Souter Lighthouse
Standing high above the coastline at Marsden, Souter Lighthouse is an impressive sight even before you step inside.
Built in 1871, the lighthouse guided ships along this stretch of the North East coast for more than a century, remaining in use until 1988. Today, the lighthouse and surrounding buildings offer a glimpse into what life was like for the people who lived and worked here.
In the engine room, you can see the generators that powered the lighthouse's foghorn. Souter was the first lighthouse in the world to be designed and built to use electricity, making the machinery just as interesting as the lighthouse itself. A miniature model showing the lighthouse, coastline and keepers' cottages also helps to bring the history of the site to life.
One of the highlights of our visit was being able to climb to the very top of the lighthouse. The winding staircase eventually gives way to a steeper section that feels more like a ladder, but the climb was worth it. From the top, there were wonderful views stretching along the coastline, including Whitburn Beach and, in the distance, St Mary's Lighthouse. Even better, I was able to spin the light at the top of the lighthouse.
The lighthouse keepers' living quarters provide another glimpse into the past. We were able to look inside several of the rooms, including the bedrooms and living areas, where details such as an old fireplace and a newspaper dating from 1873 offered little reminders of the people who once called this place home.
