Attractions and Places To See around Sunderland - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Sunderland include a diverse range of historic landmarks, natural spaces, and cultural venues. The city, situated on the North East coast of England, features a rich industrial heritage alongside scenic coastal areas and green parks. Visitors can explore its history, enjoy its natural beauty, and engage with its arts and entertainment offerings. The River Wear flows through the city, providing additional natural features and historical context.
Best attractions and places to see around Sunderland
- The most popular attractions is Penshaw Monument, a man_made_monument that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. This iconic Grade I listed building is a replica of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens.
- Another must-see spot is Victoria Viaduct, a bridge and historical site. This grand, Grade II-listed structure was built as a railway bridge in 1838 and is 247 meters long and 48 meters high.
- Visitors also love Northern Spire Bridge, a cycle_way and modern bridge. This architectural marvel is noted for being taller than Big Ben and spans the River Wear.
- Sunderland is known for its historic landmarks, natural coastal features, and cultural sites. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient castles to modern art galleries and expansive parks.
- The attractions around Sunderland are appreciated by the komoot community, with 66 highlights featuring 79 photos and receiving 106 upvotes.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Penshaw Monument
Highlight • Monument
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Watching and Waiting Sculpture
Highlight • Viewpoint
Chaz Brenchley wrote an accompanying story, ‘Murder at the Red House’, which you can listen to here:
chazbrenchley.co.uk/redhousera.html
more info below
wp.sunderland.ac.uk/seagullcity/riverside-sculpture-walk
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Hylton Castle
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Northern Spire Bridge
Highlight • Cycleway
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Victoria Viaduct
Highlight • Bridge
The four main arches are huge, with one spanning a whopping 160 feet (50m). Only an arch on the Ballochmyle viaduct in Scotland can boast a greater extent among Britain's classic railway viaducts. Passenger services ceased in the 1960s, with freight hanging on a little longer. Today, the trains are long gone and the viaduct is even closed to pedestrians.
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Cox Green Footbridge
Highlight • Bridge
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Taking Flight Sculpture
Highlight • Structure
Craig Knowles’ statue features four steel girders graded in order of increasing height as they near the water, atop of which is a cormorant gradually emerging and taking flight. Knowles regarded this as a metaphor to show the emergence of St Peter’s from an area of industrialisation to one that was closer to nature.
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Second Sun Sculpture (Riverside Sculpture Trail, Sunderland)
Highlight • Monument
This sculpture covers the largest area on the riverside. Smaller installations extend along to the coast, and are named after all the planets in the solar system. They're placed proportionately distant from the Second Sun, offering C2C and W2W cyclists and walkers the distance they are from their finish line.
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Bowes Railway Path
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Penshaw Monument and Hill
Highlight • Historical Site
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Popular around Sunderland
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been here multiple times and it doesnt get any easier!
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look out for the old railway that was a cable pull type from the 1700s
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This distinctive and highly decorative gatehouse-tower of a castle was built by the wealthy Sir William Hylton shortly before 1400. Originally containing four floors of self-contained family accommodation, its entrance front displays royal and family heraldry, including Richard II's white hart badge. Tours: Guided tours are available to pre-book for selected days. Please visit Hylton Castle Trust's website to book: https://hyltoncastle.org.uk/ Parking: Car parking is available at the site. Facilities: There is a tearoom on site managed by Hylton Castle Trust. The tearoom is open for takeaways and drop-in visits on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 11am-2pm. Please check their website or Facebook page for up-to-date information: https://hyltoncastle.org.uk/ Access: There are pathways around the grounds with reasonably good disabled access.
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Ascend a winding staircase to the summit of Penshaw Hill, where a magnificent 21-meter Victorian folly stands amidst awe-inspiring vistas that stretch across Sunderland and its surrounding countryside. The folly is one of the North East's most prominent landmarks, and can be seen for miles around. Locals are so proud of the monument it even features on the Sunderland Football Club's badge.
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The Second Sun sculpture lies on NCN 7 (part of C2C) under Wearmouth Bridge, and is part of the Riverside Sculpture Trail. This sculpture covers the largest area on the riverside. Smaller installations extend along to the coast, and are named after all the planets in the solar system. They're placed proportionately distant from the Second Sun, offering C2C and W2W cyclists and walkers the distance they are from their finish line.
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At 136m Penshaw Hill is the highest point in the area and offers amazing views across Sunderland to the coast, north towards Newcastle and west over the River Wear valley. There is a trig point and the Penshaw Monument on the summit. The Penshaw Monument which is also known as the Earl of Durham's monument is owned and managed by the National Trust. Built in 1844-1845 it's a 20m high replica of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens.
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A modern two span cable construction bridge over the River Wear in Sunderland. It was opened in August 2018.
