CITY 

Introduction: 

Sunderland is an industrial city sitting on the River Wear, in Tyne and Wear, in the north east of England. It has a current population of 284,600. 

Brief History: 

Once known as asunder-land, the settlement does not appear in the Domesday Book but by 1100 was a fishing village and by 1154 a town. Sunderland grew slowly and in the Mid Fourteenth Century half the population was killed by the plague. Later in that century salt making and ship building commenced. Whilst coal mining had started up the town was unimportant until the 17th Century. During the eighteenth century coal was being exported, a glass industry was begun and in the following century piers were built, the Wearmouth Bridge constructed, rope making was important and ship building boomed. 

At the beginning of the 19th Century the population was 12,400 and at the end had reached 146,000.  During Victorian times all the usual buildings, services and infra structure of a modern town were introduced. Coal mining and shipbuilding were still in the forefront of the local economy. 

The twentieth century saw further modern amenities and just before WW2 slum clearance began. During the war 267 were killed by bombing, 1000 homes destroyed and 3000 damaged.

Post WW2 new housing and civic projects continued apace but unfortunately the old traditional industries, coal mining and ship building, went in reverse. However, new jobs were created by car making, electronics, mechanical engineering and paper making. 

In 1992 the town was made a city and further improvements have been made to sport and leisure and the Tyne and Wear Metro railway has been extended into the city. 

Things to Do: 

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens:

You can discover the history of the city from prehistoric to modern times. There are collections, video presentations, hands on experiences and media interactive stations. The Winter Garden has tropical plants, water features etc. Based in the city centre, in Burdon Road, SR1 1PP there is also a shop and café. It is open every day until 5pm. Further details can be obtained by phoning 0191 561 2323 or by checking the website at museums@sunderland.gov.uk. 

National Gallery for Contemporary Art:

Based at the top of the city library this gallery has a continuing change in exhibitions and specialises in nurturing young talent. It is free entry and is located on Fawcett Street, SR1 1RE. Opening times are Monday to Saturday all year, except Christmas and New Year. For full information visit www.ngca.gov.uk.   

Beamish:

Sixteen miles away along the A693 sits Beamish “The Living Museum of the North.” This excellent day out is centred on a museum based town, pit village, farm and railway station. All elements are connected by a working tram which is very popular. All those working there are in clothes of the period and shops, school etc. are exhibited as of the time. This 300 acre site is located in County Durham, DH9 0RG. Opening times are variable so checking out www.beamish.org.uk or phoning 0191 370 4000, is recommended. There are plenty of places to eat and drink and various shops open.

As well as driving, service bus 8 runs from Sunderland Interchange to Beamish via Washington, Chester-le-Street and Stanley. 

National Glass Centre:

This is an opportunity to learn about, make and enjoy contemporary glass, and watch glass blowing. With free admission the centre is open every day until 4.45pm except Christmas and New Year. There is a café and the venue can be found at Liberty Way, SR6 0GL. Contact details are www.nationalglasscentre.com, or 0191 515 5555, or email to  info@nationalglasscentre.com.. 

Seaside:

Although known predominately as an industrial town the city has twelve excellent beaches ranging from Marsden in the north to Dalton Burn in the south. Amazingly this number of beaches is more than the majority of the traditional seaside resorts.

Close to the sea is the Roker Park Conservation area which has autumn illuminations, a land train, fun fair, roller rink, model railway etc. To get there is a park and ride bus from St. Mary’s Boulevard, in the city centre, every 20 minutes. Full information at www.sunderlandlive.co.uk. 

Monkwearmouth Station Museum:

This attractive Grade 2 listed building was once the main station of the city. This 1840s building has again been brought to life again through interactive displays and original features such as ticket booths, fireplaces and shuttered windows. It has an excellent range of  material subject with emphasis on local social and industrial life, transport related artefacts, a model railway, a children’s centre and a shop. There is also a fine collection of L.S.Lowry paintings.  The museum is located on North Bridge Street, SR5 1AP and is a 10 minute walk from the city centre or a couple of minutes’ walk from St. Peter’s Metro Station. Information can be found at www.seeitdoitsunderland.co.uk. 

