Souter Lighthouse and The Leas is an iconic beacon inaugurated in 1871 and stands as a strikingly painted red and white lighthouse with bold hoops. Remarkably, it was the world's first lighthouse powered by electricity. Nestled within a uniquely historic environment, it remains a largely undiscovered treasure. To the south of the lighthouse, Whitburn Coastal Park and Nature Reserve now serve as a wildlife sanctuary. Visitors can explore the engine room and the Victorian lighthouse keeper's cottage, from which they can savour spectacular views while uncovering the rich historical tapestry of the landscape. Additionally, the site offers complimentary access to a café and second-hand bookshops, making it a welcoming destination for families. Souter Lighthouse and The Leas promise an unforgettable and family-friendly experience.
UNIQUE FACTS:
• Lighthouse
• Magnesian Limestone Cliffs
• Shop
• Historical Place.
3 Best Landmarks in Sunderland, UK
Expert recommended Top 3 Landmarks in Sunderland, UK. All of our landmarks actually face a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes local reviews, history, business standards, ratings, satisfaction, trust, price and their trading excellence.
SOUTER LIGHTHOUSE AND THE LEAS REVIEWS
Amazing experience in lighthouse. You have to pay for admission in reception or use national trust membership to get the discount. Please check the official website. Tou can go in higher level of lighthouse which has a giant light. The staffs will help you and explain you in any section. Also they have the climbing experience for people from top of the lighthouse to down but you have to book it in advance and has a cost per person. Nice experience.
Even on a rainy day a brilliant place to visit. Lots to discover, climb to the top of the lighthouse to see the amazing views. Staff are friendly and very helpful. Cafe serves the most amazing cheese and onion pasty I've ever tasted and prices are reasonable too. Then a walk along the coast again amazing views either side of the lighthouse.
The light house is worth a visit. Alot of interactive information about how the lighthouse ran, though there are steep stairs to get to the top. If you climb to the top, you're welcomed with amazing views and a national trust staff member who explains how the light works, and you might even get a demo. Outside the lighthouse, in the summer, there is an amazing poppy field, don't miss it, the pictures show lovely it is!
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Hylton Castle is a stone fortress dating back to the 1400s that the affluent Sir William Hylton commissioned. He oversaw the construction of the distinctive and intricately decorated gatehouse tower within a courtyard. Initially, the castle was constructed from wood, but it was transformed during the 14th and 15th centuries, being rebuilt with stone. Over the years, Hylton Castle underwent substantial enhancements to its interior and exterior, and it continued to serve as the primary residence of the Hylton family. One of the castle's notable features is its array of heraldic devices, prominently displayed on the west façade since the court's initial construction. Today, English Heritage is responsible for managing Hylton Castle, which is of significant historical importance. The castle and its chapel are included in Grade I listings, underscoring their architectural and historical significance.
UNIQUE FACTS:
• Cafe
• Castle
• Historical Place
• Events.
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Sun-Tue: Closed
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HYLTON CASTLE REVIEWS
We were in a playground nearby and decided to see if the castle renovation was finished. It's already open! We have a national trust membership but the castle belongs to English heritage and as we swapping memebership annually we will see the castle itself a bit later, but the cafe inside we can highly recommend for a visit just now. The staff are incredibly friendly and pleasant, they made our little visit very atmospheric.
What a great experience we'll worth a visit to the refurbished Hylton Castle looks great. full of atmosphere. Attended a conference modern clear presentation large enough for everyone. Facilities cafe and the grounds were excellent. Hopefully I can go back soon.
We just popped in here and it was definately one of our best visits. What we learned will influence our future explorations of UK heritage. Dawn was the most amazing guide, was extremely inspirational and unbelievably knowledgeable. Thank you so much to everyone for their assistance today.
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Penshaw Monument stands at a height of 70 feet and is located atop Penshaw Hill. This monument was designed by Benjamin Green and John and constructed by Thomas Pratt of Bishopwearmouth using locally sourced gritstone. Resembling the Temple of Hephaestus, this 70-foot-high monument offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it the most cherished landmark in Wearside. Notably, it also features on the emblem of Sunderland Football Club. Penshaw Monument provides ample opportunities for extensive walks through the adjacent woods. Visitors can relish the sweeping panoramic views from its summit. Furthermore, the vicinity offers access to various gardens, parks, cafes, coastal and rural sites, and historic houses. There's the convenience of dog-friendly access and free parking available nearby.
UNIQUE FACTS:
• Rooftop Visits
• Attractive Place.
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PENSHAW MONUMENT REVIEWS
Free parking. Takes roughly 10 minutes to walk up to the top if you’re going an average pace. Not too strenuous to walk up. Gives amazing 360° views of some of the North East. Definitely worth a visit. You can make your day longer by crossing the road and walking around the lake or by taking a visit to the nearby shop/cafe/tea room for food and a drink.
There were very few people when we got there, so we had the place to ourselves. Beautiful piece of landmark, can't wait to go back in the winter!
Lovely place to have a wander. Popular with dog walkers, joggers & cyclist's. Lovely views at the top. A nice woods surrounding the monument to walk round.
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