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Designed by Spence Associates the bridge opened in 2018 at a cost of £133 million. The bridge is a cable-stayed type standing at 105 meters high, making it the tallest structure in Sunderland. You can walk under and over the bridge which makes for some fantastic photos from various vantage points.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in Sunderland?
Sunderland boasts several significant historical landmarks. You can visit the iconic Penshaw Monument, a Grade I listed building offering panoramic views. Another must-see is Hylton Castle, dating back to before 1400. Don't miss St. Peter's Church, one of England's oldest Anglo-Saxon churches, or the impressive Victoria Viaduct, a grand Grade II-listed railway bridge.
Are there any natural features or scenic viewpoints to visit in Sunderland?
Yes, Sunderland offers beautiful natural features and viewpoints. The Penshaw Monument on Penshaw Hill provides excellent panoramic views. You can also enjoy the dramatic clifftops and sandy bays at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, which are perfect for hiking and birdwatching. Roker and Seaburn Beaches offer wide promenades and scenic seafronts for strolls.
What cultural attractions does Sunderland offer?
Sunderland has a vibrant cultural scene. Explore the city's glass-making heritage at the National Glass Centre with interactive exhibits and live demonstrations. The Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens showcases local history and art, while the Sunderland Empire Theatre hosts major West End productions. For contemporary art, visit the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art or catch a show at The Fire Station, Sunderland's newest cultural venue.
What outdoor activities can I do near Sunderland's attractions?
The area around Sunderland is great for outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, such as the 'Penshaw Hill & Herrington Country Park loop' or the 'Roker Pier and Lighthouse loop'. For easy hikes, consider routes like 'Victoria Viaduct – Cox Green Footbridge loop' or 'Sunderland Marina – Roker Lighthouse loop'. You can explore more options on the Running Trails around Sunderland or Easy hikes around Sunderland guide pages.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Sunderland?
Absolutely! Sunderland has several family-friendly options. Herrington Country Park offers play areas and open spaces, while Mowbray Park features an Alice in Wonderland-themed playground and a boating lake. Down at the Farm provides an interactive experience with various farm animals. The Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens also has engaging exhibits for all ages, and the National Glass Centre offers workshops suitable for families.
Where can I find easy walking trails in the Sunderland area?
For easy walks, consider the trails around Herrington Country Park, which was transformed from former coal fields into a picturesque park. The 'Herrington Country Park loop from Penshaw' is an easy running route. Additionally, the Easy hikes around Sunderland guide features routes like the 'Sunderland Marina – Roker Pier and Lighthouse loop' which are suitable for a relaxed stroll.
What are some unique or hidden gems to discover in Sunderland?
Beyond the main attractions, Sunderland has some unique spots. The Ryhope Engines Museum showcases the city's industrial heritage and innovative water system. Bowes Railway, one of the world's first modern railways, offers a glimpse into early rail transport. For a tranquil experience, explore the South Hylton Riverside walk, revealing traces of the city's shipbuilding past.
What is the best time to visit Sunderland for outdoor activities?
The warmer months are generally ideal for enjoying Sunderland's outdoor attractions, especially the beaches like Roker and Seaburn. However, many parks and trails, such as Herrington Country Park and Mowbray Park, are accessible year-round. Coastal walks, like those around Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, can be invigorating even in cooler weather, offering dramatic scenery.
Are there any dog-friendly walks or attractions in Sunderland?
Many of Sunderland's natural spaces are dog-friendly. Herrington Country Park and Mowbray Park are popular choices for walks with pets. The extensive promenades along Roker and Seaburn Beaches are also great for dog walks, though seasonal restrictions may apply to beach access for dogs. Always check local signage for specific rules.
What are some accessible attractions for visitors with mobility needs?
Several attractions in Sunderland offer good accessibility. The Northern Spire Bridge is a modern structure with accessible pathways. Hylton Castle has wheelchair-accessible grounds. Roker and Seaburn Beaches feature wide, paved promenades, and many of the city's parks, like Mowbray Park, have well-maintained paths suitable for wheelchairs.
Where can I experience Sunderland's shipbuilding heritage?
Sunderland's shipbuilding heritage is celebrated at Keel Square, which features the Keel Line marking the length of the longest ship built in Sunderland and engraved with names of over 8,000 ships. The 'Propellers of the City' sculpture also honors shipyard workers. You can also find traces of this history along the tranquil South Hylton Riverside walk.
What are some indoor activities available in Sunderland for rainy days?
On a rainy day, you can explore the National Glass Centre, offering interactive exhibits and workshops. The Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens provides a fascinating look into local history and a tropical oasis in its Winter Gardens. Catch a show at the historic Sunderland Empire Theatre or visit The Fire Station for live music, theatre, or comedy. The Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art is also a great indoor option.
Most popular routes around Sunderland
Most popular attractions around Sunderland
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