Really pretty National Trust. My twins enjoyed playing football ⚽️nCouldhave stayed all day to be honest with that view. I will be visiting again in near future. We loved there new pin badge. Fingers crossed they release a new one 🙏🏻 🙂 disabled parking was easy, members get free parking if you scan your members card. Cafe available and outside seating...."
Dani Collier
4 months ago
"A great visit & beautiful scenic walking location. Impacted slightly negatively by OAPs and people bringing small children. It is of course alighthouse, the stairs are of course very steep / ladder like and at the top it is OF COURSE very high. Baffling that less able bodied people who are clearly terrified of heights would climb to the top but here we are! Guides were great, beautiful scenery - would recommend 👌..."

FAQs for Visiting Souter Lighthouse

Getting There

It sits on the clifftops between Whitburn and Marsden, just outside the town centre, with direct access to coastal paths. If you’re navigating, use the Coast Road approach and aim for the lighthouse car parks.
The easiest approach is usually to take a bus or taxi out to the coast, then walk the last section along the clifftop. Once you’re on The Leas, the route is straightforward and scenic.
Travel to South Shields via local connections, then use a coastal bus route or a short taxi ride to reach the lighthouse area. The final stretch is simple on foot once you’re dropped near the Coast Road stops.
Yes, there are on-site car parks that make access easy, especially if you’re short on time or visiting with children. Driving is worth it if you want maximum flexibility, but arriving by bus can be just as painless in peak periods.

Tickets & Entry

The lighthouse grounds and clifftop walks are free to enjoy, so you can still have a great visit without paying. A ticket is for entry into the lighthouse tower and the curated visitor experience.
It generally covers access to the tower climb and the main interpretive areas that explain the lighthouse’s working life. The coastal walking routes are separate and can be done before or after at your own pace.
Most visitors can buy tickets on arrival when the lighthouse is open, but it’s worth checking ahead during school holidays. If you’re travelling with a tight schedule, pre-checking the day’s opening status saves time.
People often underestimate how narrow and stair-heavy tower spaces can feel, so smaller bags are easier. Dogs are usually welcome on the surrounding grounds, but access rules can differ inside the tower.

Visiting Experience

An hour is enough for a quick tower visit and a short clifftop stroll. If you can spare two hours, the experience feels much more complete because you can slow down and enjoy the coastal setting.
Yes, because it gives you the signature “North Sea coast” experience in a single stop. It pairs well with time in town afterwards, so it doesn’t dominate your day.
A good mini-route is the lighthouse, the foghorn building, and a clifftop walk toward Marsden Bay for views and birdlife. Finish with a warm café stop to balance out the wind.
It can be brilliant in dramatic weather if you’re prepared, because the sea and sky feel powerful and changeable. In heavy rain or high winds, keep the visit shorter and prioritise sheltered stops.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Some tours focus on the seafront and town history, while Souter is often treated as a dedicated coastal segment. It’s easy to include as a self-guided add-on because the routes are intuitive.
Independent visits work very well because the site is easy to navigate and the views do a lot of the storytelling. A guided element is most worthwhile if you want deeper detail on the electrification story and lighthouse-keeper life.
Start at the lighthouse, circle past the foghorn building, then take a short clifftop out-and-back along The Leas. It’s simple, satisfying, and easy to shorten if the weather turns.

Photography

Yes, especially for bold landmark shots against open sea and sky, and for wide coastal panoramas along the cliffs. The red-and-white bands photograph well in almost any light.
Late afternoon often gives the most flattering light, with longer shadows and softer tones on the sea. Early morning can be quieter, which helps if you want cleaner compositions.
Outdoor photography is generally straightforward, but inside spaces can be tighter and more crowded during busy times. Be considerate on stairs and in narrow sections where people need to pass.
A classic shot is from the clifftop path with the lighthouse slightly side-on, so you capture both the tower and the coastline. Another strong angle is looking back toward the lighthouse from the coastal path as it rises above the grassland.

Accessibility & Facilities

The grounds are generally the most accessible part, while the tower climb is stair-based and can be challenging. If mobility is a concern, focus on the clifftop viewpoints and the visitor areas that don’t require climbing.
Facilities are typically available when the site is operating, including toilets and a café. If you’re visiting outside lighthouse opening days, plan as if you’re relying on nearby town facilities instead.
Yes, there are plenty of spots on the grassland and near the visitor area where you can pause and watch the sea. Bringing a windproof layer makes sitting outside much more comfortable.
The outdoor areas are family-friendly, and a stroller works well on smoother sections of path. The tower itself is better for older kids who are comfortable with stairs and enclosed stairwells.

Food & Breaks Nearby

The on-site café is the easiest option when it’s open, especially after a windy walk. If you want more choice, head back toward South Shields for a wider range of cafés and sit-down meals.
A warm drink and a simple bake after the clifftop walk is a classic pairing here. If you continue into town, you can turn the visit into a full coastal day with a proper lunch.

Safety & Timing

It’s a beautiful area, but it’s exposed and can feel very dark and windy after sunset, especially in winter. For most visitors, daylight is the safest and most enjoyable window.
Early morning is calmer and often quieter for photos. Later in the day can feel more atmospheric, especially when the light drops and the coastline looks more dramatic.

Nearby Attractions to the Souter Lighthouse

  • Marsden Grotto: A cliffside pub and landmark with strong coastal views and a classic North Sea-day-out feel.
  • Marsden Bay: A sweeping bay framed by cliffs and seabirds, ideal for a longer walk when the tide and weather cooperate.
  • The Leas: A clifftop grassland stretch that’s perfect for easy coastal hiking with big skies and open horizons.
  • Whitburn Coastal Park: A scenic mix of paths and nature-rich spaces that complements the lighthouse visit with quieter walking.
  • Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum: A well-presented Roman site in South Shields that adds historical depth after your coastal time.

The Souter Lighthouse appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting South Shields!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

Read our full story here

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!

Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Summer) 15 February-31 October: Daily: 11:00-17:00.

(Winter) 01 November-31 December: Friday - Sunday: 11:00-17:00.

Closed: Monday - Thursday (November - December); 01 January-14 February.

Price:

Lighthouse tower (without Gift Aid): Adult £6.50; Child £3.25 (under 5 free); Family £16.25. Grounds and coastal walks: Free.

Address: National Trust - Souter Lighthouse and The Leas Coast Rd Whitburn Sunderland SR6 7NH United Kingdom
South Shields: 5 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

Similar Blogs