Things To Do
in Sunderland
Sunderland is a city located in the northeast of England, on the mouth of the River Wear. It has a rich industrial history, particularly known for shipbuilding and coal mining. Today, Sunderland is undergoing transformation with developments in education, retail, and culture.
The city also boasts beautiful coastal areas and a thriving arts scene.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $120
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the bustling city centre, enjoying the local shops and cafes. Visit the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens to learn about the city's history.
Grab lunch at a local eatery, then head to the National Glass Centre to see stunning glass exhibitions. Take a walk along the River Wear and enjoy the scenic views.
Relax with dinner at a restaurant near the quayside. Consider catching a show at the Sunderland Empire for a memorable night.
Spend your morning at Roker Beach, taking a leisurely walk along the shore. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and perhaps grab a coffee from a beachside cafe.
After lunch, visit the nearby Seaburn Beach and soak up the sun or engage in some water activities. Check out the amusement arcades for some fun.
Enjoy fish and chips by the seaside for dinner. Watch the sunset over the ocean for a perfect end to the day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich industrial heritage and cultural history.
- Affordable cost of living compared to other UK cities.
- Access to beautiful coastlines and parks.
- Growing educational institutions, including the University of Sunderland.
- Community spirit and friendly locals.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Some areas may be perceived as less safe.
- Weather can be unpredictable and often gloomy.
- Public transport options may not be as extensive as in larger cities.
- Economic challenges in the region, affecting development.
Best Activities in Sunderland
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a day at the beach, sunbathing, swimming, or taking a leisurely stroll along the promenade.
Explore the park's extensive network of walking and cycling trails, or enjoy a picnic in the scenic surroundings.
Hike to the top of Penshaw Hill to visit this iconic monument and enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Tours
Uncover the best of Sunderland with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Sunderland
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the sea and coastline, with great opportunities for photography.
Provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside, making it a great spot for photos.
Offers picturesque views of the River Wear and the city skyline, perfect for photography.
Food in Sunderland
Sunderland Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A local specialty, parmo is a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet or chicken breast, topped with a rich béchamel sauce and cheddar cheese. A must-try at The George Washington, Napoli's, or The Chesters.
Must-Try!
A beloved local dish featuring a saveloy sausage served in a soft bread bun and dipped in pease pudding. Enjoy it at the historic Dicksons on Vine Place.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Sunderland better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore this vibrant market for a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and street food stalls offering everything from gourmet hot dogs to international flavors.
Head to Sunniside to experience a diverse range of street food vendors serving up global cuisines, from Mexican tacos to Lebanese wraps.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Sunderland, it's customary to greet people with a firm handshake or a verbal greeting. Punctuality is also important, so it's polite to arrive on time for social or business meetings.
Britons value their personal space, so it's essential to maintain an appropriate physical distance while interacting with others. Always ask for permission before taking photographs or videos of people in public places.
Respecting local customs and traditions, such as observing proper table manners and following social etiquette, demonstrates consideration for Sunderland's cultural norms and enhances positive interactions with the local community.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Sunderland with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Sunderland
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Sunderland, United Kingdom is not mandatory but is generally appreciated in restaurants, bars, and taxis. In restaurants, a service charge may be included in the bill, so it's best to check before leaving an additional tip. Tipping around 10-15% of the total bill is considered customary if the service charge is not included.
Payment in Sunderland, United Kingdom is commonly made using cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment options. Most businesses accept major credit and debit cards, and contactless payment methods are widely used. It's also common to find ATMs and banks for cash withdrawals and currency exchange.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Sunderland.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for milder temperatures, blooming flowers, and cultural events such as the Sunderland Literature Festival.
Ideal for pleasant weather, outdoor activities, and events like the Sunderland International Airshow and Tall Ships Races.
Great for colorful foliage, smaller crowds, and events such as the Sunderland Illuminations.
A time for festive markets, ice skating, and the Sunderland Restaurant Week showcasing local cuisine.
Sunderland at Night
Hiking in Sunderland
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hiking area located near Sunderland, featuring moorland and countryside trails offering beautiful views.
An urban nature reserve with various trails that provide a unique hiking experience amidst wildlife and natural landscapes.
A popular walking route in the outskirts of Sunderland, offering a mix of woodland and riverside trails.
A coastal hike that runs along the seafront, providing stunning views of the sea and access to beaches and parks.
A hill offering a range of hiking trails with panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas, ideal for nature lovers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Sunderland through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Sunderland by plane.
Located approximately 10 miles from Sunderland, Newcastle International Airport is the closest major international airport serving the region.
About 30 miles from Sunderland, Durham Tees Valley Airport offers limited international flights and is situated in the northeastern part of England.
Approximately 70 miles from Sunderland, Leeds Bradford Airport is the main international airport serving West Yorkshire.
Located around 90 miles from Sunderland, Manchester Airport is one of the busiest airports in the UK, offering extensive international flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Sunderland, comprising the majority of the population.
Includes individuals from other European countries and those identifying as White Turkish or White Irish.
This group includes individuals of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Chinese descent.
Includes individuals of African and Caribbean descent.
Individuals who identify with more than one ethnic group.
This category includes individuals from other ethnic backgrounds not specified in the above groups.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Sunderland, with Sunderland A.F.C. being the main professional club with a rich history in English football.
Rugby league has a strong following in Sunderland and is played at both amateur and semi-professional levels.
Cricket is played in various clubs around Sunderland and enjoys a dedicated local participation.
Basketball is growing in popularity with local clubs and schools promoting the sport among young people.
Athletics is supported by local clubs and events, encouraging participation in various track and field events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sunderland.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Sunderland cater to vegetarians and vegans, with inventive plant-based dishes available at establishments like The Funky Indian and 2 Church Lane.
Visitors with gluten-free dietary needs can enjoy a range of options at places such as Deacon's Restaurant and Port of Call, which offer dedicated gluten-free menus.