What to do in Sunderland

Activities, attractions and tours

Sunderland
Sunderland
So many people take things for granted me being one of them. I cross this bridge almost daily, but rarely go down to the river and stop to just take it all in. Its a gorgeous place to capture sunsets aswell as the wildlife that live alongside the river Wear. Picturesque! No need for filters when you get sunsets like these. 💜#sunsets ##picturesque #northernspirebridge #Sunderland #stopandtakeitallin.
Roker Beach. A lil slice of heaven, breathtaking!
Wearmouth Bridge and the Echo Building

Sunderland Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Sunderland has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Sunderland is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Sunderland to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Sunderland Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Sunderland.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Sunderland attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Sunderland

Tours & day trips

See all 53 activities
Durham City Walking Tour

Durham City Walking Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $74 per adult
Durham City Walking TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 18 activities
Durham City Walking Tour

Durham City Walking Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $74 per adult
Durham City Walking TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 4 activities
Durham City Walking Tour

Durham City Walking Tour

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is CA $74 per adult
Durham City Walking TourOpens in new tab

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What to do in Sunderland

Discover the most popular places to visit in Sunderland

Quayside which includes modern architecture, a river or creek 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
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
Sage Gateshead featuring a city and modern architecture

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
Crossing the Tyne @ Newcastle, UK

University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, during your trip to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Stroll along the area's riverfront, or simply savor its lively bars.

University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Newcastle-upon-Tyne Theatre Royal showing interior views and theatre scenes

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
Gateshead Millennium Bridge showing a bridge, a sunset and a city

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
Angel of the North showing a monument and outdoor art

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
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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Sunderland

Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, uk, 04,25.2022,Apedale pit wheel memorial and coal tub located in Apedale community park, formerly opencast mining

Boldon Colliery

Out and about at Trow Rocks, South Shields today

South Shields

Newcastle-upon-Tyne showing a river or creek, modern architecture 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.

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