Whether or not you reside in North East England otherwise you’re planning a visit, Sunderland might not be excessive in your checklist of locations to go to.
My adopted residence doesn’t get quite a lot of love, however having lived right here for greater than seven years, I’ve discovered it’s residence to a few of the friendliest folks, implausible countryside and a burgeoning cultural panorama. There are enjoyable issues to do in Sunderland, I promise!
It’s typically missed by folks planning a UK metropolis break Up North in favour of neighbouring locations like Newcastle and Northumberland, however Sunderland is at the moment present process a facelift and has loads to supply guests and residents.
Try my checklist of the most effective locations to go to in Sunderland, from out of doors points of interest to hidden native gems.
Have I missed your favorite Sunderland exercise or most-loved location? Let me know in a remark or attain out on Instagram!
Finest issues to do in Sunderland, England
1. Stroll to the lighthouse at Roker
The image-perfect lighthouse has been an emblem of Sunderland’s shoreline for greater than 100 years.
When the tide is correct, anybody can stroll alongside the curved pier and see Roker from the bay.
For those who’re eager to go contained in the lighthouse itself, e-book a tour by way of Roker Pier Excursions.
2. See a present on the Empire
Sunderland’s Empire Theatre dates again to 1907. Since its refurbishment in 2004, plenty of standard exhibits have taken to the stage.
The upstairs bar could be very stylish and the inside of the theatre has retained all of its grandeur regardless of the modernisation mission.
I like to recommend a pre-theatre drink at The Dun Cow, a comfortable pub proper subsequent door. For pre-theatre eating, e-book a desk at Aperitif. It’s featured excessive on my checklist of the greatest eating places in Sunderland.
3. Attempt a pink slice
Each metropolis value its salt has its personal must-try native delicacy, and Sunderland is not any exception. The Mackem favorite candy deal with is the Pink Slice, which is comprised of shortbread sandwiched with jam, and coated in pink icing.
You possibly can choose up a pink slice at considered one of Sunderland’s greatest indie espresso outlets, Grinder. Bonus factors when you’ve tried their Pink Slice Frappucino!
4. Spend a wet day at Sunderland Winter Gardens and Museum
Searching for issues to do in Sunderland when it’s raining? Look no additional! The museum has some glorious everlasting exhibitions together with a ‘Time Machine’ part with a few of the most intriguing displays from years passed by, a piece devoted to the town’s glass roots, and one which pays tribute to the realm’s mining previous.
There’s additionally a novel Winter Gardens which youngsters will love. Notably in the event that they’re a bit mad about dinosaurs…
The museum is open Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm and there’s no cost normally for admission, making it the most effective free issues to do in Sunderland.
5. Go to Penshaw Monument
Probably the greatest views of Sunderland may be discovered from Penshaw Monument, a 70-foot-high Nationwide Belief web site.
Formally named the Earl of Durham’s Monument, this landmark may be seen from everywhere in the metropolis.
Do you know it was based mostly on a well-known temple in Athens, Greece?
There’s a wonderful tea room, butcher and a nursery on the foot of Penshaw Monument the place you may heat up and do a spot of buying earlier than you allow. I extremely advocate the self-serve milkshake machine!
6. Style the most effective pizza in Sunderland
Wildfire Pizza’s residence at considered one of Sunderland’s greatest pubs, The Ship Isis, took the town by storm and now they’ve obtained their very own restaurant in Deptford.
With a small menu of tasty pizzas and sides, this foodie expertise is a must-try in Sunderland.
7. Have a drink in Sunderland’s most haunted pub
Whereas we’re as regards to pubs, I couldn’t go away this one out. The family-run Museum Vaults on Silksworth Row is one thing of a Sunderland establishment regardless of its measurement.
It has all of the makings of a correct British pub: a roaring coal fireplace, a pooch or two chilling within the nook and actual ale on draft.
I’ve heard it’s additionally haunted, however I can’t discover something on-line that helps this. Does anybody know something about spooky goings-on there?
8. Unwind at Barnes Park
Sunderland has some lovely inexperienced areas for these days when the solar blesses us with its presence, and Barnes Park is without doubt one of the greatest.
