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 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 individuals, incredible countryside and a burgeoning cultural panorama. There are enjoyable issues to do in Sunderland, I promise!
It’s usually missed by individuals 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 rather a lot to supply guests and residents.
Take a look at my record of the very best locations to go to in Sunderland, from outside 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 correct, anybody can stroll alongside the curved pier and see Roker from the bay.
If you happen to’re eager to go contained in the lighthouse itself, e book a tour by means 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 may be very stylish and the inside of the theatre has retained all of its grandeur regardless of the modernisation undertaking.
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 record 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 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’ll be able to decide up a pink slice at one in every of Sunderland’s greatest indie espresso retailers, Grinder. Bonus factors in the event 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 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 world’s mining previous.
There’s additionally a singular 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 often for admission, making it probably the greatest free issues to do in Sunderland.
5. Go to Penshaw Monument
Among the best 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 all around 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 very best pizza in Sunderland
Wildfire Pizza’s residence at one in every 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 may’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 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 stunning 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 truffles.
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 received 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 quite a lot of impartial companies promoting meals, drink and even magnificence providers. There’s dwell leisure and so they even have heaters to maintain you cosy throughout 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 world is accessible from Leechmeere Street, through 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
One among Sunderland’s high vacationer points of interest is the Nationwide Glass Middle. Free glass-blowing demonstrations, lessons and exhibitions make it 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 may take pleasure in views over the river along with your meal.
If you happen to’re searching for an alternate wet day exercise in Sunderland, that is it!
Take a look at 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 stuffed with sculptures linked to the world’s historical past.
You’ll be able to 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 is going to 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.
Today, you’ll discover impartial 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 feel Mackies Nook is without doubt one of the most visually pleasing locations in Sunderland!
15. Wander Sunderland’s Marina
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 stuffed with yachts and fishing boats.
It’s a pleasing stroll and often 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. 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, 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 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 situated 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 fingers.
You’ll be able to lease tools to go kayaking, browsing or stand-up paddle boarding. You would possibly even be fortunate sufficient to identify dolphins when you’re on the water…
18. Spend a day on the seashore
Among the best issues about residing in Sunderland is that you just’re by no means removed from the seashore! As an island woman, that’s crucial to me. Begin at Sunderland Marina and stroll throughout Roker and Seaburn to Whitburn.
You’ll be able to stroll alongside the seashore itself along with your toes within the sand, or persist 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 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 lessons. Within the hotter months, they even run lessons on the seashore.
Wellness Area additionally run unbelievable yoga retreats. I did one in North Yorkshire that I completely cherished. You will discover 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 Purple Arrows and enviornment occasions. There are RAF, Military and Navy villages and many native merchants.
21. See Sunderland shine on the Pageant of Mild
One other of Sunderland’s much-loved annual occasions is the Pageant Mild, which takes place in Roker Park in the direction of the tip 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 may 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 attainable.
24. Burn some power on the climbing wall
Sunderland Wall in Pallion Quay is a superb facility in the event you’re searching 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 once 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’ll be able to e book a guided tour on their web site, or go to the tearoom.
26. Get artistic at Arts Centre Washington
There’s hundreds on at Washington’s Arts Centre in the event you’re at a unfastened finish. You’ll be able to maintain updated with their upcoming occasions on their web site.
Anticipate actions like ‘Drink and Draw’ life drawing periods, free artwork periods for younger individuals, 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 individuals. In addition to an auditorium, it has bars, a restaurant, dance and artistic writing studios and the Parade Floor, a 600-capacity outside efficiency house with its personal stage and bar.
The previous working Fireplace Station places on as much as 300 occasions a yr – 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’ll be able to examine what’s on on the gallery right here.
29. Store sustainably at The Sunshine Co-operative
If you happen to’re making an attempt to dwell a extra eco-friendly existence, this little gem in Sunniside is a must-visit.
Take your individual refillable bottles alongside and replenish on all of your sustainable necessities, from pantry staples to cleansing merchandise. You too can decide up recent, natural native fruit and greens.
As a lot meals as attainable 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 record 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 recreation on the Stadium is a Sunderland must-do, however in the event you’re not into soccer you may also expertise one of many many dwell occasions happening there all year long. I noticed Spice Ladies there some time again and it was sensible.
31. Take a stroll in Roker Park
If you happen to tire of the seashore (not attainable), 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 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 every part from recent 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’ll be able to go to to study life as a lighthouse keeper and discover the Native Nature Reserve.
The encompassing 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 searching for 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 study 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 just’ll usually discover youngsters enjoying in throughout 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 sequence of three doorways referred to as ‘Passing By way of’, which are supposed to characterize 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 very best 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 manner by means 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 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 attainable 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 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 carried out?
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