How to get toSouter Lighthouse and The Leascar-free
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Visit Souter Lighthouse and The Leas car-free
It’s easy to reach Souter Lighthouse and The Lees car-free. There are frequent direct buses along the coast from South Shields (25 mins) and Sunderland (20 mins) stopping just outside Souter Lighthouse.
From Newcastle, there are direct trains to Sunderland (20 mins). South Shields is on the Yellow Metro line from Newcastle city centre (25 mins), and a 10-minute ferry ride from North Shields.
Check out our recommended route (below) and then use our journey planner (above) for door-to-door train, bus and walking routes.
Enjoy 10% off hot drinks for all visitors arriving on foot, by cycle or public transport, on admission to the lighthouse.
Choose the cheapest transport ticket for you from: Network One or Nexus (all transport), Stagecoach North East (bus), or Northern (train deals such as GroupSave) . For more money-saving tips see our handy guides to trains and buses.
National Route 1 runs along the coast, from ‘Souter to St Marys’. Plan your cycle route here.
You can take your bike on some Metro train services (and on all new trains from 2024).
You can walk the England Coast Path from Sunderland (1hr 45mins) via Seaburn metro (1½ hours) or from South Shields (1½ hours).
Eco Zero taxis operate in South Tyneside.
Here’s some information on access to attractions, buses and trains, and here’s some information on accessibility at Souter Lighthouse.
Discover more offers and days out in Tyne and Wear with Good Journey.
All photos on this page are copyright ©National Trust Images – full credits here.
Getting to Souter Lighthouse and The Leas car-free
Here's our recommended route to Souter Lighthouse and The Leas. To get bus and train times and walking routes use our journey planner.
From Newcastle via South Shields
There are frequent trams to South Shields Metro station from Newcastle city centre on the Yellow line, which take 20-30 minutes.
Bus E1 from South Shields stops at Souter Lighthouse. Bus E1 leaves South Shields Interchange (Stand D, with an indoor area) frequently. The journey takes about 25 minutes. Bus E2 stops nearby too.
From Sunderland
Bus E1 from Sunderland stops at Souter Lighthouse. Bus E1 leaves Fawcett Street (Stop 17, with shelters) frequently. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Bus E2 stops nearby too.
From North Shields
From North Shields you can take the Shields Ferry to South Shields.
It’s then a 10-15 minute walk from the ferry to South Shields Interchange – our journey planner will show you the route.
Bus E1 runs frequently from South Shields to Souter Lighthouse – see above for details.
From further afield via Sunderland
Sunderland Metro station (inside Sunderland train station) is on the Green line from Newcastle and Gateshead.
There are direct trains to Sunderland train station from: Newcastle (about 20 mins), Middlesbrough (60 mins), Hexham (65 mins), Nunthorpe (70 mins), Battersby (85 mins) and London.
Bus E1 leaves Fawcett Street (Stop 17, with shelters), just outside Sunderland train/metro station, every half hour. The journey to Souter Lighthouse takes about 20 minutes.
About Souter Lighthouse and The Leas
Built in 1871, Souter was the world’s first purpose built electric lighthouse. Visitors can climb 76 steps up the tower, visit the Engine Room and experience a 1950s trainee lighthouse keeper’s cottage, two more of which have been converted to holiday cottages. The Lighthouse Café (free entry) serves eat-in or takeaway options. Outside, the Foghorn Field picnic and play area and wildlife gardens are found within the light house’s white walls.
The lighthouse sits at the southern end of The Leas, two and a half miles of magnesian limestone cliffs, rocky foreshore and coastal grassland. On its other side is Whitburn Coastal Park, reclaimed colliery land, designated a Local Nature Reserve.
For any queries about visiting contact Souter Lighthouse and The Leas on 01915293161 or souter@nationaltrust.org.uk
Address: Souter Lighthouse, Coast Road, Whitburn, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR6 7NH. Visit Website