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The Souter Hole

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Cliffs, Caves

Walking, Photography

Year round

Photo: Jeremy Bolwell via Geograph.org.uk

The Souter Hole is a deep coastal sinkhole in the limestone clifftop on the coast near Souter Lighthouse, between South Shields and Marsden in Tyne and Wear. It opened up early this century and has been growing ever since, as the soft rock dissolves and old buried workings wash out beneath it, leavi...

10

Parking nearby

2

Food Spots nearby

0

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

2 day, 8 overnight

Shandiz​, Sultan's Restaurant​

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is The Souter Hole?
Tyne and Wear's coastline conceals this impressive feature just north of Whitburn. Hikers discover the site along the rocky foreshore when exploring the regional cliffs.

What type of place is The Souter Hole?
The Souter Hole is a coastal cave opening in Tyne and Wear.

When is the best time to visit The Souter Hole?
Low tide periods provide the only safe opportunity to navigate the rocky approach. A falling tide ensures you can view the opening without getting trapped by rising North Sea waters.

What can you do at The Souter Hole?
Exploring the rocky coast reveals a unique look at natural limestone formations. People enjoy taking photos from a safe distance outside the unstable opening.

How long should I spend at The Souter Hole?
Spending around forty minutes allows enough time to walk across the rocks and appreciate the coastal landscape. A brief visit fits perfectly into a wider coastal walk along the cliffs.

Where do I park at The Souter Hole?
A total of ten spaces exist nearby, providing two day and eight overnight spots for vehicles. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near The Souter Hole?
Shandiz and Sultan's Restaurant offer two places to get a meal in the area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near The Souter Hole?
There are no staycation spots recorded immediately near The Souter Hole, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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