Sunderland Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Sunderland with this comprehensive travel guide, covering everything from top attractions and activities, to where to eat and stay, and how to get around.


If you’re looking for a destination that is off the beaten path, yet rich in history and natural beauty, look no further than Sunderland, a city located in Tyne and Wear in North East England. Here, you’ll find a city that is both rugged and charming, with plenty of things to see and do for every type of traveler. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more. So, read on and start planning your trip to Sunderland!

Introduction to Sunderland

Sunderland is a city located in the north-east of England, nestled between the River Wear and the North Sea. It is a city steeped in history, with a rich shipbuilding heritage and a strong association with mining. Today, it’s a bustling metropolitan area that is home to over 175,000 people and is a popular destination for tourists from across the world.

List of Places to Visit in Sunderland

When it comes to things to see and do, Sunderland has plenty to offer. Here are some of the top attractions to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Glass Centre: This art museum is dedicated to the history of glassmaking in the region. Admission is free, and you can watch skilled craftspeople at work, or even have a go at making your own glass creation.

  • Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens: This museum includes an art gallery and a botanic garden and showcases the history of the city as well. There’s an extensive collection of pottery, textiles, and art from the 19th and 20th centuries.

  • Hylton Castle: This castle was built in the 14th century and offers a glimpse of what life was like in medieval times. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the castle’s history.

Natural Attractions of Sunderland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Roker Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches in the region and is a great spot for a family day out. The beach has plenty of facilities, including cafés, toilets, and showers, and is also a fantastic place to go kitesurfing.

  • Penshaw Monument: This is a striking landmark that commands a view over the Wear Valley and is one of the most recognizable sights in Sunderland.

  • Herrington Country Park: This 115-acre parkland is a great place for walking, cycling, fishing, and picnicking. There is a playground for children, and the park also hosts regular outdoor events.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sunderland

Sunderland is an excellent destination for those who love the great outdoors. There are plenty of walking and cycling trails that showcase the region’s natural beauty. Popular hiking and biking routes include:

  • Sunderland - Seaham: This is a lovely 10-mile route that takes you through some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes, from rugged coastline to rolling hills.

  • Wearside Way: This is a 10-mile walking and cycling trail that follows the River Wear from Sunderland to the lovely village of Washington.

Best Things to Do in Sunderland: Activities and Tours

In Sunderland, there is no shortage of things to see and do. Here are some of the best activities and tours to add to your itinerary:

  • Stadium of Light Tour: If you’re a football fan, you won’t want to miss a tour of the home stadium of Sunderland AFC. This guided tour takes you behind the scenes, including the locker rooms, dugouts, and more.

  • Sunderland Empire Theatre: This historic theatre is a beautiful venue that hosts a variety of shows and performances throughout the year, including music, dance, and theatre productions.

  • Washington Wetland Centre: This is a fabulous place to go birdwatching, with around 17 species of waterfowl and wading birds living in the wetlands of the River Wear.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sunderland

If you’re planning to visit Sunderland for a week, here’s a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day 1: Visit the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and learn about the city’s history.

Day 2: Take a hike along the Wearside Way and explore the beautiful River Wear.

Day 3: Spend some time on Roker Beach, or try your hand at kitesurfing.

Day 4: Take a guided tour of Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light.

Day 5: Visit Herrington Country Park and enjoy the great outdoors.

Day 6: Check out some of the region’s historic landmarks including Hylton Castle and Penshaw Monument.

Day 7: Visit the National Glass Centre and learn more about the region’s glassmaking heritage.

Food and Drink Scene of Sunderland

Sunderland boasts a vibrant food and drink scene, with plenty of delicious local dishes to discover. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sunderland’s signature dish: Pan Haggerty – a hearty casserole of potatoes, onions, and cheese.

  • Saveloy Dip: A local favorite and a variation of a British hot dog; a sausages dipped in a bowl of mashed peas and gravy and served with crispy fries.

  • Stottie Cake: A supple bread bun that is the go-to sandwich base for the Geordies.

Local Beverages

  • Double Maxim: This amber ale is a local favorite and is brewed in Sunderland.

