The city of Sunderland is a port at the mouth of the River Wear. Sunderland Bus Interchange at Park Lane Metro station is ¼ mile from Sunderland station.
The Museum covers Sunderland's history including the major industries of shipbuilding,
coal mining, glass making and pottery. Art Gallery with a significant collection of works by LS Lowry.
The 21st century Winter Gardens contain tropical plants, Koi Carp and a tree top walkway.
Exhibitions and events programme. Admission free.
Open M-F 0930-1700, Sat 1000-1600.
www.sunderlandculture.org.uk
A celebration of football heritage with interactive exhibitions and a collection of memorabilia from Sunderland
and around the world. Exhibitions and events programme. Café. Admission free, donations welcome.
Open see website.
www.fansmuseum.org
The National Glass Centre is expected to move to a new site in Sunderland during 2026, it will
be added to the map once the new location is confirmed.
Open see website.
www.sunderlandculture.org.uk
Souter Lighthouse was the first in the UK designed to be lit by electricity. Displays in the
Engine Room and Keeper's Cottage show what life was like at the lighthouse. Climb 76 steps to the top for great views.
The surrounding clifftop grasslands are rich with wildflowers in summer. Café and picnic area.
Open Mar-Oct, MTWSSu 1100-1600. Nov-Feb, see website.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse
Bus E1 from Fawcett Street to opposite Lighthouse, shortly after Whitburn.
About 20 minutes journey, Daily ½-hourly. Operated by Stagecoach.
Buses also operate from South Shields.
Souter Lighthouse is 4 miles coastal walk from South Shields.
The museum covers 100 years of transport history with a collection of military aircraft and vehicles,
trams, buses and classic cars. A highlight is a cold war Avro Vulcan B2 Bomber.
Open Daily 1000-1600.
www.nelsam.org.uk
Bus 56 from Sunderland Bus Interchange to Nissan Factory, near Museum,
about 30 minutes journey. M-S every 12 minutes, Sun & BH every 20 minutes.
Operated by GoNorthEast.
Buses also operate from Newcastle, South Shields
and Chester-le-Street.
A nature reserve on the north bank of the River Wear with lakes, a saline lagoon, woodland and meadows.
It is a great place to see wetland birds and other wildlife. Bird watching hides. Adventure play areas. Café and picnic areas.
Open Daily 1000-1730 (1630 Nov-Mar).
www.wwt.org.uk/washington
Bus 8 from Sunderland Bus Interchange to Waterview Park (shortly
after leaving the A1231), about 25 minutes journey. Then ½ mile walk along Barmston Lane to entrance.
M-S ½-hourly, Sun & BH hourly. Operated by GoNorthEast.
Buses continue to Washington Galleries Bus Station and Parkway (for Washington Old Hall, see below).
Buses also operate from Chester-le-Street.
Washington Old Hall is the medieval home of the ancestors of George Washington, the first US President.
The small manor house was renovated in the 17th century. The colourful gardens are a haven for wildlife.
Members of the Washington family are buried at the adjacent Holy Trinity Church.
Open mid Feb-Oct, MThFSSu 1100-1600.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/washingtonoldhall
Bus 8 from Sunderland Bus Interchange to Parkway (shortly
after Washington Galleries Bus Station), about 40 minutes journey. Then ½ mile walk along The Avenue.
M-S ½-hourly, Sun & BH hourly. Operated by GoNorthEast.
Buses also operate from Chester-le-Street.
The Penshaw Monument is a landmark on top of a hill that can be seen from miles around.
It was built in 1844 in memory of the Earl of Durham. There are panoramic views the Monument and there are
woodland walks on the surrounding land. Admission free.
Open at all times.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penshaw-monument
Bus 2 & 78 from Sunderland Bus Interchange to near Penshaw Monument
(shortly after a roundabout over the A19), 15-20 minutes journey. Then ¼ mile walk partly uphill.
M-S at least every 20 minutes, Sun & BH at least every 30 minutes. Operated by GoNorthEast.
Buses also operate from Chester-le-Street.
A nature reserve of woodland, wetland and grassland habitats created from an opencast coal mine in 1996.
A wide range of birds and other wildlife can be seen, including butterflies in summer. Bird watching hides (pass required).
Visitor Centre. Café and picnic area. Admission free but charge for bird hides pass.
Open Visitor Centre Daily 1000-1600, Reserve anytime.
www.durhamwt.com
Bus 20A from Sunderland Bus Interchange to Rainton Bridge Industrial Estate,
about 30 minutes journey, then ½ mile walk. M-S ½-hourly, Sun & BH hourly.
Operated by GoNorthEast.
Buses also operate from Durham.
