A Day of Blue Skies and Beacons – Five Lighthouses from Roker to South Shields

If you’re a fan of lighthouses, this one’s for you. And if you’re not? Well, if you like the colour blue, the sky and sea had that sorted today. And if neither of those float your boat... there’s still a good chance you’ll enjoy this anyway. With conditions pretty much spot-on—clear skies, low wind, and sparkling sunlight—I made the call to head back to the coast, this time focusing on the stretch between Roker and South Shields.

It turned into a proper lighthouse hunt, ticking off five along the way, each one with its own shape, story and setting. From the solid stone towers guarding piers to modern beacons standing tall over busy harbours, the variety along this bit of coastline is brilliant—and in today’s light, they all looked their best. The contrasts between deep blue sea, bright white walls, and long shadows made for some fantastic captures, and it was one of those days where you just keep looking up at the sky and thinking, “Yep, can’t ask for better than this.”

Roker Lighthouse – Standing Strong at Sunderland’s Edge

Roker Lighthouse is one of Sunderland’s most recognisable landmarks, guarding the entrance to the River Wear since 1903. Built from Aberdeen granite and standing 23 metres tall, it once housed a powerful gas-powered lamp, now replaced by electric. After years of weathering North Sea storms, it underwent major restoration and was reopened to the public—though even when you can’t get up close, its presence at the end of the curved Roker Pier remains iconic.

From the air, Roker Lighthouse is a dream to photograph. The sweeping pier leads the eye beautifully to the tower, which today stood out brilliantly against the deep blues of sea and sky. The long curve of the structure and the white waves breaking gently against it created a perfect balance of motion and symmetry. In this kind of light, it’s easy to see why Roker is one of the most loved coastal spots in the North East.

Mieke’s Lighthouse – The Bright Sentinel of Roker’s Coastline

Often affectionately referred to as Mieke’s Lighthouse, this bright white beacon stands at the southern end of Roker Beach, directly on the shoreline and often mistaken for a decorative feature—yet it’s very much a working light. It may not have the height or history of Roker Pier Lighthouse, but it plays a crucial role in guiding vessels near the river mouth. Its clean, cylindrical design and stark white finish make it a striking contrast against the backdrop of sand, sea, and sky.

Captured from above, Mieke’s Lighthouse absolutely shone in today’s conditions. With the deep blues of the North Sea behind it and soft waves curling across the sand, the lighthouse stood out like a brushstroke of bright paint in the landscape. The drone gave the perfect angle to show its relationship to the coast—small but purposeful, sitting confidently between beach and breakwater. It might be understated, but it’s full of character.

Souter Lighthouse – Bold, Red-Banded and Steeped in History

Souter Lighthouse, perched on the cliffs between Whitburn and South Shields, is one of the most iconic lighthouses in the country—and for good reason. Built in 1871, it was the first in the world purpose-built to be powered by electricity, lighting a particularly treacherous stretch of the North Sea known as Whitburn Steel. Operated today by the National Trust, Souter is no longer active but remains immaculately preserved, complete with its red lantern housing and thick white walls, proudly overlooking the dramatic coastline below.

From the air, Souter is absolutely breathtaking. The vivid red stripe running around the tower pops against the green of the clifftop and the endless blue of the sea beyond. The drone captured its perfect symmetry, as well as the cluster of red-roofed keeper’s cottages and outbuildings surrounding it. With the shadows soft and the skies clear, the whole scene had a timeless postcard quality—a lighthouse that’s not just historic, but truly built for the spotlight.

South Pier Lighthouse – Guarding the Tyne with Timeless Simplicity

Located at the end of South Shields’ South Pier, this sturdy little lighthouse has been guiding ships into the River Tynesince the late 19th century. While not the tallest or most ornate, the South Pier Lighthouse is a vital part of the region’s maritime infrastructure, marking the southern edge of the river mouth. Its simple cylindrical shape and green domed lantern give it a no-nonsense, functional charm, standing strong at the very edge of the pier.

From above, the lighthouse is all about placement and perspective. The drone captured the long, straight stretch of pier extending boldly into the North Sea, with the lighthouse forming the perfect full stop at the end. Framed by the incoming tide and the vast curve of the bay beyond, it’s a calm and commanding presence, especially under today’s clear, blue sky. It might be modest, but it holds its place with purpose and pride.

Herd Groyne Lighthouse – The Red Sentinel on Stilts

The Herd Groyne Lighthouse is one of the most distinctive beacons on the North East coast. Built in 1882, it stands on tall, iron stilts at the mouth of the River Tyne, just off South Shields’ Littlehaven Beach. Painted a bold red, it’s instantly recognisable and still active today, guiding ships safely into the harbour alongside its larger counterparts. Despite its small size, its unusual design and striking colour make it a real favourite with photographers and coastal walkers alike.

From the air, the Herd Groyne Light stands out brilliantly—its spindly legs casting long shadows over the sand, while the deep red tower pops against the blues of sea and sky. The drone offered a perfect angle to show how it sits at the very edge of the tide, connected by a narrow breakwater that disappears at high water. In today’s perfect conditions, it looked more like a sculpture than a working lighthouse—small, elegant, and full of character.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today was a proper lighthouse lover’s dream – five beacons, five unique characters, and some of the best flying conditions I’ve had in a while. From the solid strength of Roker Pier, to the bold red stilts of the Herd Groyne, every lighthouse had its own story, setting, and perfect moment in the sun. The skies stayed blue, the sea stayed calm, and the camera barely had a moment’s rest.

It’s easy to take places like this for granted when they’re so familiar, but seeing them from above, with light catching the water and long shadows trailing across the piers, reminded me why I keep coming back. Whether you’re into lighthouses, seascapes, or just good skies, today had a bit of everything – and a whole lot of red and white towers doing what they do best. I might not have covered a lot of ground, but I certainly covered a lot of iconic coastal highlights.