Northumbria
Long ago, Northumbria was a land at the very edge of a great empire. And even today, the wind sweeping across the hills still seems to carry the distant sounds of Roman legions marching along Hadrian’s Wall. The scenery is as unspoilt as it was in those far-off times: it will certainly appeal to those wanting to discover high and lonely places and untouched beaches. The National Trust owns a range of historic buildings in the area including Lindisfarne Castle, Wallington, Cragside and the shore- based Souter lighthouse.

Souter Lighthouse
On the sweeping road clinging to the rugged coast between the rivers Tyne and Wear, the dramatic red and white tower of Souter Lighthouse stands proud. When opened in 1871 it was the most advanced lighthouse in the world. New hands-on displays bring this great building to life. Visitors can explore the engine room and the recreation of the keeper’s cottage to the tower itself – a thrilling climb of 76 steps for breathtaking views of coast, sea and sky. Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottages 1 and 2 are two adjacent cottages on the south side of a complex of buildings attached to the shore-based lighthouse built in 1871 which, whilst no longer in operation today, is kept in full working order by National Trust volunteers. They are two of the original six lighthouse keepers’ cottages. Close to the resort of South Shields and the seaside village of Whitburn, the property overlooks two and a half miles of spectacular coastline owned by the Trust. Holiday Cottage guests can have a free guided tour of the lighthouse during opening times by arrangement.

Shop and pub: The Nook 1½ miles, South Shields, Sunderland, Whitburn Arms 1½ miles, famous Marsden Grotto in Marsden bay 1 mile. Tea-room/café/restaurant: Souter's tea-room. Beach: Northumberland coast. Other attractions: Shopping at the Metro Centre, Newcastle's lively Quayside with the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and the spectacular Sage music centre, The Customs House in South Shields and the Sunderland Empire have great theatre programmes, Tyne & Wear.

Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 88