Sunderland is a vibrant city, with stunning blue-flag beaches just a stone’s throw from the Stadium of Light, the city offers a fantastic choice of attractions.
Whether it's global megastars like Beyonce and Bruce Springsteen at the Stadium of Light; dazzling West End shows such as Aladdin, War Horse or Wicked at the Sunderland Empire; or immersing yourself in Sunderland's vibrant independent music scene, the city is an entertainment hotbed. If you're looking for activities for the family, there's events happening throughout the year to keep everyone busy, or why not visit Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, the city's Visit England gold award winning museum.
Although Sunderland is a modern, vibrant city focused firmly on the future, there is an abundance of historical places to visit. Popular attractions include Washington Old Hall, the ancestral home of the first president of the United States of America, George Washington; St Peter's Church, one of the most significant historical sites in Britain and once home to Venerable Bede; and Penshaw Monument, a half-size replica of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens that can be seen from miles around.
And after a fun-filled day, what better way to wind down than at one of the city's fantastic independent bars and restaurants, with everything from Indian street food to casual fine dining, and classic Italian to Korean favourites.
There's a world of attractions, venues and events waiting to be discovered in Sunderland.
key things to see/do within the city / region
Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and Mowbray Park
Situated in the heart of the city centre, gold award-winning, Sunderland Museum, Library and Winter Gardens has a collection dating back to 1846 with plenty of surprises to be found and right outside you’ll find Mowbray Park, one of the oldest parks in the North East of England, with stunning open spaces and lots to see and do.
City Centre
Museums and Galleries in Sunderland | MySunderland - MySunderland
Roker and Seaburn blue-flag beaches
Sunderland's twin beaches at Roker and Seaburn are the perfect place to unwind. Whether you're looking for somewhere to let the kids run off some excess energy, to sit and relax with a picnic or to enjoy some of the best food and drink venues in the region; there's miles of beautiful coastline from which to choose the best spot.
Roker and Seaburn
Roker and Seaburn Beaches - MySunderland
Hylton Castle
Hylton Castle is a historic landmark near Sunderland city centre that was built by Sir William Hylton, shortly before 1400, making it the second oldest building in the city. This distinctive and highly decorative gatehouse-tower style castle makes for an exciting sightseeing trip, as you uncover the history and heritage of the North East.
Sunderland North
Sunderland Minster and Minster Park
The Minster is a significant part of Sunderland's heritage, some suggesting it dates as far back as 940AD. Rebuilt in the 20th century, following the grant of city status to Sunderland in 1992 the church was re-designated as 'Sunderland Minster' in 1998. It sits a stone’s throw from Sunderland Empire Theatre and is itself, a popular venue for city events.
City Centre
Sunderland Minster - MySunderland
Washington Old Hall
This National Trust property was the ancestral home of George Washington, the first president of the United States of America. In recognition of the connection with America, the Hall celebrates key festivals and events every year, such as Independence Day. It has links with various American organisations and many American visitors.
Washington
Washington Old Hall - MySunderland
Keel Square and The Stables
The square, which was named by the public, celebrates Sunderland's shipbuilding heritage with the 'Keel Line' featuring the names of up to 9,000 ships built on the Wear. The square plays host to many city events and is a gateway to an array of vibrant city centre bars, and just a short walk to The Stables at Sheepfolds en-route to the Stadium of Light.
City Centre
