Souter Lighthouse and Marsden Bay
Tyne and Wear
Souter Lighthouse stands on the cliffs at Whitburn between South Shields and Sunderland, built in 1871 as the first lighthouse in the world designed from the outset to use alternating electric current. The National Trust rates it among its best dog walks, and dogs roam more freely under close control across The Leas and Whitburn Coastal Park, though a short lead is needed within the lighthouse grounds and near sheep. The National Trust's Souter Saunter is an easy 3.2km walk starting at Foghorn Field, following clifftop paths above Marsden Bay and on to Whitburn Coastal Park, a nature reserve on the site of a former colliery. Along the way are views of Marsden Rock, the remains of a lost fishing village, and screened hides for watching seabirds nesting on the cliffs below. The paths are flat with no steep inclines, making this an accessible walk for most abilities.
This is a dog friendly coastal walk where dogs can roam more freely across The Leas and Whitburn Coastal Park under close control, though a short lead is required within the lighthouse grounds and near sheep that graze parts of the site. The barriers along the cliff edge are not dog-proof, so keep dogs on a lead near the top of the cliffs, and be ready to recall promptly if cattle are encountered elsewhere on the coast. Dogs are welcome on a short lead inside the Lighthouse Cafe, which serves dog treats alongside its usual menu, and there is a large pay car park at the lighthouse (free for National Trust members).
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.2 km (2.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Lighthouse Cafe (dogs welcome on a short lead, dog treats available) and toilets on site.
- Parking
- Large car park at Souter Lighthouse (pay and display, free for National Trust members).
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Souter Lighthouse and Marsden Bay, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Sycamore Cottage - Backworth
Sleeps 9 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £935 / 7 nights
The Stables At Lintz Green House
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £598 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in Tyne and WearFrequently Asked Questions
Is Souter Lighthouse and Marsden Bay dog friendly?
Souter Lighthouse and Marsden Bay is one of the National Trust's top-rated dog walks, earning a solid 8/10 on our dog friendly rating. Dogs are welcome throughout the site, including inside the Lighthouse Cafe on a short lead, where they'll even be treated to dog-friendly snacks alongside your coffee.
Can dogs be off lead at Souter Lighthouse and Marsden Bay?
Dogs can roam more freely under close control across The Leas and Whitburn Coastal Park, so there's good scope for a bit of freedom on this walk. However, a short lead is required within the lighthouse grounds, near sheep that graze parts of the site, and close to the cliff edge, where the barriers are not dog-proof.
What should I know before visiting Souter Lighthouse and Marsden Bay with my dog?
The cliff-edge barriers aren't dog-proof, so keep your dog on a lead near the top of the cliffs, and be ready to recall promptly if you encounter cattle on the coastal sections. The 3.2km Souter Saunter route is flat with no steep inclines, making it a comfortable walk for most dogs and owners, and parking is available in the large pay and display car park at the lighthouse, free if you're a National Trust member.
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Souter Lighthouse, Coast Road, Whitburn, South Shields, Tyne and Wear SR6 7NH
54.9704, -1.3646
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