There are plenty of things to do in Sunderland UK. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, take a tour of the historic glass centre, or simply spend a day shopping at the town’s many outlets. We’ve listed some of the most popular attractions for you to check out during your stay. If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, you might like to visit the Herrington Country Park or the National Glass Centre. You’ll also enjoy the Roker & Seaburn beaches, the Souter Lighthouse, or the Leas.
Herrington Country Park
If you are planning a trip to Sunderland, UK, you may want to consider taking a stroll through the Herrington Country Park. This open space, adjacent to the Penshaw Monument, is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Originally built on the site of a colliery, the park has since become a major wildlife sanctuary, home to over 100 species of birds. Whether you are a bird-lover or simply a fan of the great outdoors, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy this park.
The park is also home to many outdoor events and features, including nature walks, bike trails, and sculptures. There is a large open-air concert venue here, and it also has a contemporary children’s play area that’s themed around a local myth. And if you’re looking for a more laid-back, relaxing environment, you’ll want to check out the park’s hiking trails.
National Glass Centre
The National Glass Centre in Sunderland, UK was one of the first cultural buildings to be funded by a Capital Arts Lottery award. The Tyne and Wear Development Corporation held a competition to design the building, which was meant to emerge from the surrounding land. Visitors would only see it from the first floor or from the road access. As such, the National Glass Centre is a cultural landmark that combines a museum with demonstrations and educational workshops.
The National Glass Centre is home to an extensive collection of glass artwork by leading international artists. It has secure exhibition space for displaying its collection, and can collaborate with art establishments and museums to display its work. Although the centre is primarily a tourist attraction, it also houses the University of Sunderland’s Institute for International Research in Glass. Located in Sunderland, the NGC has a long history of glass production and is dedicated to promoting glass art in its many forms.
Roker & Seaburn Beaches
The Roker & Seaburn Beaches are a pair of gently sloping seaside resorts to the north of Sunderland. The beaches are backed by a promenade on both sides, and the tides here are relatively low. At this time of year, low tide at Seaburn Beach will be at 8:50 AM and the next high tide will be at 2:55 PM.
The Roker & Seaburn Beaches are the city’s twin beaches. Both have pristine, sandy shores and are Blue Flag award winners. In addition to the beachfront, the area has a landscaped seafront and a pretty park. Both beaches are perfect for strolling and kite flying. There are also plenty of places to relax with a drink and a delicious meal.
The beaches are also dog-friendly. They are both pet-friendly and have a nearby train station and car park. Visitors can enjoy their time here and add Roker to their itinerary. The city’s seaside awards are the highest recognition for beaches, so there’s no need to miss them. You can visit both of these stunning, award-winning beaches during your Sunderland break.
Souter Lighthouse and The Leas
If you’re looking for a great day out in the UK, you should check out Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, a National Trust property located between Sunderland and South Shields. With plenty of fresh air and wildlife to spot, this is the perfect destination. Visit Souter Lighthouse and The Leas today! Read on to learn more about this fantastic attraction.
In the year 1871, the Souter Lighthouse was built, becoming the world’s first lighthouse powered by electricity. A visit to the lighthouse will allow you to learn all about lighthouse keeping and what it entailed. As a bonus, you’ll have a chance to take a clifftop walk to the Leas, a stretch of limestone cliffs. In addition to being a great day out in Sunderland, there are a variety of events hosted throughout the year.
North East Land Sea and Air Museum
The North East Land, Sea and Air Museums (formerly the RAF Usworth/Sunderland Airport) is a volunteer-run aviation museum on the site of the former airport. The museum is located on the outskirts of Washington and Sunderland in Tyne and Wear. It is well-known for its extensive display of planes and other aerial machinery. For a more detailed view of the museum, book a guided tour.
The museum’s collection includes over 500 aircraft and military vehicles. The museum was previously located at the Palace of Arts in Newcastle’s Exhibition Park, but this venue required extensive renovations, which forced the museum to move. The museum was moved to its current location in Sunderland in 2012.
The North East Land, Sea and Air Museum is located in Sunderland, England. The museum is home to the North East Electric Traction Trust, which owns and operates vintage trams and a trolleybus. Thousands of visitors each year visit this museum to witness the history and culture of this historic town. The museum features a recreation of the home front in World War Two, as well as a wide array of aircraft from modern times.
Ryhope Engines Museum
If you’re in the area, you might want to visit the Ryhope Engines Museum. This visitor attraction is located in the nearby suburb of Ryhope in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England. Visitors will be fascinated by the history of the area’s railways, including the historic Tyneside, which once carried the first train through Ryhope. The museum’s collection includes both vintage and modern trains.
The museum is housed in a Grade II listed building and has three Lancashire boilers and beam engines. There are also steam engines, a blacksmith’s forge, a water wheel, and many other items related to the waterworks. Visitors to the museum can also view the 250-foot well shaft via a viewing panel. The museum is open from 11am to 4pm. It is accessible for wheelchair users.
The Ryhope Engines Museum is a volunteer-run museum with exhibits related to engineering and technology. It is a short taxi ride from the Sunderland station. The museum is packed with fascinating historic exhibits and is suitable for families. Entry to the museum is free or half-price, but you must remember to bring your Railcard with you! You can save up to 1/3 on rail travel in the UK by using Railcards.
Monkwearmouth Station Museum
The History of Glass in Sunderland is fascinating. The city is famous for its glass production, and there is a museum dedicated to it, which was opened in 1998. The museum’s massive transparent roof tells the story of glass-making in the region. In the fourteenth century, Benedict Biscop hired French glaziers to create a glasswork for the Priory of Monkwearmouth, now known as St Peter’s Church. In 1900, Sunderland became the factory for Pyrex glassware. The Museum tells you how it got to where it is today and how it came to be.
The museum is housed in the original Victorian station building from the 1840s, commissioned by a famous railway entrepreneur. The museum includes interactive sidings, galleries and a preserved 1860s stationmaster’s residence. You can also buy transport themed items from the museum’s shop, or get in touch with the museum directly via their website. In addition, you can even purchase souvenirs at the gift shop!
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
The Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens opened in 1879. It features a library, natural history collections, art gallery, and the Winter Garden, complete with goldfish pond. The original Winter Garden was designed by British architect Caxton and destroyed during a 1941 bombing raid. In addition to its natural history collections, the museum showcases the city’s glassmaking heritage. A new glasshouse was built in Bishopwearmouth Panns, and the museum’s original glass-making workshop is now located here.
The Sunderland Museum combines unusual botanical specimens with eclectic displays of historical art and objects. Exhibits include a taxidermy lion named Wallace and the first Nissan car. The museum also features a collection of local artist LS Lowry and over two thousand exotic plants. A visit to the museum is sure to be a memorable experience. In addition to the collections, the museum hosts workshops, assemblies, and loans boxes, and supports the arts award projects of area schools.