Tyne South Pier light

Tyne South Pier light in South Shields (South Tyneside, England) marks the end of the southern pier at the mouth of the River Tyne. It belongs to a Victorian harbour structure that is now a protected heritage asset.

What is the South Pier lighthouse?

The pier and its lighthouse are protected together. In 2016 they were listed at Grade II as "Pier and lighthouse, 1854-1895". The engineers James Walker and, later, John F. Ure designed the works for the Tyne Improvement Commissioners, the body that ran the port.

Why were the piers built?

Parliament-backed plans for two piers date to 1852. Their purpose was to reduce the number of ships wrecked on the Tyne Bar, the shoal across the river entrance. Construction dragged on for decades, and heavy storms carried away sections of both piers while they were being built. The southern pier was completed in 1895, and local archives record that the lights were first lit on 11 November 1895.

What will you see?

The outer end of the pier curves, and the lighthouse stands there. A stone gallery with metal railings circles the tower, carrying a bronze fog bell, and above it sits a cast-iron, glazed lantern. The tower is about 12 metres (39 ft) tall, with the light at roughly 15 metres (49 ft) above the sea.

From the pier you look over the harbour entrance, ships heading into the Tyne and, across the water, Tynemouth with its own north pier. Do not mix the two: this lighthouse is on the south side, in South Shields.

How do you get there?

South Shields sits on the south bank of the Tyne in Tyne and Wear. The pier starts at the seafront end of town, and the walk to the lighthouse follows the whole length of the structure. Check South Tyneside Council for current access and opening arrangements before you go, as the walkway can close for repairs or bad weather.

When should you visit?

Pick a clear day, when both sides of the river mouth are easy to see. In storms, waves break over the piers, so stay off the structure in rough weather. At dusk the lighthouse is working, which makes an evening visit worthwhile.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Tyne South Pier lighthouse a listed building? Yes. The pier and lighthouse have been Grade II listed since 2016.

When was it built? The pier was finished in 1895, and the lights were first lit on 11 November that year.

Is it the same as the Tynemouth pier light? No. Tynemouth lies on the north side of the river mouth and has its own pier. This lighthouse is in South Shields, to the south.

Is there another lighthouse nearby? Yes. South Shields also has the South Groyne, known as Herd Groyne Lighthouse, built between 1861 and 1867 while the pier was under construction.