Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Sunderland has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Sunderland.
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Sights in Sunderland
Sunderland is located in northeast England and has a population of approximately 300,000. The city is situated on the River Wear, and is around 20 miles from Newcastle upon Tyne. The port of Sunderland was historically very important for the coal and shipbuilding industries.
Sunderland is home to a number of tourist attractions, including the National Glass Centre, which is the only public access glassmaking facility in the UK, and the Stadium of Light, which is the home ground of Sunderland AFC. Other popular attractions include Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, which houses a number of art and natural history collections, and the Penshaw Monument, an obelisk situated on a hill just outside the city.
For those interested in architecture, Sunderland has a number of notable buildings, including the former offices of the Wearmouth Colliery Company, which are now home to the National Glass Centre, and the Grade I listed Gothic Revival church of St. Peter’s.
For shoppers, Sunderland offers a range of options, from high street stores to independent boutiques. The city also has a number of markets, including the twice weekly Market Place, which sells fresh produce, and the monthly Arts & Crafts Market.
Sunderland is also home to a number of parks and green spaces, including Barnes Park, Mowbray Park, and Herrington Country Park. With over 2,000 acres of parkland, Sunderland is one of the greenest cities in the UK.
Whether you’re interested in history, art, culture, shopping, or simply spending time in the great outdoors, Sunderland has something to offer everyone.
History of Sunderland
Sunderland is a city located in the North East of England. It is situated on the south bank of the River Wear, with its port located at the mouth of the river. The city has a population of approximately 275,000 people, making it the largest city in the North East.
The name Sunderland is thought to derive from the Viking settlement of Sundariland, which was located in the area now known as the East End of Sunderland. The first record of Sunderland as a settlement dates back to 875AD, when it was recorded as a place of defense against the Scots by the Saxon Chronicle.
In the 12th century, Sunderland was granted a charter by King Henry II, which allowed for the construction of a market and a church. By the 14th century, Sunderland had become an important centre for wool production and trade. It was during this time that the port of Sunderland began to grow in importance, as it became a major point of export for wool.
The 15th century saw the construction of Sunderland Castle, which was built to protect the city from Scottish raids. The castle was also used as a prison, and it was here that the notorious Scottish rebel William Wallace was held prior to his execution in 1305.
The 16th century was a turbulent period in Sunderland’s history, as the city was sacked by the Scots in 1513, and later occupied by the English during the Wars of the Roses. However, the city soon recovered, and by the early 17th century it had become a major centre for coal mining.
The 18th century saw the beginning of Sunderland’s shipbuilding industry, which was to become one of the city’s main sources of employment for the next 200 years. The 19th century was also a period of great growth for Sunderland, as the city’s population more than quadrupled between 1800 and 1900.
The early 20th century saw the construction of several new bridges across the River Wear, including the Wearmouth Bridge, which was opened in 1929. During the Second World War, Sunderland was heavily bombed by the Germans, with over 60% of the city’s houses being destroyed.
Following the war, Sunderland underwent a period of redevelopment, with many of the city’s old slums being replaced by new housing estates. The city’s shipbuilding industry also declined sharply during the postwar years, leading to high levels of unemployment.
The late 20th century saw a resurgence in Sunderland’s economy, with the city becoming a major centre for the automotive industry. Today, Sunderland is a thriving city with a diverse economy, and a rich history dating back over 1000 years.
Vacation in Sunderland
Sunderland, situated in North East England, has a range of vacation possibilities to offer visitors. The city has a long and proud history dating back to the 8th century, when it was first mentioned in the AngloSaxon Chronicles. Today, that history is evident in a number of wellpreserved buildings and landmarks, including the 11thcentury Norman castle, the 15thcentury Moot Hall, and the 18thcentury Sunderland Bridge.
The city also has a wealth of green spaces, with over 50 parks and gardens to explore. For those looking for a more active vacation, there are plenty of opportunities for cycling, walking, and water sports on the River Wear which flows through the city.
Sunderland is also home to a number of museums and galleries, including the National Glass Centre, which tells the story of Sunderland’s glassmaking heritage, and the Winter Gardens, a unique Tropical Palmetum housing over 1,500 different species of palms and other tropical plants.
And of course, no visit to Sunderland would be complete without a trip to the local football stadium, the Stadium of Light, to watch Sunderland AFC take on their rivals.
So whatever your interests, Sunderland has something to offer you on your next vacation.
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