Sunderland: the city on the Wear
Where the River Wear meets the North Sea, Sunderland grew from a 7th-century monastery into a shipbuilding and glassmaking powerhouse, and became a city in 1992. Today it is a place of beaches and piers, a famous football club, a university and a city centre being rebuilt around Keel Square and the riverside.
What Makes It Special
Thinking about visiting or moving to Sunderland? Here's what makes the city distinctive.
The Seafront
Roker and Seaburn give the city two sandy beaches, a promenade, the 1903 Roker Pier and Lighthouse with its restored tunnel tours, and the Sunderland Illuminations each autumn.
Layered Heritage
St Peter's Church at Monkwearmouth was founded in 674 and is where Bede began his life as a monk. Hylton Castle, Penshaw Monument and the 1927 Wearmouth Bridge tell the rest of the story.
Culture in the Centre
The Sunderland Empire, The Fire Station and Culture House sit within a few minutes' walk of each other (the Museum and Winter Gardens is closed for redevelopment until 2028), alongside the cafes and bars of Sunniside and Keel Square. Explore them in our directory.
Connected
The Tyne and Wear Metro links the city centre, St Peter's, Seaburn and South Hylton to Newcastle and the airport, Sunderland station has Northern and Grand Central trains, and the A19 and A1231 are close by.
Schools & Families
Primary and secondary schools across the city, with admissions run by Together for Children on behalf of Sunderland City Council, plus the University of Sunderland and Sunderland College.
Sport & Community
Sunderland AFC at the 49,000-seat Stadium of Light, plus parkruns, the Aquatic Centre, Herrington Country Park and a calendar of city events from the Illuminations to the Christmas lights.
1,350 Years of History
From Benedict Biscop's monastery and the young Bede to the shipyards, the glassworks and city status in 1992, Sunderland has stories worth telling. Explore our timeline and the landmarks that shaped the city.
Explore Sunderland's HistoryFind Your Way Around Sunderland
Start with our guides, local directory and events, and the practical information you need to get the most out of the city.
Local Directory
Independent shops, pubs, cafes, trades and services across Sunderland.
What's On
City events, festivals and things to do in and around Sunderland.
Guides
In-depth local guides to eating out, days out, family life and more.
Heritage
St Peter's and Bede, Hylton Castle, Penshaw Monument, Roker Pier and the Wearmouth Bridge.
Families
Schools, tutors, groups and activities for children in Sunderland.
Practical Info
Transport, health, council services and everyday essentials.
Key Facts
168,277 (2021 census, built-up area)
Sunderland City Council (unitary)
Granted 1992
SR1 to SR6
Sunderland and Park Lane (Metro Green line; Durham Coast line)
A19, A1231 and A690
Never miss what’s on
Join the weekly SunderlandCity.live digest — the best events, news and local tips, straight to your inbox. One email a week.