It’s massive sufficient for a correct leg stretch and there’s a Victorian-style bandstand, bowling inexperienced and tennis courts in addition to a restaurant, the Coach Home.
9. Sip a espresso bought from a horse field
Within the hotter months, this is without doubt one of the extra distinctive locations to go in Sunderland. The New Plough Tea Trailer is the cutest little horse field that has been transformed right into a mini tea store. It may be present in Coxgreen and serves drinks and desserts.
Youngsters will love that there’s a play space and so they can pet the horses, and adults will love the views over the River Put on.
Plus, they’ve now obtained an indoor seating space!
10. Eat, drink and be merry at STACK Seaburn
STACK is the spotlight of Sunderland’s seafront. The delivery container park homes quite a lot of unbiased companies promoting meals, drink and even magnificence companies.
There’s reside leisure and so they even have heaters to maintain you cosy through the wilder climate months, making it a year-round attraction for Sunderland residents.
11. Climb Tunstall Hills
One other spot with glorious views of Sunderland is Tunstall Hills, a nature reserve. The realm is accessible from Leechmeere Highway, through Tunstall Highway to the northwest and Nationwide Cycle Route 1, Silksworth and Ryhope to the south.
You’ll want good strolling boots within the wetter climate, because the grasslands can get muddy, however the views are value it.
12. Discover the Nationwide Glass Middle
One in all Sunderland’s high vacationer points of interest is the Nationwide Glass Middle. Free glass-blowing demonstrations, lessons and exhibitions make it a great place to spend just a few hours immersing your self in Sunderland’s glassmaking historical past.
There’s additionally an on-site cafe known as The Glass Yard, the place you may get pleasure from views over the river along with your meal.
For those who’re on the lookout for an alternate wet day exercise in Sunderland, that is it!
Try my information to the place to eat in Durham.
13. Uncover Herrington Nation Park
Reverse Penshaw in Houghton-Le-Spring, you’ll discover a sprawling nation park with numerous walks and cycle trails.
Herrington is considered one of Sunderland’s largest parks and it’s full of sculptures linked to the realm’s historical past.
You possibly can feed the swans and geese, make use of the skatepark space or seize a espresso from the cafe and get your steps in.
Love Lily has opened a second location in Herrington Nation Park quickly, and its a really welcome addition.
14. Store, eat and drink at Mackie’s Nook
This newly revamped constructing carries quite a lot of historic significance in Sunderland. The imposing venue was constructed within the 1840s and has loved delight of place within the metropolis centre since.
Lately, you’ll discover unbiased companies together with a deli known as Fats Unicorn, a cake store at The Candy Petite, and Sofia’s, a brand new brunch spot.
I believe Mackies Nook is without doubt one of the most visually pleasing locations in Sunderland!
15. Wander Sunderland’s Marina
The town’s background as an vital port and shipbuilding hub continues to be evident on the banks of the River Put on, however amble over to the Marina and also you’ll be rewarded with a tranquil space full of yachts and fishing boats.
It’s a nice stroll and normally a lot quieter than the adjoining seafront.
An Italian restaurant known as Marina Vista overlooks the Marina, and youngsters will love stumbling upon ‘The Stone Home’.
16. Lease an e-scooter to discover the coast
Sunderland has joined the lots of different locations providing e-scooters to get round!
The intense orange GPS-enabled scooters are simple to identify, and so they can journey at speeds as much as 20mph, with a battery lifetime of as much as 60km.
I like to recommend hiring one to zoom alongside Sunderland’s gorgeous shoreline, with stops for espresso and snacks whilst you take within the views.
17. Attempt your hand at water sports activities
Journey Sunderland is a charitable belief situated in Roker. They’re an RYA (royal yachting affiliation) accredited coaching centre and a British canoeing coaching centre with absolutely certified workers, so that you’re in protected arms.
You possibly can hire tools to go kayaking, browsing or stand-up paddle boarding. You may even be fortunate sufficient to identify dolphins whilst you’re on the water…
18. Spend a day on the seaside
Probably the greatest issues about residing in Sunderland is that you just’re by no means removed from the seaside! As an island woman, that’s essential to me. Begin at Sunderland Marina and stroll all over Roker and Seaburn to Whitburn.
