What to do in Sunderland

Activities, attractions and tours

Sunderland
Sunderland
Sunderland
Photo by Tracy
Photo by Tracy
Photo by Tracy
Photo by Tracy
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Most fun & popular experiences in Sunderland

Tours & day trips

See all 49 activities
Celtic Boyne Valley and Ancient Sites Tour From Dublin

Celtic Boyne Valley and Ancient Sites Tour From Dublin

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 80 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿2,430 per adult
Celtic Boyne Valley and Ancient Sites Tour From DublinOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 18 activities
Durham Full Day Tour

Durham Full Day Tour

Activity duration is 7 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿6,647 per adult
Durham Full Day TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities
Durham City Walking Tour

Durham City Walking Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿1,704 per adult
Durham City Walking TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Sunderland

Popular places to visit

St. James\' Park

St. James' Park

Attend an intense soccer game at one of the United Kingdom’s largest and oldest stadiums. See it perched on a hill in the city center.

St. James' Park
Quayside which includes a river or creek, modern architecture and a bridge

Quayside

Cross a futuristic tilting bridge, peruse artistic centers and relax with a drink in this modern part of the city.

Quayside
Sage Gateshead which includes modern architecture and a city

The Glasshouse

This riverside concert hall of futuristic design is among Europe’s leading venues. Enjoy its spectacular acoustics, divine auditoriums and international acts.

The Glasshouse
Northumbria University

Northumbria University

The gleaming silver campus in central Newcastle is one of the U.K.’s newest universities. Its students have voted the city the country’s best for students.

Northumbria University
Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal featuring theatre scenes and interior views

Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal

Enjoy artisanal ice cream between acts at a show in the stylish setting of one of England’s most glamorous and acclaimed theaters.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal
Castle Keep featuring heritage architecture and a city

Castle Keep

Visit the tower from which the city takes its name to hear wicked tales of frightening ghouls and life in the dungeon.

Castle Keep
Angel of the North showing outdoor art and a monument

Angel of the North

Look up at one of England’s most iconic sculptures welcoming you to the northern part of the country with a warm embrace.

Angel of the North
Chinatown featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people

Chinatown

A collection of Asian restaurants and supermarkets create an interesting cultural district in Newcastle’s historic Grainger Town area.

Chinatown
Gateshead Millennium Bridge featuring a city, a river or creek and modern architecture

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

Marvel at the impressive architectural feat of the tilting of this curved bridge and its tall arch allowing boats to pass.

Gateshead Millennium Bridge

Explore areas of Sunderland

Default Image

Sunderland City Centre

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Well liked for its restaurants and museums, Sunderland City Centre is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Sunderland Empire and Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, and jump on the metro at Park Lane Station to get around the city.

Sunderland City Centre
Default Image

Seaburn

4/5(31 area reviews)

Seaside views and restaurants are notable features of Seaburn. You might consider stopping by Whitburn Sands while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Seaburn
Default Image

Roker

3.5/5(15 area reviews)

Some popular features of Roker include its bars and seaside views. If you're in the mood to explore farther, Stadium of Light or National Glass Centre are worth checking out in the surrounding nearby area.

Roker
Default Image
Photo by somaliayaswan (CC BY)

Ashbrooke

When in Ashbrooke, you can plan a visit to Sunderland Empire and Stadium of Light, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Ashbrooke
Default Image

Fulwell

Fulwell might not have many top sights, but Stadium of Light and Whitburn Sands are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Fulwell

Day trip destinations from Sunderland

Photo by Brian Thompson

South Shields

Newcastle-upon-Tyne which includes a city, a river or creek and a bridge

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Frequently asked questions

Is Sunderland worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Sunderland is explore Wet 'n' Wild Water Park. Check this top sight off your agenda, then experience more of this area's history and nature.
How do I spend a day in Sunderland?
Start your day with a visit to Wet 'n' Wild Water Park and Tynemouth Castle. Then, tour different parts of Sunderland for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sunderland?
The top tourist attraction in Sunderland is Wet 'n' Wild Water Park, so be sure to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Sunderland?
You can easily tour top sights like North East Aircraft Museum, Whitburn Sands and Marsden Beach with a three-day break in Sunderland. On average, most travellers book three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so linger longer and check out Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Is Sunderland a walkable city?
That depends on what you plan to see and do in Sunderland. Several attractions, like Whitburn Sands, are accessible on foot. If you feel like a wander through one of Sunderland's cool neighbourhoods, Sunderland City Centre is 0.16 kilometres away from the city centre.
What are some activities to do in Sunderland with kids?
Planning what to do in Sunderland with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Sunderland for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or fan of nature, there are loads of things to do in Sunderland for adults including The Marsden Grotto and Doxford International Business Park.
Are there free things to do in Sunderland?
In Sunderland, Whitburn Sands is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a simple way to discover the best free things to do in Sunderland.