Ryhope Engines Museum:

One of the finest industrial museums in the North of England, it is located at the old disused Ryhope Pumping Station. Closed in 1967 the pump engines are kept in top condition and are run for visitors. There is also a blacksmiths forge, a waterwheel and numerous domestic and industrial water items. The museum is located on Waterworks Road, Ryhope, SR2 0ND which is three miles from the city centre. The site can be accessed by using bus 2/2A from Sunderland city centre. Information for visitors to the museum can be found at www.ryhopeengines.org.uk. 

Durham:

Although nearly 14 miles away from Sunderland a visit to this city is a must. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the country with the wonderful cathedral and castle dominating the city from their hilltop location. Travel along the A690 or take buses 20, 20A or X20 from Sundeland. 

Night Life:

A number of clubs and bars can be found in the city centre, mainly in the Holmeside/Albion Place area, and helped along by the student population a good night can be had. There are also a very good selection of pubs, many with live music, so a good Mackem evening out is guaranteed. 

The Sunderland Empire is one of the country’s important theatres. This Edwardian venue puts on West End musicals, comedy, panto, music and dance. Located in High Street West, full programme details can be obtained by phoning 0844 471 3022 or at www.atgtickets.com.

The Royalty, which has been in existence for ninety years, is a local theatre which puts on drama. Full details at www.royaltytheatre.co.uk. 

Cinemas in Sunderland are operated by the Empire chain. The multi-screen cinema is found on Lambton Street, SR1 1TP. For full listings check out  

www.empirecinemas.co.uk.                 

Ten pin bowling can be found at MFA Bowl in High Street West (to book lanes 0843 290 8924) or Riverside Bowling in Colima Avenue (0191 549 6778). 

Eating Out:

The city centre contains a good range of restaurants, cafes, pubs, hotels and takeaway establishments etc., serving up French, Italian, Middle Eastern, Oriental and other cuisines. There are also establishments selling British food, including fish and chips, being a coastal city. 

Shopping:

Although the massive Metro Centre, in Gateshead, is only a few miles away, the centre of Sunderland generally holds it own as a retail destination. The Bridges Centre has 90 stores, which include a national department store, covers the usual range of British chain stores and a selection of eateries. There are independent shops to be found in Park Lane Shopping Village and for value there is Jacky Whites Market, adjacent to Bridges Centre. 

Accommodation:

There is a good selection of 4* and 3* hotels to be found within the city, together with guest houses, pubs and self-catering accommodation. A few of these are located on the coast. 

Transport: 

Buses:

Eighteen bus routes are run by Stagecoach connecting the city centre to the suburbs, both north and south of the River Wear. Other operators such as Arriva and Go North East also have local routes. Full timetables etc. can be found at the Nexus website, www.nexus.org.uk. The city bus station is in Park Lane, which is also an interchange for the Metro and also a base for National Express coaches. There is also a Travel Shop, retail outlets and a taxi rank. 

Metro:

Sunderland sits on the Tyne and Wear metro green line, which runs from South Hylton to Newcastle Airport. The main stations within the city are University, Park Lane, Sunderland, St. Peter’s and Stadium of Light. 

Road:

The main south/north road through the city is the A1018, which turns into the A19 just south of Jarrow, then passes over the River Tyne. The road to Durham is the A690. For fast access to and from the city to the rest of the country is by travelling west on the A1231, which leads to the A1/A1(M). 

Railway:

The city is connected to London King’s Cross via Hartlepool and York. There is a route to both Middlesbrough and Newcastle. At Newcastle routes to Carlisle, Edinburgh and Glasgow can be picked up. The station is in Athenaeum Street. 

Air:

The city centre can be reached from Newcastle Airport by Metro or taxi. The airport is 20 miles, approximately 37 minutes, away. 

Taxis:

Up to 20 taxi services run within the city and local area.