Souter Lighthouse and the Leas.

Souter Lighthouse and the Leas are the National Trust properties that lie midway between the Rivers Tyne and Wear. The red and wide striped beacon is visible from all the four cardinal compass points. This is a wild and dramatic coastline of cliffs, coves and offshore outcrops that just has to be seen and experienced.

Twenty boats struck on the rocks in the nearby Marsden Bay during the year of 1869. Both the Tyne and the wear were beginning to send larger bulk cargoes of coal and iron to other parts of the country. The local fishing fleets were becoming bigger. This was a busy and dangerous stretch of coast, especial in the frequent fogs at at night.

Soutler Lighthouse was built on the headland. It was the first lighthouse to be powered by electricity, making it the most technologically advanced lighthouse in the world.

The lighthouse, which has been decommissioned, is a haven for visitors now, They are able to explore the engine room and examine the quarters where the lighthouse keepers and their families lived and slept. Visitors are able to climb the 76 steps to the lantern room at the top of the tower.

Soutler Lighthouse has wheelchair access to the ground floor and an adapted toilet. There is a Braille guide to the visitor centre and a number of tactile exhibits. A CCTV system relays the view from the balcony to those people at the bottom who are unable to climb the tower. Souter has induction loops in the gift shop and the video room.

There are two holiday cottages on the site, which are available for leasing. More details on these are available on 0870 458 4411.

Souter Lighthouse stages a number of special events between Easter and October. Engine Room Days are held from noon on the first Monday of each month. The compressors are started up as part of the Trust’s monthly maintenance programme with the foghorn being sounded.

There are a series of guided rockpool rambles and coastal walks throughout the summer. One special is the Ghostly Coastal Walk, Halloween on the Rocks. This has some scarey storytelling, followed by a bite to eat.

Children’s activities include the Pirate day, when the youngsters can dress up as their favourite buccaneering character.

A sale of plants, which have been grown by volunteers is held at irregular intervals.

The Festival of the Sea is a day of fun activities for the entire family. Visitors can explore the undersea world of life-size whales and dolphins or merely sir back and enjoy the music and performances.

Shakespeare has been performed here against the dramatic backdrop of the lighthouse and the turbulent North Sea.

Wreck and Rescue Day offers family activities in which they can discover how ship-wreaked people are rescued. Visitors can row Grace Darling’s boat or take part in a tug-of-war. A number of special performances are always staged on this day.

Souter stages Behind the Scenes at the Lighthouse and Behind the Scenes for Kids. Visitor are able to watch the engines at work and see the light flashing out to sea.

There are plenty of other events, including lunchtime lectures, radio days, themed evening meals, beachwatch, bee days, moth nights, birdwatching and Christmas lunches held at and around the lighthouse.

The neighbouring Leas is a local nature reverse which has become a have for indigenous wildlife, flora and fauna. It also offers a bracing walk along the clifftops.

Souter Lightouse is open from 11:00 to 17:00 (last admission is at 16:30) at half term and from March through until November every day except Friday. However it is open on Good Friday.

It stands on the A183 Coast Road, near Whitburn, two miles south of South Shields and three miles north of Sunderland. The Stagecoach Economic E1 bus service between South Shields and Sunderland can drop visitors at Souter’s main gate.

Group visit are welcome at Souter by prior arrangement and reduced party rates are available.

More details can be obtained from 0191 529 3161