Sunderland

Sunderland is a city with a difference - a modern, bustling centre balanced with a relaxing green environment, stunning coastal scenery and a refreshing attitude to life.
Sunderland has an enviable location, set right on the mouth of the River Wear next to an award-winning coastline, surrounded by easily accessible countryside. Offering outstanding heritage, cultural and sporting attractions, including the UK's most recent World Heritage nomination, Sunderland provides all the elements of an ideal short break.
Whether you’re after relaxation, invigoration or both, Sunderland’s distinctive mix of city, coast and countryside will definitely be a breath of fresh air.

History & Heritage
From its earliest foundation in Anglo-Saxon times, Sunderland has grown and prospered on the banks of the River Wear. The city’s history and culture were formed by its connection to the sea and by the industry and endeavour of its people. The city’s emergence as a focus for learning and industry began in Anglo- Saxon times, when the nobleman Benedict Biscop - Sunderland’s patron saint - established a European centre of learning at the twin monastic site of Wearmouth-Jarrow, now nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It was here that the Venerable Bede wrote the first history of England, the art of glass-making was introduced to the UK, and where the renowned Saxon Bible, the Codex Amiatinus, was produced. By the year 1500, Sunderland was one of the wealthiest towns in England and to this day it is still the largest city by population between Leeds and Edinburgh. However, it was the 18th and 19th centuries that saw its population grow from 15,000 to 150,000, as the wealth of Wearside coal and the need for ships to transport it, turned Sunderland into the world’s biggest shipbuilding town. On the banks of the River Wear today, you can take a stroll along the riverside where an array of public art can be found reflecting Sunderland’s past and catch the latest exhibition at the National Glass Centre. The legacy of this Victorian wealth is still evident in the city today. Washington Old Hall is another attraction which bears witness to Sunderland’s rich history and heritage. Standing proud, it is the ancestral home of the first President of the United States – George Washington - with historic ties between Sunderland and Washington DC stemming back to 1183. The city has signed a unique Agreement of Friendship with Washington DC, the only city in the UK to have such links.
With a fascinating heritage going back centuries, Sunderland has a superb array of places of historical interest to visit and explore.

Culture
Many cities can boast fantastic facilities for arts and culture, but the calibre and content of Sunderland’s galleries, museums and theatres means that they regularly feature in critics’ ‘must see’ lists and attract travelling shows and exhibitions on their first stop outside London. The Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art presents changing exhibitions of new work by artists from around the world, bringing new art to the city. The refurbished Sunderland Empire is resplendent in stunning red velvet and gold leaf, now pulling in even bigger crowds with its programme of major West End hits and one-off shows. In the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, rebuilt near the site of the original Victorian glass houses, a tropical rainforest flourishes with palms, tree ferns, bananas and citrus trees all housed in the stainless steel and glass rotunda. The Arts Centre Washington is a vibrant and exciting focus for arts activities, including exhibitions, theatre, dance, music and workshops for all ages. Sunderland also boasts an amazing array of 150 artworks, which are displayed along the riverside, seafront, Mowbray Park and other locations, all inspired by the city’s rich heritage.

City Centre
The retail heart of the city is focused around The Bridges Shopping Centre, where over 100 top name high street stores jostle for position along the bright and airy walkways. New investment is bringing life back into the fine Victorian streets of the city centre, where independent shops and boutiques offer everything from designer labels to trendy interiors and quirky gifts. Nightlife in the city is also on the up, with new stylish bars and restaurants, catering for practically all tastes, join the established favourites. The city’s underground music scene is also worth exploring, with numerous venues across the city playing hosts to new local and national talent.

Outdoor and Active
Stunning coastal scenery, acres of green space, award-winning parks and nature reserves - it’s out and about in the great outdoors where Sunderland really comes into its own. Ancient woodlands, nature reserves, marshes and wildflower meadows, a fine coastline and the beautiful valley of the River Wear are all part of the city’s varied and accessible landscape. Fill your lungs with fresh air at one of Sunderland’s country parks, Herrington, Hetton Lyons or James Steel. There’s also a wealth of interesting wildlife habitats to visit, including the wetland nature reserve at Joe’s Pond, Rainton Meadows and the Washington Wetland Centre, where unusual and beautiful birds overwinter and breed. A stroll along one of the UK’s longest stretches of city-side beaches at Roker and Seaburn will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. At Roker, the swathe of sand gives way to interesting geological structures, with rugged cliffs and unique ‘cannonball’ limestone rock formations. The site contains a vast range of marine life, providing feeding grounds for wading birds including the purple sandpiper and turnstone. Sunderland offers a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities, whether it is a gentle stroll along an award winning beach, a more challenging snowboarding session or speedy chase around an outdoor karting track, the city will leave you exhilarated. The city is home to some of the country’s finest swimming facilities including the region’s only Olympic size swimming pool, the Sunderland Aquatic Centre. Sunderland also has some spectacular coastal walks to suit all ages and energy levels. The sands of the city’s beaches at Roker and Seaburn are the perfect place for walking and jogging, or try your hand at one of the many watersports available at the Marine Activities Centre located at the picturesque Sunderland Marina. You can take a stroll along cliff-top parks or follow the Bede’s Way, Walney to Wear (W2W) and Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle routes.

Events
Sunderland’s wide-ranging programme of events and festivals means that you’re never short of something to share, experience and enjoy. From the adrenaline rush of the Red Arrows at the Sunderland International Airshow, to the music and performances at the Sunderland Festival, there is always something going on in Sunderland to suit all tastes. Sunderland has a wide range of music events taking place throughout the year. The programme of events range from large scale music concerts at the Stadium of Light, to smaller intimate gigs as part of the expanding underground music scene. The Sunderland Empire will also welcome many popular West End productions.