Welcome to Destination Sunderland

Destination Sunderland


Welcome to Destination Sunderland - your guide to accommodation, restaurants, bars and entertainment! Don't forget to pop by our new Forum and join in the fun!

If you're visiting Sunderland we have all the best hotels and accommodation available in Sunderland as well as full guides to what to see and do, where to eat and where to visit for a drink. You'll also find information on how to get here and Sunderland tourist information

If you're from Sunderland you won't be disappointed either! Read up on the latest News, Weather and Sport, check the latest Empire Cinema times or read up on the History of Sunderland.

Enjoy your stay!

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North East Aircraft Museum

The North of England’s premier collection of Aviation History and the largest Aviation collection between Yorkshire and Scotland. We have over thirty aircraft on display in various phases of restoration as well as numerous aero engines and other aviation related material. We also have a number of displays reflecting aviation history across the North East […]

Posted in Things to See & Do



The Lambton Worm

Penshaw Hill and the nearby Worm Hill are closely associated with one of the North East’s best known folk tales; The Legend of the Lambton Worm. At the centre of this legend was a young lad called John Lambton who often used to skip church on Sunday mornings to go fishing. This particular Sunday was […]

Posted in History



Where the name Sunderland came from

The most historic part of Sunderland is on the North bank by the coast called Monkwearmouth. Sunderland was originally part of Monkwearmouth and this is where the name ‘Sunderland’ derives. `Sundered Land’, is land that was sundered or separated, in this case from the monastic estates of Monkwearmouth. For centuries Sunderland was only a part […]

Posted in History



St Peters Monkwearmouth

In 674 A.D the land on the northern bank of the river overlooking the coast at Wearmouth was granted by the King of Northumbria to a noble called Benedict Biscop who used the land to build a monastery. All that remains of the monastery today is one of the most historic churches in England – […]

Posted in History



The Civil War – Sunderland Vs Newcastle

Sunderland grew to become the largest town on Eastern England mainly through is reputation as a great coal exporting harbor, using the mouth of the River Wear to ship coal. Nearby, the City of Newcastle and its people were not too fond of this as they held a Royal Charter which restricted the shipment of […]

Posted in History



Sunderland Ship Building

Shipbuilding has taken place in Sunderland for as far back as records exist. The first record dates back to c1885 when a primitive 2000 year old canoe was found near Hylton in the River Wear. Thomas Menville was recorded in 1346 as building ships here and by 1840 Sunderland had 65 shipyards. By the mid […]

Posted in History



The ghost of Hylton Castle

The two sides of the River Wear are currently linked by the Wearmouth Bridge (Built in 1929) and the Queen Alexandra Bridge (Built in 1909). Up until the eighteenth century however, the only way of crossing was by a ferry. This important ferry crossing was protected by Hylton Castle, one of the most historic buildings […]

Posted in History



NORTH EAST ANGLING SHOW

The first North East Angling Show, which is being supported by Sunderland City Council, is being held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 15th, 16th and 17th April 2011. The show will be open to the public and will feature Game, Coarse, Carp and Sea Angling. small boats and kayaks – and other relevant exhibitors. FRIDAY […]

Posted in Things to See & Do



International Friendship Festival

Sunderland’s favourite family festival returns to celebrate friendship with individuals and communities from Sunderland and around the world. The free event takes place at the Northern Area Playing Fields, Washington, from 11am – 5pm. As well as featuring the popular kite festival, the event plays host to innovative street theatre, exhibitions and international cuisine as […]

Posted in Things to See & Do



Karting North East

Karting North East offers you the opportunity to experience real outdoor racing on our 1200 metre British Championship circuit. Our new fleet of 390cc Biz Thunderkarts offer greater speeds, responsive handling and with on-board displays showing race data, ensure your party enjoys an adrenaline fuelled experience. With up to 25 drivers racing head to head […]

Posted in Things to See & Do



Sunderland Wall

Sunderland wall has some of the best route setters in the country, testing the ability of beginners and top climbers alike. You will not find a higher, more impressive Competition Wall in the UK and probably Europe! The climbing wall has an area of 900m2, with future plans taking it up to over 2,500m2! The […]

Posted in Things to See & Do



SK8CITY – Wheeled Sports Park

SK8CITY, the region’s biggest Wheeled Sports Park at Silksworth Sports Complex Sunderland is a state of the art park for skateboarders, roller bladders and BMX’ers. Designed by skaters for skaters of all levels, whether you are totally serious about wheeled sports or just keen to have a go. Give it try. The park features the […]

Posted in Things to See & Do



Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens combines a museum, art gallery, exhibition space and Winter Gardens to create a stunning visitor attraction in the heart of the city centre. Exciting interactive displays and a host of hands-on exhibits tell the story of Sunderland from its prehistoric past through to the present day. It was established in […]

