Whether or not you reside in North East England otherwise you’re planning a visit, Sunderland is probably not excessive in your checklist of locations to go to.
My adopted house doesn’t get plenty of love, however having lived right here for greater than seven years, I’ve discovered it’s house 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 usually neglected 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 so much to supply guests and residents.
Take a look at 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!
Greatest 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 true, anybody can stroll alongside the curved pier and see Roker from the bay.
In the event 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, a variety of widespread reveals 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 challenge.
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. Strive 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 lined in pink icing.
You may choose up a pink slice at considered one of Sunderland’s greatest indie espresso retailers, Grinder. Bonus factors should you’ve tried their Pink Slice Frappucino!
4. Spend a wet day at Sunderland Winter Gardens and Museum
On the lookout for issues to do in Sunderland when it’s raining? Look no additional! The museum has some wonderful everlasting exhibitions together with a ‘Time Machine’ part with a few of the most intriguing displays from years passed by, a bit devoted to the town’s glass roots, and one which pays tribute to the realm’s mining previous.
There’s additionally a singular Winter Gardens which youngsters will love. Significantly 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 best free issues to do in Sunderland.
5. Go to Penshaw Monument
Probably the greatest views of Sunderland might be discovered from Penshaw Monument, a 70-foot-high Nationwide Belief website. Formally named the Earl of Durham’s Monument, this landmark might be seen from all around the metropolis.
Do you know it was primarily based on a well-known temple in Athens, Greece?
There’s a superb 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 buying earlier than you permit. I extremely suggest 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, has taken the 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 bought out of pizza greater than as soon as!
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 hearth, 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.
Children will love that there’s a play space they usually can pet the horses, and adults will love the views over the River Put on.
Plus, they’ve now bought 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 a wide range of unbiased companies promoting meals, drink and even magnificence providers. There’s stay leisure they usually even have heaters to maintain you cosy through 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 house.
11. Climb Tunstall Hills
One other spot with wonderful views of Sunderland is Tunstall Hills, a nature reserve. The realm is accessible from Leechmeere Street, by way of Tunstall Street 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
Considered one of Sunderland’s high vacationer points of interest is the Nationwide Glass Middle. Free glass-blowing demonstrations, lessons and exhibitions make it 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’ll be able to take pleasure in views over the river together with your meal.
In the event you’re in search of another wet day exercise in Sunderland, that is it!
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 crammed with sculptures linked to the realm’s historical past.
You may 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 it will likely be a really welcome addition.
14. Store, eat and drink at Mackie’s Nook
This newly revamped constructing carries plenty 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, a spot to get a drink known 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
The town’s background as an vital 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 crammed with 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 plenty of different locations providing e-scooters to get round! The intense orange GPS-enabled scooters are simple to identify, they usually 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 beautiful shoreline, with stops for espresso and snacks when you take within the views.
17. Strive 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 totally certified employees, so that you’re in secure arms.
You may hire tools to go kayaking, browsing or stand-up paddle boarding. You may even be fortunate sufficient to identify dolphins when you’re on the water…
18. Spend a day on the seashore
Probably the greatest issues about dwelling in Sunderland is that you simply’re by no means removed from the seashore! As an island lady, that’s crucial to me. Begin at Sunderland Marina and stroll all over Roker and Seaburn to Whitburn.
You may stroll alongside the seashore itself together with your toes within the sand, or keep on with the promenade.
Simply keep in mind to take your litter house 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 House, is settled into its new location on the Beacon of Mild they usually’re nonetheless providing their beautiful mixture of vinyasa, rocket and yin yang lessons. Within the hotter months, they even run lessons on the seashore.
Wellness House additionally run unbelievable yoga retreats. I did one in North Yorkshire that I completely beloved. You’ll find out extra on their web site.
20. Watch the Sunderland Air Present
Yearly however 2022, Sunderland performs host to the most important 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 many 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 direction of the tip of the 12 months. 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’ll find the magic doorway!
23. Go to the followers museum
One other indoor place to go to in Sunderland, the Followers Museum has a enormous assortment of soccer memorabilia.
It’s value checking opening occasions 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 should you’re in search of 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.
Maintain it in your again pocket for once you want an energetic factor to do in Sunderland when it rains!
25. Go to Hylton Fort
Do you know that Sunderland has an English Heritage website? Hylton Fort is a particular constructing that dates again to earlier than 1400. You may 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 should you’re at a unfastened finish. You may 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 Hearth Station
The Hearth Station is an 18 million pound stay 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 Hearth 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 selection of awe-inspiring collections.
You may test what’s on on the gallery right here.
29. Store sustainably at The Sunshine Co-operative
In the event you’re making an attempt to stay a extra eco-friendly existence, this little gem in Sunniside is a must-visit.
Take your individual refillable bottles alongside and fill up 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 once you select to buy right here.
30. See the Stadium of Mild
No checklist of issues to do in Sunderland could be full with out mentioning the native soccer workforce. Sunderland followers’ dedication to the workforce has even made it to Netflix!
A sport on the Stadium is a Sunderland must-do, however should you’re not into soccer you may as well expertise one of many many stay occasions happening there all year long. I noticed Spice Ladies there some time again and it was good.
31. Take a stroll in Roker Park
In the event you tire of the seashore (not potential), head inland to the enchanting Roker Park. This former soccer floor was remodeled right into a park for the town’s folks when the Stadium of Mild was born, and Sunderland’s youngsters have been working wild in it ever since.
Roker Park has a playground with a miniature prepare trip, 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 daily besides Sundays.
33. Discover Souter Lighthouse and The Leas
Sitting excessive on the windswept clifftops, Souter Lighthouse is a Nationwide Belief website on Sunderland’s coast that has its personal espresso store and a secondhand bookshop. You may go to to find out about life as a lighthouse keeper and discover the Native Nature Reserve.
The encompassing 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? Positioned in Ryhope Pumping Station, the Engine Museum is an fascinating 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 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 the town’s maritime previous and fountains that you simply’ll usually discover youngsters enjoying in through the summer season months. Within the winter, an ice rink takes over the sq. and there’s a bunch of different occasions happening right here all year long.
37. Comply with St Peter’s Sculpture Path
This treasure hunt fashion Sunderland exercise will train 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 collection of three doorways known as ‘Passing By way of’, which are supposed to symbolize 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 collection 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 manner 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 meanwhile, 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 together with your followers on social media to maintain them impressed! Now inform me, how lots of the greatest issues to do in Sunderland are you able to say you’ve executed?
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