You possibly can stroll alongside the seaside itself along with your toes within the sand, or keep on with the promenade.
Simply bear in mind to take your litter residence with you or bin it. Let’s maintain our metropolis’s seashores pristine please!
19. Slot in a yoga class
Sunderland’s yoga hub, Wellness Area, is settled into its new location and so they’re nonetheless providing their beautiful mixture of vinyasa, rocket and yin yang lessons.
Within the hotter months, they even run lessons on the seaside, a few of which you’ll be able to mix with a SUP session.
Wellness Area additionally run unimaginable yoga retreats. I did one in North Yorkshire that I completely liked. You will discover out extra on their web site.
20. Hang around at Sheepfolds Stables
Sunderland’s latest meals, drink and leisure venue, Sheepfolds Stables is situated in Grade II listed former stables subsequent to the Stadium of Gentle and on the banks of the River Put on.
This upmarket vacation spot is a part of the Riverside Sunderland regeneration that’s respiration new life into our metropolis.
Anticipate reside leisure within the courtyard and a specifically brewed Vaux Brewery lager from Again of the Pit to clean down a few slices from I Scream For Pizza.
Different distributors embody Mom Mercy’s cocktail cabin, espresso and donut specialists Up North and eating places The Calabash Tree, Ember and Vitos Osteria.
21. See Sunderland shine on the Competition of Gentle
One other of Sunderland’s much-loved annual occasions is the Competition Gentle, which takes place in Roker Park in the direction of the top of the 12 months. The occasion is ticketed and youngsters particularly love the magic of the dazzling shows.
22. Wander in Mowbray Park
Hidden in Sunderland’s metropolis middle, there’s an expanse of inexperienced house which may take you without warning. The serene Mowbray Park has a pond with geese you may feed, a bandstand and a play park. See if you will discover the magic doorway!
23. Go to the followers museum
One other indoor place to go to in Sunderland, the Followers Museum has a large assortment of soccer memorabilia.
It’s value checking opening instances on their web site as they’re not open on a regular basis, however they do attempt to accommodate anybody who has travelled to go to Sunderland from abroad if potential.
24. Burn some power on the climbing wall
Sunderland Wall in Pallion Quay is a superb facility when you’re on the lookout for a enjoyable exercise in Sunderland. Providing teaching, programs and youngsters’ events and lessons, it’s one of many largest indoor climbing services within the UK.
Hold it in your again pocket for if you want an lively factor to do in Sunderland when it rains!
25. Go to Hylton Citadel
Do you know that Sunderland has an English Heritage web site? Hylton Citadel is a particular constructing that dates again to earlier than 1400. You possibly can e-book a guided tour on their web site, or go to the tearoom.
26. Get artistic at Arts Centre Washington
There’s masses on at Washington’s Arts Centre when you’re at a unfastened finish. You possibly can maintain updated with their upcoming occasions on their web site.
Anticipate actions like ‘Drink and Draw’ life drawing periods, free artwork periods for younger folks, theatre, exhibitions and extra.
27. Catch a present at The Fireplace Station
The Fireplace Station is an 18 million pound reside music and efficiency venue in Sunderland that may host as much as 800 folks.
In addition to an auditorium, it has bars, a restaurant, dance and inventive writing studios and the Parade Floor, a 600-capacity out of doors efficiency house with its personal stage and bar.
The previous working Fireplace Station places on as much as 300 occasions a 12 months – try what’s on at their web site.
28. Go to the Northern Gallery for Up to date Artwork
One other cultural attraction in Sunderland, the Northern Gallery for Up to date Artwork is open 10am to 5pm contained in the Nationwide Glass Centre. Admission is free and there are a variety of awe-inspiring collections.
You possibly can verify what’s on on the gallery right here.
29. Store sustainably at The Sunshine Co-operative
For those who’re making an attempt to reside a extra eco-friendly existence, this little gem in Sunniside is a must-visit.
Take your individual refillable bottles alongside and refill on all of your sustainable necessities, from pantry staples to cleansing merchandise. You too can choose up contemporary, natural native fruit and greens.
