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FAQs

What’s special about Sunderland?

Sunderland is a city with a difference – a mix of modern, bustling centre, relaxing green environment, beautiful coastline and outstanding heritage, cultural and sporting attractions.
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What is the history of Sunderland?

Sunderland has a fascinating history from its earliest foundations in Anglo-Saxon times when the nobleman Benedict Biscop established a European centre of learning at the twin monastery of St Peter’s and St Paul’s. St Peter’s church in Monkwearmouth is one of the UK’s first stone built churches, it was here that the Venerable Bede wrote the first history of England, the art of glass-making was introduced to the UK, and where the renowned Saxon Bible, the Codex Amiatinus, was produced. Built in 674AD, the tower and west wall have original Saxon features with in-situ carved decorations. Together with St Paul’s church in Jarrow, the twin monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow is to be the UK’s nomination for UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2010. By the year 1500, Sunderland was one of the wealthiest towns in England and to this day it is still the largest city by population between Leeds and Edinburgh.
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What is the Empire Theatre?

Sunderland Empire is the North East’s largest theatre and a splendid example of Edwardian architecture, pulling in huge crowds with its programme of major West End hits and one-off shows. Opened in 1907, the theatre is one of the city’s iconic buildings.
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What is there to do at the beach?

The beaches at Roker and Seaburn are the perfect place for walking and jogging, or you can join the increasing numbers of surfers taking to the sea. The beach at Roker in Sunderland marks the end point of the coast-to-coast cycle route, a 140-mile ride cutting right across England from Whitehaven in Cumbria. The end of this route is now marked with a series of magnificent way marking artworks by artist Andrew Small.
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What is the Winter Gardens?

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens was rebuilt on the site of the original Victorian glass houses and is a tropical rainforest flourishing with palms, tree ferns, bananas and citrus trees, all housed in a stainless steel and glass rotunda. Overhead, a treetop walkway gives a birds-eye view of the lush canopy of foliage, complete with a 30ft water feature and individual micro climates.
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What is at the Glass Centre?

Explore the full history of glass making in the UK and see cutting-edge examples of contemporary glassmakers art. Housed in an innovative glass-roofed building on the north bank of the Wear, the National Glass Centre is a fascinating experience for visitors of all ages. It also acts as a focus for artists, designers and makers to create exciting new products and art. Look out for a fascinating programme of events from internationally renowned artists throughout the year, as well as short courses and workshops offering anything from stained glass window and jewellery making to glass blowing.
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What about Washington?

Washington Old Hall is a charming 17th Century manor house, which still has some remnants of the original 12th Century dwelling that was home to the direct ancestors of the first President of the United States, George Washington. Restored to its original Jacobean condition, the Hall houses a treasure trove of George Washington memorabilia whilst the beautiful gardens are well worth a visit. Sunderland has historic ties with Washington DC stemming back to 1183. And, in 2006 Sunderland became the only city in Europe to have an Agreement of Friendship with America’s capital city – Washington DC – an honour shared with Beijing and Dakar.
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What is the Stadium of Light?

The Stadium of Light is the magnificent home of Sunderland AFC and regarded as one of the best stadia in Europe. Standing on the banks of the River Wear the stadium’s design drew inspiration from Sunderland’s proud industrial heritage in glass making, shipbuilding and coal-mining. Sunderland AFC and Sunderland City Council are working together to bid for Sunderland to be a host city, should England be awarded the World Cup in 2018.
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Are there many outdoor events in Sunderland?

Sunderland’s green spaces and magnificent coastline also make an ideal stage for a number of exhilarating outdoor festivals and events. From the adrenaline rush of the Red Arrows at the Sunderland International Airshow and the world’s best kite flyers at the Sunderland International Friendship Festival, to traditional ox roasting and fireworks at Houghton Feast, there is always something going on in Sunderland to suit all tastes.
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What action sports are available in Sunderland?

For the energetic types, the Sunderland Wall and Silksworth Sports Complex offer climbing, skiing and snowboarding while Adventure Sunderland and the North East Diving Academy, both located on the beautiful coastline of Roker, boasts facilities for windsurfers, kayakers and divers.
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What are the top 10 things to see in Sunderland?

  1. Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens and Mowbray Park
  2. Roker and Seaburn beaches
  3. Sunderland Empire Theatre
  4. National Glass Centre
  5. Washington Old Hall
  6. Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art
  7. Stadium of Light
  8. Washington Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre
  9. Penshaw Monument
  10. Cycle routes including C2C, W2W and Bede’s Way
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