The top Sunderland attractions
Staying at Boldon Park puts you in the perfect position to explore Sunderland attractions and discover the many delights of the North East. Hankering for some history? Serious about sports? Need kid-friendly entertainment, pronto? With Sunderland, Newcastle and Durham on your doorstep, you'll never be far from your next adventure.
Where should you start? Simple – start here. We've listed our favourite local attractions so you can start making space in your diary. Let's explore.
Roker and Seaburn
As a coastal city, Sunderland is blessed with some truly magnificent beaches. But Roker and Seaburn might be the best of a very pleasant bunch.
The two beaches are a stone's throw from one another, separated only by a rocky outcrop. Both boast golden sands and landscaped promenades, plus a host of cafes, eateries and other seaside mainstays.
If the weather's nice and you have kids in tow, they're a must-visit. Both beaches are lifeguarded and hold Blue Flag status, so they're perfect for a paddle. But even if it's overcast, you'll still find plenty to do. Roker Pier, with its iconic striped lighthouse, is a particular highlight.
The Stadium of Light
Home to Sunderland A.F.C., the Stadium of Light is one of the UK's largest and most impressive football grounds. If you can catch a game, you'll be in for a treat. Here in Sunderland, we take the big game very seriously indeed, and you'll feel that passion pulse with every passing minute.
Can't make the match? Don't worry. Sign up for a stadium tour and you'll be treated to a peek behind the scenes of this iconic sports venue. The tours last over an hour and include access to the dressing rooms and the players' tunnel. Ever wanted to pose as a Premier League superstar? Now's your chance.
Durham Cathedral and Castle
Durham has history. Heaps of history. But even among its medieval gardens and ruined priories, these twin giants stand tall and stand out.
You'll find both in Durham city centre, set on a prominent peninsula carved by the River Wear. The cathedral dates back to 1093. The castle is even older, with the first stones laid some 20 years earlier. If you want to marvel at some mighty medieval architecture and fill your brain with interesting facts, there's no better place for it.
And since you're in Durham, you may as well go for a wander. The city is a trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, from stylish boutique shops to five-star independent eateries.
Beamish Museum
There's no other museum quite like Beamish Museum. If you're picturing dusty exhibits and sleepy lighting, think again. Beamish is alive with activity – quite literally.
See, Beamish calls itself 'The Living Museum of the North'. Populated by costumed actors, it puts you right into the thick of life as it used to be. You can explore a lovingly recreated Edwardian mining village, a postwar town – complete with toy shop – and even a farmhouse from the 1940s. And wherever you go, there'll be friendly 'residents' ready to fill you in on the facts.
It's a surefire hit with kids and great fun for adults, too. Stick this one on the must-see list.
Diggerland
We've all done dodgems and ridden a rollercoaster or two. But have you ever taken a ride in the bucket of a hydraulic excavator? Believe it or not, that's just one of the brilliantly bonkers attractions awaiting you at Diggerland.
Yes, Diggerland is less a theme park and more a building site that's safe for kids. As well as swooping around in that big old bucket, you can ride tractors, drive dumpers and even play skittles with a full-size digger. It's the kind of stuff that will leave you smiling for days, whatever your age.