Things to Do in Sunderland
From the seafront and the Stadium of Light to theatres, parks, pubs and city events, here's how to make the most of Sunderland.
Eat & Drink in Sunderland
Restaurants, pubs, cafes and coffee shops: our full guide to Sunderland's food and drink scene.
Explore →Riverside & Countryside
The coast, the parks and the countryside on Sunderland's doorstep. More places are added as the site grows.
Roker & Seaburn Seafront
Two sandy beaches joined by a promenade, with Roker Park behind, the 1903 Roker Pier and Lighthouse and cafes along the front. The Sunderland Illuminations light up the seafront each autumn.
Roker Pier tunnel and lighthouse tours run in season.
Herrington Country Park
The city's largest park, landscaped on a former colliery site below Penshaw Monument, with a lake, play areas, sculpture trail and open grassland used for the Kubix festival and other big events.
Climb Penshaw Hill for views across the Wear and the coast.
Mowbray Park
A Victorian park in the heart of the city centre, with a lake, terraces and a refurbished play area. The Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens at its edge closed in August 2026 for a redevelopment due to finish in 2028.
The park is free and open daily; the museum is closed until 2028.
Sports & Fitness
Ways to keep active in and around Sunderland. Explore the hubs below.
Sport & Leisure
Sunderland AFC at the Stadium of Light, the Aquatic Centre next door, parkruns at Herrington and Silksworth, and clubs across the city. Browse the local sport listings.
Outdoors
Beaches, the seafront promenade, the riverside paths and country parks for getting active outside around Sunderland.
What's On
City events, festivals, fixtures and activities in and around Sunderland.
Heritage & Community
Discover Sunderland's theatres, landmarks and shopping.
Theatre & Music
The Sunderland Empire hosts touring West End shows, and The Fire Station on High Street West is the city's music and performance venue. Check our events calendar for what's on.
Heritage & Landmarks
St Peter's Church and Bede, Hylton Castle, Penshaw Monument, Roker Pier and the Wearmouth Bridge.
Shopping
The Bridges shopping centre, Sunniside and the independent shops of Fulwell, Roker and Ashbrooke.
Local Directory
Community groups, venues and organisations across Sunderland, listed in one place.
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