Sunderland

Sunderland is a city with a difference - a modern, bustling centre balanced with so much calming green space, stunning coastal scenery and a refreshing attitude to life.
 
In Sunderland, quality of life and quality of environment go hand in hand. The rapidly changing city centre has an enviable location, set on the mouth of the River Wear right next to beautiful coastline and surrounded by easily accessible countryside. Add to that a range of outstanding heritage, cultural and sporting attractions and you'll find so much to see and do in Sunderland.

The Sunderland Empire, complete with splendid examples of Edwardian architecture, is the only theatre between Manchester and Edinburgh large enough to host major West End shows, and the twin Anglo-Saxon monastery Wearmouth-Jarrow, which is the UK’s nomination for 2011 World Heritage Site Status, is s sight of great historical significance featuring one of the UK’s first stone-built churches dating back to 674 AD. So whether you’re looking you’re looking for entertainment, culture, heritage, or all three, Sunderland is bound to impress!

The award-winning Sunderland Museum tells the city’s history through interactive displays and is accompanied by the stunning indoor Winter Gardens which boasts over 2,000 tropical flowers and plants to delight the green-fingered visitor, whilst the National Glass Centre is nationally recognised for its support for contemporary glass-working with live glass-blowing demonstrations several times a day.

For energetic types the Sunderland Wall and Silksworth Sports Complex offer climbing, skiing and snowboarding whilst Adventure Sunderland and the North East Diving Academy, located on the beautiful Roker coastline, cater for windsurfers, kayakers and divers. If you’d rather watch than play, Sunderland AFC’s Stadium of Light is the perfect place to watch a match or attend a world-class concert.
 
The picturesque town of Washington is steeped in history dating back as a settlement to at least Anglo Saxon times, and today you will find breathtaking views of the countryside and fascinating heritage attractions including the impressive Washington Old Hall where five generations of George Washington’s ancestors once lived.

Sunderland's green spaces and magnificent coastline make an ideal stage for all sorts of outdoor festivals and events from the adrenaline rush of Sunderland International Airshow, the largest annual show of its kind in Europe, to the world's best kite-flyers at the Sunderland International Friendship Festival.

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.

For more information on Sunerland, visit the Sunderland destination website.