North East - Tyne & Wear

Sunderland thrives on celebrating its past and many of our attractions are passionate about sharing Sunderland’s legacy with visitors. St. Peter’s Church built in 674AD by local nobleman Benedict Biscop is one of the UK’s earliest stone built churches, where knowledgeable tour guides are eager to reveal the history of the church. Next door to St. Peter’s is the National Glass Centre where visitors can discover the origins of glass making in Sunderland, with exhibitions by some of the best contemporary artists in glass. Visitors can also experience glass blowing demonstrations and workshops as part of their available group packages.

Washington Old Hall is the ancestral home of George Washington, the first president of the USA. Find out about the hall’s history from the birth of the Washington family and the 17th century manor, enjoy a stroll through the ornamental gardens and savour a home-made scone in the tearoom.

Washington Wetland Centre offers groups a walk on the wild side, where bird watchers and keen wildlife enthusiasts can ramble through wildflower meadows, watch exotic water-birds and feed Asian short-clawed otters. With their striking pink plumage and dancing displays, WWT Washington’s Chilean flamingos are a must-see during any visit. Arts Centre Washington plays host to a mixed programme of artistic events and activities including theatre, music, dance and comedy and also includes a craft shop.

Sunderland Empire Theatre is the largest theatre in the North East with an exciting programme of events, including West End shows, ballets, dance productions, drama, music concerts and comedy. Upcoming shows at this splendid Edwardian grade II listed theatre, built in 1907, include Jersey Boys, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Wicked. The theatre provides excellent benefits for groups including competitive group rates and discounted theatre tours.

Situated at the heart of the city, the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens has four floors of exciting galleries and exhibitions waiting to be discovered and telling the story of the city and its people from their pre-historic beginnings through to Anglo-Saxon glass and a proud shipbuilding heritage. The Art Gallery has the largest collection of works by L.S.Lowry outside of Salford, together with Victorian masterpieces and artefacts from the four corners of the world.

For sports enthusiasts the exclusive Stadium of Light tours are a must. Starting in the main reception, visitors are greeted by a knowledgeable guide who will help groups explore the stadium, including the players’ changing rooms, the main arena and the ‘dug out’. Look out for Legends tours of the home of the ‘Black Cats’ in the company of 1973 FA Cup winning goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery. This tour includes light refreshments, a personalised certificate and a signed photo of Jimmy Montogomery.

Not only can groups visit our high quality attractions they can also experience the stunning seaside at Roker and Seaburn beaches. The site of the Sunderland International Airshow, the city’s biggest event, it can cater for many activities, including water-sports, walking and cycling. There are more relaxing seaside activities to indulge in, including afternoon teas with stunning sea-views at the Sunderland Marriott. Or strolling along the promenade and devouring delicious fish and chips and ice-cream from the many cafes, takeaways and restaurants dotted along the coastline.

Access for coaches to the Sunderland is easy as many of our attractions have car parks that can accommodate coaches for free. There is also a free large coach park at Ocean Park at Seaburn (SR6 8ZZ) with 16 coach bays where coaches can park all day. It is ideal for long stay parking after dropping off visitors to city centre based attractions at the designated drop off points.

To find out more about things to see and do in Sunderland please visit www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk or follow us on twitter @SeeitDoitSund