What to do in Sunderland

Activities, attractions and tours

Sunderland
Sunderland
Sunderland
Photo by Tracy
Photo by Tracy
Photo by Tracy
Photo by Tracy
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What to do in Sunderland

Popular places to visit

St. James\' Park

St. James' Park

4/5(173 reviews)

Attend an intense soccer game at one of the United Kingdom’s largest and oldest stadiums. See it perched on a hill in the city center.

St. James' Park
Quayside which includes a river or creek, modern architecture and a bridge

Quayside

4.5/5(504 reviews)

Cross a futuristic tilting bridge, peruse artistic centers and relax with a drink in this modern part of the city.

Quayside
Northumbria University

Northumbria University

4/5(54 reviews)

The gleaming silver campus in central Newcastle is one of the U.K.’s newest universities. Its students have voted the city the country’s best for students.

Northumbria University
Sage Gateshead which includes modern architecture and a city

The Glasshouse

4.5/5(130 reviews)

This riverside concert hall of futuristic design is among Europe’s leading venues. Enjoy its spectacular acoustics, divine auditoriums and international acts.

The Glasshouse
Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal featuring theatre scenes and interior views

Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal

4.5/5(14 reviews)

Enjoy artisanal ice cream between acts at a show in the stylish setting of one of England’s most glamorous and acclaimed theaters.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal
Castle Keep featuring heritage architecture and a city

Castle Keep

4.5/5(84 reviews)

Visit the tower from which the city takes its name to hear wicked tales of frightening ghouls and life in the dungeon.

Castle Keep
Angel of the North showing outdoor art and a monument

Angel of the North

4.5/5(108 reviews)

Look up at one of England’s most iconic sculptures welcoming you to the northern part of the country with a warm embrace.

Angel of the North
Gateshead Millennium Bridge featuring a city, a river or creek and modern architecture

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

4.5/5(402 reviews)

Marvel at the impressive architectural feat of the tilting of this curved bridge and its tall arch allowing boats to pass.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge
Chinatown featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people

Chinatown

4/5(50 reviews)

A collection of Asian restaurants and supermarkets create an interesting cultural district in Newcastle’s historic Grainger Town area.

Chinatown

Explore areas of Sunderland

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Sunderland City Centre

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Well liked for its restaurants and museums, Sunderland City Centre is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Sunderland Empire and Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, and jump on the metro at Park Lane Station to get around the city.

Sunderland City Centre
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Seaburn

4/5(31 area reviews)

Seaside views and restaurants are notable features of Seaburn. You might consider stopping by Whitburn Sands while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Seaburn
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Roker

3.5/5(15 area reviews)

Some popular features of Roker include its bars and seaside views. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Stadium of Light or National Glass Centre are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Roker
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Photo by somaliayaswan (CC BY)

Ashbrooke

When in Ashbrooke, you can plan a visit to Sunderland Empire and Stadium of Light, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Ashbrooke
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Fulwell

Fulwell might not have many top sights, but Stadium of Light and Whitburn Sands are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Fulwell

Day trip destinations from Sunderland

Photo "Boldon Colliery" by Chris Heaton (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Chris Heaton (CC BY-SA)

Boldon Colliery

Newcastle-upon-Tyne which includes a city, a river or creek and a bridge

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Photo "West Boldon" by Barabbas1312 (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Barabbas1312 (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA)

West Boldon

Frequently asked questions

Is Sunderland worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Sunderland is explore Wet 'n' Wild Water Park. Check this top sight off your agenda, then experience more of this area's history and nature.
How do I spend a day in Sunderland?
Start your day with a visit to Wet 'n' Wild Water Park and Tynemouth Castle. Then, tour different parts of Sunderland for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sunderland?
The top tourist attraction in Sunderland is Wet 'n' Wild Water Park, so be sure to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Sunderland?
You can easily tour top sights like North East Aircraft Museum, Whitburn Sands and Marsden Beach with a three-day break in Sunderland. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so linger longer and check out Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Is Sunderland a walkable city?
That depends on what you plan to see and do in Sunderland. Several attractions, like Whitburn Sands, are accessible on foot. If you feel like a wander through one of Sunderland's cool neighbourhoods, Sunderland City Centre is 0.16 kilometers away from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in Sunderland with kids?
Planning what to do in Sunderland with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Sunderland for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of nature, there are loads of things to do in Sunderland for adults including The Marsden Grotto and Doxford International Business Park.
Are there free things to do in Sunderland?
In Sunderland, Whitburn Sands is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to discover the best free things to do in Sunderland.