Whether or not you reside in North East England otherwise you’re planning a visit, Sunderland is probably not excessive in your record of locations to go to.
My adopted residence doesn’t get numerous love, however having lived right here for greater than seven years, I’ve discovered it’s residence to among the friendliest folks, implausible countryside and a burgeoning cultural panorama. There are enjoyable issues to do in Sunderland, I promise!
It’s usually ignored by folks planning a UK metropolis break Up North in favour of neighbouring locations like Newcastle and Northumberland, however Sunderland is at present present process a facelift and has quite a bit to supply guests and residents.
Try my record 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.
When you’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, quite a few widespread exhibits have taken to the stage. The upstairs bar may be very stylish and the inside of the theatre has retained all of its grandeur regardless of the modernisation venture.
I like to recommend a pre-theatre drink at The Dun Cow, a comfy pub proper subsequent door. For pre-theatre eating, e-book a desk at Aperitif. It’s featured excessive on my record 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 isn’t any exception. The Mackem favorite candy deal with is the Pink Slice, which is comprised of shortbread sandwiched with jam, and lined in pink icing.
You possibly can choose up a pink slice at one in every of Sunderland’s greatest indie espresso outlets, Grinder. Bonus factors should 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 among the most intriguing displays from years passed by, a piece devoted to town’s glass roots, and one which pays tribute to the world’s mining previous.
There’s additionally a singular Winter Gardens which children 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 among the finest free issues to do in Sunderland.
5. Go to Penshaw Monument
Among the finest views of Sunderland might be discovered from Penshaw Monument, a 70-foot-high Nationwide Belief web site. Formally named the Earl of Durham’s Monument, this landmark might be seen from everywhere in the metropolis.
Do you know it was primarily based 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’ll be able to heat up and do a spot of purchasing earlier than you permit. I extremely advocate the self-serve milkshake machine!
6. Style the most effective pizza in Sunderland
Wildfire Pizza’s residence at one in every of Sunderland’s greatest pubs, The Ship Isis, has taken town by storm. With a small menu of tasty pizzas and fried hen nearly as good because the stuff I’ve had in New York Metropolis, this foodie expertise is a must-try in Sunderland.
Wash it down with a craft beer however be fast, as a result of you’ll be able to’t reserve tables and we’ve arrived with hungry bellies solely to seek out they’ve offered out of pizza greater than as soon as!
7. Have a drink in Sunderland’s most haunted pub
Whereas we’re with reference to pubs, I couldn’t depart this one out. The family-run Museum Vaults on Silksworth Row is one thing of a Sunderland establishment regardless of its dimension. 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 giant 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 muffins.
Children 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 transport container park homes a wide range of unbiased companies promoting meals, drink and even magnificence providers. There’s dwell leisure and so they even have heaters to maintain you cosy in the course of the wilder climate months, making it a year-round attraction for Sunderland residents.
My private favorite eateries in STACK are Bao Down for Asian delicacies and The Little Cakery by the Sea for one thing indulgent to take residence.
11. Climb Tunstall Hills
One other spot with glorious views of Sunderland is Tunstall Hills, a nature reserve. The world is accessible from Leechmeere Highway, by way of 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
Certainly one of Sunderland’s high vacationer points of interest is the Nationwide Glass Middle. Free glass-blowing demonstrations, courses and exhibitions make it an excellent place to spend a number of hours immersing your self in Sunderland’s glassmaking historical past.
There’s additionally an on-site cafe referred to as The Glass Yard, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in views over the river together with your meal.
When you’re in search of 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 one in every of Sunderland’s largest parks and it’s full of sculptures linked to the world’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 is opening in Herrington Nation Park quickly, and I already know will probably be a really welcome addition.
14. Store, eat and drink at Mackie’s Nook
This newly revamped constructing carries numerous 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 referred to as Fats Unicorn, a cake store at The Candy Petite, a spot to get a drink referred to as Cafe 1851, a hair salon and even a gentleman’s clothes boutique, Grasp Debonair.
I believe Mackies Nook is without doubt one of the most visually pleasing locations in Sunderland!
15. Wander Sunderland’s Marina
Town’s background as an necessary port and shipbuilding hub remains 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 pleasing stroll and normally a lot quieter than the adjoining seafront.
An Italian restaurant referred to as Marina Vista overlooks the Marina, and youngsters will love stumbling upon ‘The Stone Home’.
16. Hire an e-scooter to discover the coast
Sunderland has joined the plenty of different locations providing e-scooters to get round! The intense orange GPS-enabled scooters are straightforward 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 positioned 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 secure fingers.
