Experience Roker Pier in a new way and learn about Sunderland’s rich maritime heritage.

WELCOME TO ROKER PIER TOURS

For over a hundred years, Roker Pier & Lighthouse has protected the entrance into Sunderland’s harbour with the pier, and distinctive red and grey granite hoops of the lighthouse, as one of the City’s most iconic landmarks.

Built between 1885 and 1903 when Sunderland was a major British port, Roker Pier & Lighthouse represented a ‘triumph of engineering’ by Henry Hay Wake, with the logistics of building the striking landmark resulting in solutions ahead of their time. In 2012, extensive restoration of the pier, tunnel and lighthouse began funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Sunderland City Council.

Roker Pier Tours are responsible for tours of the tunnel and lighthouse only and have no control over the pier openings or closures.

The tunnel and lighthouse are now open to the public for the first time in the structure’s history via guided tours lead by volunteers within the Sunderland Sea Front Trust.

BEFORE APPLYING, PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THAT THE TUNNEL IS DARK, DAMP AND DIRTY INSIDE. YOU WILL NEED TO WEAR WELLIES OR STURDY WALKING SHOES OR BOOTS AS YOUR FEET MAY GET DIRTY AND WET AND THE TUNNEL FLOOR IS UNEVEN IN PLACES. THERE ARE STEEP LADDERS AND STAIRS IN THE LIGHTHOUSE SO YOU MUST BE PHYSICALLY ABLE TO COPE WITH THESE.

Walk the length of the Pier tunnel and emerge at the Lighthouse. Explore the rich history behind the superstructure, the individuals behind its construction, and the restoration of the building in recent years.

If successful, you can book your tour at a time convenient to you subject to availibility.

* Children must be at least 10 years of age and physically capable of ascending and descending the staircases by themselves unaided.