As a lot meals as potential is sourced inside a 30-mile radius of Sunderland metropolis centre (they even have their very own little backyard out the again), so that you’re actually supporting the native financial system if you select to buy right here.
30. See the Stadium of Gentle
No checklist of issues to do in Sunderland can be full with out mentioning the native soccer workforce. Sunderland followers’ dedication to the workforce has even made it to Netflix!
A recreation on the Stadium is a Sunderland must-do, however when you’re not into soccer you can too expertise one of many many reside occasions happening there all year long. I noticed Spice Women there some time again and it was sensible.
31. Take a stroll in Roker Park
For those who tire of the seaside (not potential), head inland to the enchanting Roker Park.
Roker Park has a playground with a miniature prepare journey, a boating lake and a Victorian bandstand. I like to recommend choosing up some lunch from the close by Cole Kitchen and having fun with it on one of many park benches.
32. Store at Jacky White’s Market
One other Sunderland establishment, Jacky White’s indoor market is housed within the Sunderland Bridges buying centre. The market caters to all, promoting the whole lot from contemporary produce to indoor decor, and cleansing merchandise to upcycled gems.
The market is open from 9 am till 5 pm day by day besides Sundays.
33. Discover Souter Lighthouse and The Leas
Sitting excessive on the windswept clifftops, Souter Lighthouse is a Nationwide Belief web site on Sunderland’s coast that has its personal espresso store and a secondhand bookshop. You possibly can go to to study life as a lighthouse keeper and discover the Native Nature Reserve.
The encircling space made up of reclaimed colliery land is standard amongst runners and cyclists. I like to recommend packing a picnic and claiming your spot on the grass in the summertime months.
34. Ryhope Engine Museum
Nonetheless on the lookout for indoor actions in Sunderland? Positioned in Ryhope Pumping Station, the Engine Museum is an attention-grabbing place to go to in Sunderland.
The Grade II listed constructing is a historic focal point and the working engines are saved in working order for guests to see.
Discover out extra on the Fb web page.
35. Hit the slopes at Silksworth Sport Advanced
Wish to be taught to ski however can’t afford the journey to Val d’Isère? Recreate the ski resort vibes in Silksworth! With three ski slopes together with a 160mmain slope and two nursery ski slopes, the Sport Advanced is the one place to ski in North East England.
Discover out extra right here.
36. See the brand new pit pony sculpture in Keel Sq.
As a part of the continued reinvigoration of Sunderland metropolis middle, Keel Sq. has had a facelift. One of many new additions is the pit pony sculpture.
There’s additionally an set up that celebrates the town’s maritime previous and fountains that you just’ll typically discover youngsters enjoying in through the summer season months.
Within the winter, an ice rink takes over the sq. and there’s a number of different occasions happening right here all year long.
37. Observe St Peter’s Sculpture Path
This treasure hunt type Sunderland exercise will educate little ones to understand the town’s historical past. Sculptor Colin Wilbourn and author Chaz Brenchley collaborated with Sunderland’s residents to create a path that can stimulate your thoughts throughout a leisurely stroll.
My favorite is the sequence of three doorways known as ‘Passing By means of’, which are supposed to signify the previous, current and future.
38. Indulge at Love Lily
Love Lily is an absolute haven for anybody with a candy tooth, myself included. The Instagram-friendly cafe, full with candyfloss pink branding, serves scrumptious cooked breakfasts and the most effective number of candy treats in Sunderland.
My private favourites are the white chocolate and raspberry cookies and milkshakes. Though I’m slowly however absolutely working my approach by way of the menu!
Sunderland is set to win the hearts of extra than simply its diehard residents, and I for one can’t wait to see what the town has in retailer for us.
There’s a number of thrilling exercise across the river in the intervening time, so I’ll do my greatest to maintain this Sunderland information as up-to-date as potential as extra points of interest are added to the vacation spot.
Within the meantime, touch upon what you’re keen on about Sunderland beneath and share this along with your followers on social media to maintain them impressed!
Now inform me, how most of the greatest issues to do in Sunderland are you able to say you’ve completed?
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