Travelling to Sunderland

Sunderland may feel like it plays second fiddle to its high-profile neighbour, Newcastle, but the tide is turning. Take a coach to Sunderland and you’ll find it has plenty of charms of its own. Two award-winning beaches flank this Wearside city, while in the centre you’ll find the picturesque Mowbray Park with its Victorian touches. Following artist L.S. Lowry’s many nods to the area, the arts and cultural scene here these days is thriving. The Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens and National Glass Centre are among the must-sees. Here’s some more inspiration to get the most out of your visit.

Sunderland: top 3 things to do

1. Explore the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens

Sunderland was a famous muse of L.S. Lowry and more than 30 of his masterpieces are housed in the Sunderland Museum. You’ll also discover the Winter Gardens filled with exotic plants and flowers, a stuffed lion named Wallace, and Victorian artefacts from around the world. The museum is right next to Mowbray Park and it’s free to get in.

2. Plan your escape at Clue HQ

If you fancy yourself as a bit of an escape artist, head to Clue HQ to test your skills. Choose from 4 escape games including – The Vault and Bunker 38 – then solve a set of puzzles as a team with just 60 minutes on the clock. Do you have the brain power to get out in time? There’s only one way to find out.

3. Carve up the Silksworth Ski Slope

Hone your snowplough turns at Silksworth Ski Slope, one of the best ski centres in the country. If you’re a seasoned skier or snowboarder, you can flaunt your stuff on the 165-metre floodlit slope. Meanwhile, Bambi-legged beginners can get expert guidance from qualified instructors on a far gentler gradient.

Sunderland: getting around

Take a bus to Sunderland and your journey will be quick and easy. What’s more, you’ll feel right at home with added extras like free WiFi* and charging points* so you can charge your gadgets.

Your megabus will drop you off in the centre of Sunderland, just a five-minute walk away from The Bridges shopping centre and less than a 10-minute walk from the University of Sunderland. In fact, the whole city is really walkable, so get exploring. There are also plenty of local buses and the Tyne and Wear Metro, which will take you to all the main attractions.

If you want to check out the surrounding area, you can get to buzzing Newcastle and Gateshead in under half an hour on the train. Or if you fancy visiting the historic castle at Durham, it takes around an hour to get there by bus. The beautiful North Pennines are also within easy reach.

Sunderland: best for nightlife

The Sunniside area, on the eastern side of the city centre, has the lion’s share of bars and restaurants. It’s also home to a multi-screen cinema, if dinner and a movie sounds like your idea of a perfect night out. Or, for those wanting to keep the party going into the small hours, there are plenty of clubs in the city centre.

Music fans will find an eclectic scene in Sunderland. Big-name artists take to the stage at the Stadium of Light, while local acts perform more intimate gigs at venues like The Borough.

Sunderland: best for shopping

If you’re heading to Sunderland armed with a credit card, The Bridges shopping centre in the heart of the city should be first on your list. Around 80 stores will vie for your attention, including the likes of H&M and TK Maxx.

Or, jump on a bus to the nearby town of Washington, which has even more high street names to choose from in the Galleries shopping centre. If you’re after independent retailers, Park Lane Shopping Village next to The Bridges is your best bet.

Sunderland for free: our top 3

1. Top up your tan on Roker and Seaburn beaches

Sunderland’s Roker and Seaburn beaches have both been awarded Blue Flag status for their clean golden sands. During the summer months they’re teeming with sun-worshippers looking to take a dip or a grab a cold drink on the seafront. Adventurous types can try out watersports like kayaking and surfing on Roker beach.

2. Visit the National Glass Centre

Discover the history of glass and how its made, along with some stunning glass and ceramic art, at the National Glass Centre. Check out demonstrations from skilled glass blowers before relaxing in the restaurant looking out onto the River Wear. Oh, and don’t forget to walk on the roof. You can already guess what it’s made from.

3. Wander through Mowbray Park

You’ll find this peaceful park just a stone’s throw from the city centre, with its Victorian-style bandstand and immaculate lawns that cry out for a picnic. The sculpture of a walrus by the lake celebrates Sunderland’s strong ties with author Lewis Carroll, who wrote some of his famous poems here.

Book your coach travel to Sunderland today using the journey planner on this page.

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