You possibly can lease tools to go kayaking, browsing or stand-up paddle boarding. You would possibly even be fortunate sufficient to identify dolphins whilst you’re on the water…
18. Spend a day on the seaside
Among the finest issues about residing in Sunderland is that you just’re by no means removed from the seaside! As an island lady, that’s crucial to me. Begin at Sunderland Marina and stroll all through Roker and Seaburn to Whitburn.
You possibly can stroll alongside the seaside itself together 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 on the Beacon of Mild and so they’re nonetheless providing their pretty mixture of vinyasa, rocket and yin yang courses. Within the hotter months, they even run courses on the seaside.
Wellness Area additionally run unbelievable yoga retreats. I did one in North Yorkshire that I completely liked. You could find out extra on their web site.
20. Watch the Sunderland Air Present
Yearly however 2022, Sunderland performs host to the biggest airshow in Europe. The enjoyable stretches over a weekend in July, with flying shows from the Pink Arrows and area occasions. There are RAF, Military and Navy villages and plenty of native merchants.
21. See Sunderland shine on the Competition of Mild
One other of Sunderland’s much-loved annual occasions is the Competition Mild, which takes place in Roker Park in the direction of the top of the yr. The occasion is ticketed and youngsters specifically love the magic of the dazzling shows.
22. Wander in Mowbray Park
Hidden in Sunderland’s metropolis heart, there’s an expanse of inexperienced house which may take you unexpectedly. The serene Mowbray Park has a pond with geese you’ll be able to feed, a bandstand and a play park. See if you could find the magic doorway!
23. Go to the followers museum
One other indoor place to go to in Sunderland, the Followers Museum has a big 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 doable.
24. Burn some vitality on the climbing wall
Sunderland Wall in Pallion Quay is a superb facility should you’re in search of a enjoyable exercise in Sunderland. Providing teaching, programs and youngsters’ events and courses, it’s one of many largest indoor climbing amenities within the UK.
Preserve it in your again pocket for if you want an lively factor to do in Sunderland when it rains!
25. Go to Hylton Fort
Do you know that Sunderland has an English Heritage web site? Hylton Fort 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 inventive at Arts Centre Washington
There’s hundreds on at Washington’s Arts Centre should 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 classes, free artwork classes for younger folks, theatre, exhibitions and extra.
27. Catch a present at The Fireplace Station
The Fireplace Station is an 18 million pound dwell 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 artistic 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 yr – take a look at what’s on at their web site.
28. Go to the Northern Gallery for Modern Artwork
One other cultural attraction in Sunderland, the Northern Gallery for Modern 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
When you’re attempting to dwell 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 may also choose up recent, natural native fruit and greens.
As a lot meals as doable 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 Mild
No record of issues to do in Sunderland can be full with out mentioning the native soccer crew. Sunderland followers’ dedication to the crew has even made it to Netflix!
A sport on the Stadium is a Sunderland must-do, however should you’re not into soccer it’s also possible to expertise one of many many dwell occasions going down there all year long. I noticed Spice Women there some time again and it was good.
31. Take a stroll in Roker Park
When you tire of the seaside (not doable), head inland to the enchanting Roker Park.
Roker Park has a playground with a miniature practice experience, a boating lake and a Victorian bandstand. I like to recommend selecting 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 purchasing centre. The market caters to all, promoting every little thing from recent produce to indoor decor, and cleansing merchandise to upcycled gems.
The market is open from 9 am till 5 pm daily 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 widespread 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 in search of indoor actions in Sunderland? Situated 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 stored 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 heart, Keel Sq. has had a facelift. One of many new additions is the pit pony sculpture.
There’s additionally an set up that celebrates town’s maritime previous and fountains that you just’ll usually discover children taking part in in in the course of the summer season months. Within the winter, an ice rink takes over the sq. and there’s a bunch of different occasions going down right here all year long.
37. Observe St Peter’s Sculpture Path
This treasure hunt model Sunderland exercise will train little ones to understand town’s historical past. Sculptor Colin Wilbourn and author Chaz Brenchley collaborated with Sunderland’s residents to create a path that may stimulate your thoughts throughout a leisurely stroll.
My favorite is the collection of three doorways referred to as ‘Passing By’, 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 choice of candy treats in Sunderland.
My private favourites are the white chocolate and raspberry cookies and milkshakes. Though I’m slowly however certainly working my means 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 town has in retailer for us. There’s plenty of thrilling exercise across the river in the mean time, so I’ll do my greatest to maintain this Sunderland information as up-to-date as doable as extra points of interest are added to the vacation spot.
Within the meantime, touch upon what you like about Sunderland under and share this together 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 achieved?
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