  • Tyneside Blonde: A pale ale brewed in Tyne and Wear that is perfect for a hot summer’s day.

  • Newcastle Brown Ale: A classic dark beer from Newcastle that is a must-try for any beer lover.

Where to Stay in Sunderland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sunderland offers a range of accommodations for every budget, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses. Here are some top options:

  • Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland: This modern hotel is located in the city centre, offering easy access to all the major attractions.

  • Travelodge Sunderland Central: This budget-friendly option offers clean, comfortable rooms in the heart of the city.

  • Grand Hotel Sunderland: This historic hotel boasts beautiful sea views and is located in the fashionable seaside neighbourhood of Seaburn.

What to Buy in Sunderland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for some unique souvenirs to bring home? Here are some of the best things to buy in Sunderland:

  • Glass art: Sunderland is known for its glassmaking heritage, so it’s no surprise that the city’s National Glass Centre sells a variety of stunning glass art pieces.

  • Sunderland AFC merchandise: Football fans won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to buy official Sunderland AFC merchandise, including hats, t-shirts, and jerseys.

  • Newcastle Brown Ale: This iconic beer is brewed just a few miles down the road from Sunderland, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.

Local Culture and Customs of Sunderland

Sunderland has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many customs and traditions that you can learn about during your visit. For example, Sunderland is famous for its folk music and dance, with several festivals held throughout the year, including the Sunderland Folk Festival.

Best Time to Visit Sunderland

The best time to visit Sunderland is during the summer, between June and August, when temperatures are mild, and the days are long. However, the city is a great destination year-round and is worth visiting in any season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sunderland

Before you visit Sunderland, here are a few important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Try the local dishes, especially Pan Haggerty and Saveloy Dip.

  • Explore the great outdoors and hike or bike the stunning trails around the city.

  • Take a guided tour of Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget your raincoat, as the weather in Sunderland can be unpredictable at times.

  • Don’t litter – Sunderland is a beautiful city, and it’s important to keep it that way.

Safety and Health

When traveling to Sunderland, it’s important to take appropriate safety precautions and make sure you’re in good health.

Safety in Sunderland

Sunderland is a safe city overall, but it’s always advisable to take basic safety precautions, such as not carrying around large sums of money or valuable documents and staying alert when walking alone at night.

Health in Sunderland

There are several good hospitals in Sunderland, including the Sunderland Royal Hospital and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which offer excellent medical services.

Getting to Sunderland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sunderland is well-connected, and there are several transportation options available to reach the city.

Airports Near Sunderland

The nearest airport to Sunderland is Newcastle Airport, which is located approximately 30 minutes away by car and offers regular flights to destinations across the UK and Europe.

Bus Stations Near Sunderland

Sunderland has two major bus stations – the Park Lane Interchange and The Bridges Interchange – with regular services to nearby towns and villages, as well as larger cities like Newcastle and Durham.

Other Options

Sunderland is also accessible by car, with good connections to major roads like the A1 and A19, and by train, with regular services to Newcastle, London, and other major UK cities.

How to Get Around in Sunderland

Sunderland is well-connected, and there are several transportation options available to get around the city. These include buses and metros, taxis, and car rentals.

Where to Go Next from Sunderland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking for a break from Sunderland, there are plenty of nearby destinations and excursions to check out, including:

  • Newcastle: This vibrant city is located just 30 minutes away by train and offers an abundance of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.

  • Durham: This historic city is home to the iconic Durham Cathedral and Castle, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

  • Northumberland National Park: This stunning park is just a short drive away from Sunderland and offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region.

Conclusion

There you have it – a comprehensive guide to all the top attractions, activities, and things to see and do in Sunderland. Whether you’re a football fan, an outdoors enthusiast, or a history buff, this city has something for everyone. So, book your trip today and discover all that Sunderland has to offer!

Bridges over the River Wear Bridges over the River Wear Penshaw Monument Penshaw Monument Shipbuilding in the 1830s Shipbuilding in the 1830s Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens Roker Pier Roker Pier Hylton Castle Hylton Castle Bowl displayed in National Glass Centre Bowl displayed in National Glass Centre Sunderland Minster Sunderland Minster