Five Places to See in Sunderland this Summer
Five Places to See in Sunderland this Summer
By Your SU
With the summer finally here, we thought we’d share some of our favourite outdoor places to visit in and around Sunderland.
So, if you’re sticking around in the North East over the next few months and need some inspiration and ideas for things to see and do, we’ve got you covered!
Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens - Photo Credit: Malc McDonald
Penshaw Monument - Photo Credit: Graham Hogg
Penshaw Monument
Standing at 70 feet high, Penshaw Monument is a replica of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens. It was built in the 1840s to commemorate John Lambton, the 1st Earl of Durham and you may recognise it the badge of Sunderland AFC. The site has been owned by the National Trust since 1939. As well as the Monument itself, the hill offers stunning views of Sunderland and the surrounding area.
Opening Times: Dawn to Dusk
Entry Cost: Free
Accessibility: The climb up to the Monument includes steep steps and uneven terrain. There is a gentler route up to the top that begins to the left of the main entrance gate, at the bottom of the hill.
Getting there: Car parking is limited, with a few spaces available at the bottom of the hill. There is further parking available at the nearby Herrington Country Park. A number of buses (2, 2A and 78) also stop at the base of Penshaw Hill. Please check www.gonortheast.co.uk for details of routes and timetables.
Herrington Country Park
Speaking of Herrington Country Park, you can head there too! This open-air park offers several walks and cycle trails, as well as a range of environmental sculptures and over 100 species of birds to see. There’s also a skateboard rink if you want to catch some air!
Opening Times: Daylight Hours
Entry Cost: Free
Accessibility: There are lots of footpaths on a purpose-built area, so it is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs for the most part. Some parts of the park may have less accessible terrain, however.
Getting there: There is plenty of parking available in the main car park.
A number of buses (2, 2A and 78) also stop nearby. Please check www.gonortheast.co.uk for details of routes and timetables.
Herrington Country Park - Photo Credit: Peter Robinson
Roker Pier and Lighthouse
Why not take a stroll along Roker Pier up to the Roker Lighthouse at the end? With its distinctive red and grey stripes, it’s an iconic landmark in the City. The Pier and Lighthouse were built between 1885 and 1903, when Sunderland was a major British port. When you’ve finished here, you can walk further along the seafront and beaches of Roker and Seaburn.
Opening Times: The Pier gates are open 24/7, but are closed in the event of poor weather conditions
Entry Cost: Free
Accessibility: The Pier is wide and flat, so the Lighthouse is easily accessible. Watch your step though because it can become slippery when wet.
Getting there: It’s just a short walk from St Peter’s Campus (approx. 15-20 minutes). There is limited paid car parking available on Marine Walk. The nearest Metro stations are St Peter’s and Stadium of Light, and the Pier is about a 20-30 minute walk from both. Buses stop at the nearby Harbour Walk.
Washington Wetland Centre
Perhaps go and see all the birds, nature and wildlife the Washington Wetland Centre has to offer. Managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the area provides a beautiful habitat for a whole range of species. You can see ducks, flamingos, otters and loads more!
Opening Times: Open seven days a week - between April-October, opening times are 10am-5:30pm (last admission at 4:30pm)
Entry Cost: Adults £10.45 (£11.50 with Gift Aid)
Juniors (4-17 years) £6.81 (£7.50 with Gift Aid)
Family and Concession Ticket Prices also apply
Accessibility: The site is on a slope but has good access. Step-free access to most of the hides from which to view the wildlife.
Mobility scooters are available for hire.
Getting there: There is free accessible car parking available on site. As well as by car, you can also get there by bus. The centre is served daily by buses to the Waterview Park government building and is just a short walk down the lane. Visit www.gonortheast.co.uk/services and search ‘Waterview Park’ for the latest timetable information and which routes serve this stop.
Washington Wetland Centre - Photo Credit: Oliver Dixon
Mowbray Park - Photo Credit: Malc McDonald
Sunderland’s Parks
Sunderland has a great selection and variety parks with lots of nature to enjoy. Backhouse, Barnes and Mowbray Parks are all relatively central, easy to get to and comfortable to walk around.
Mowbray Park backs onto the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens – a perfect indoor visit for when the weather is not so nice!
All credited images used under the following Creative Commons license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
More Articles...
Company limited by guarantee.
Company registered in England no: 07702161
Registered Charity no: 1148212
VAT no: 178592316
University of Sunderland Students' Union
City Campus,
Edinburgh Building, Chester Road
Sunderland, SR1 3SD
Company limited by guarantee.
Company registered in England no: 07702161
Registered Charity no: 1148212
VAT no: 178592316
