Souter Lighthouse

Souter Lighthouse is just one of the National Trust's properties in the North East. Opened in 1871, it was the first lighthouse to use alternating electric current.

The engine room, light tower and keeper’s living quarters are all on view, and there is a video, model and information display. A ground-floor closed-circuit TV shows views from the top for those unable or unwilling to attempt the steep climb to the top.

Boldly painted in red and white hoops, Souter lighthouse opened in 1871 and was the first to use alternating electric current, the most advanced lighthouse technology of its day. The engine room, light tower and keeper’s living quarters are all on view, and there is a video, model and information display.

Only 2 miles south of South Shields, Souter Lighthouse overlooks the cliffs of Marsden Bay, high above the rocks and notorious currents of the 'Whitburn Steel' that have wrecked dozens of ships and claimed the lives of many mariners.

More Pictures Here

You can explore the lighthouse, starting in the Engine Room. Learn about how lighthouses work through video, displays and a variety of navigational equipment. See the cramped living quarters and climb the seventy six steps to the top of the tower to enjoy wide views of the coastline, from the mouth of the Tyne to the Tees. Or you can enjoy the same view without leaving the ground floor by operating the remote controlled CCTV.

                                   Inside Story of Souter

After enjoying refreshments in Souter's own tea-room, you can walk the cliff top paths along The Leas, see the changing moods of the seascape below, and watch the seabirds on the cliffs and around the great sea-stack of Marsden Rock.

Facilities:

Coast Road
Whitburn
Sunderland
Tyne and Wear
SR6 7NH

+44 (0)1915 293 161

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk