City of Experiences

Things to do in Sunderland

Welcome to a city that never stands still. Bordered to the east by Blue Flag beaches fringed with cafés, bars and beach huts, and blessed with acres of green spaces, country parks and nature reserves, Sunderland is a hive of activity with a proud past, a warm heart, and a wealth of things to do.

Every autumn, the annual Festival of Light delights thousands of visitors for a month of dazzling illuminations, live music and family-friendly performances, and, with everything from West-End shows like War Horse and The Lion King to local food markets, there are plenty of events for your diary here all year round.

The city provides a spectacular setting for world-class music and sport. The Stadium of Light has played host to Beyoncé, Pink and Ed Sheeran amongst many other stellar acts. The World Triathlon Championship Series was held here last year, and we're set to host the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2025.

History lives here too. Washington Old Hall is the ancestral home of George Washington, first President of the United States. And Roker Pier and Lighthouse, proud symbols of Victorian innovation, are open to explore after a stroll on the golden sands.

"LS Lowry used to journey across the Pennines to holiday here every year, and it's not hard to see why," says The Guardian's Ben Aiken, who was "irreparably smitten" with such gems in our cultural crown as the historic Penshaw Monument and the National Glass Centre.

And that crown is about to gain another diamond with the addition of Culture House Sunderland - a state-of-the-art space for creativity, learning, and play in the heart of the city. A 21^st-century library with performance, chat and exhibition spaces, it'll be a celebration of our past, present and future, open free of charge for everyone to enjoy.

Plan your itinerary and find loads more helpful guides here.