Penshaw Monument
A black temple-style monument on a hilltop, modelled on the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens. It is a landmark and viewpoint around Sunderland.
Penshaw Monument was built in 1844 to honour John Lambton, the first Earl of Durham. It is a half-scale replica of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, with 18 Doric columns supporting an unroofed entablature, and soot has turned it entirely black. It stands on Penshaw Hill, about a 10-minute uphill walk from the car park. The view takes in Sunderland, Durham and the North Sea. On some summer days, the National Trust opens the internal staircase so visitors can climb to the top. Admission is free. It is often visited on the same road trip as Beamish and the Angel of the North.
Opening hours
All day (summit access only on certain summer days)
Nearby sights
- Angel of the North
- Segedunum Roman Fort
- Arbeia Roman Fort
- Victoria Tunnel
- Ouseburn Valley
- Seven Stories, National Centre for Children's Books
- BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
- Souter Lighthouse & The Leas