Posted in Things to See & Do



Monkwearmouth Museum

Take a look inside a real Victorian railway station and visit the fascinating ticket office. Watch trains pass by, ‘drive’ a full-size bus cab and let off steam in the brand new children’s gallery. There is also a regular programme of temporary exhibitions and family activities. With a £1million refurbishment to improve accessibility and better […]

Posted in Things to See & Do



Sunderland National Glass Centre

Explore the full history of glass making in the UK and see cutting-edge examples of the contemporary glass maker’s art – all for free! Sunderland has a long history of glass making and this modern glass and steel building is dedicated to the creation, exploration and presentation of glass. Just up the road is St […]

Posted in Things to See & Do



Penshaw Monument

Penshaw Monument is built on Penshaw hill, located opposite Herrington Country Park. It was built in 1844 in honour of John George Lambton, the first Earl of Durham. The Monument stands 136 metres above sea level. It was designed to be a copy of the Theseion, the Temple of Hephaestus, in Athens. It has also […]

Posted in Things to See & Do



Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art

Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art brings dynamic and exciting work by artists from the UK and abroad to the city. The gallery opened in 1995 on the top floor of the city library and arts centre at the heart of Sunderland city centre. The Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art offers opportunities to artists to create […]

Posted in Things to See & Do



Herrington Country Park

Home to the annual County Show and other outdoor events, Herrington Country Park offers walks, cycle trails, environmental sculptures and much more. The park also features one of the largest open-air concert sites in the North East and a contemporary children’s play park, designed around a well-known local myth, the story of the Lambton Worm. […]

Posted in Things to See & Do



Sunderland International Airshow

Sunderland International Airshow is the biggest free airshow in Europe! The two-day event, which attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators to Sunderland’s stunning coastline at Roker and Seaburn, is on from 10am – 6pm. The action packed flying programme features front line jets, vintage aircraft, a parachute display team and aerobatic teams. The spectacular Red […]

Posted in Things to See & Do



The Galleries Shopping Centre – Washington

The Galleries Shopping Centre is a well-established covered shopping centre, situated at the heart of Washington. Whatever you are looking for the Galleries has it all. With over 200 shops including; Dorothy Perkins, New Look, Select, JJB Sports, Thorntons, Boots, Clarks, Bon Marche, Barratts, the Galleries has something for everyone. There is also a selection […]

Posted in Shopping



The Bridges Shopping Centre Sunderland

The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland is one of the North of England’s largest shopping centres with over 100 shops, 1300 car parking spaces and a 107,000 sq ft Debenhams Department Store. With over 100 shops to chose from there is plenty from everyone, including; H & M, Next, Superdrug, Republic, New Look, T K Maxx, […]

Posted in Shopping



Sunderland Cinema Times – Empire Cinema

Empire cinemas, sunderland offer cinema goers the latest blockbuster movies in a modern cinema environment. The cinema has 12 screens as well as a number of VIP boxes. The cinema has disabled points with loop systems, separate disabled toilets, removable chairs in screens for alternative seating and loop system. It is situated only a short […]

Posted in Entertainment



Empire Theatre

The Empire Theatre is a splendid example of Edwardian theatre architecture.  It offers top entertainment with a choice of the biggest stars and prestigious touring companies, for a sparkling night out.  The theatre was opened in 1907 by Vesta Tilley, known as the heart throb of the music halls.  It now provides a wide range […]

Posted in Entertainment



Royalty Theatre

Established in 1925 the theatre is the only venue in the city which stages drama on a regular basis for a paying audience. All of the actors, stage crew, bar and front of house staff are unpaid volunteers. Tickets can be bought on the night of productions from the box office at the Royalty, or […]

Posted in Entertainment



Sunderland Bowl

Sunderland Bowl is the ultimate family entertainment centre, including 32 bowling lanes, a pool & video games area and a licensed bar with great quality flat screen televisions there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.  

Posted in Entertainment



Sunderland Dogs – Greyhound Stadium

Sunderland greyhound stadium offers a wealth of attractions and adult entertainments with full designated bar and dining areas, comprising of the trackside restaurant and Trapz bar with state of the art flat screen TVs. Races are currently held on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings, with Thursday mornings and Tuesday afternoon B.A.G.S fixtures. Admission prices are: […]

Posted in Entertainment



Sunderland Tenpin Bowling

Tenpin has come to Sunderland! A brand new state of the art 10 pin bowling centre has opened in River Quarter, High Street West, Sunderland! Tenpin Sunderland features 28 lanes, a fantastic Take 10 diner, fully licensed bar, pool tables, amusements and much much more. Sunniside Leisure is based at High Street West and Lambton […]

Posted in Entertainment