The City of Sunderland has undergone impressive transformations in the past decades, escaping its industrial past to boast new modern luxury apartments, the National Glass Centre, and the Stadium of Light. The city is proud of its university and student population and provides a busy nightlife.

The Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens is the most-visited museum outside London. It contains modern and entertaining displays that tell the story of Sunderland’s history of ship-building and coal-mining industries that helped the city grow. It also contains a beautiful sub-tropical collection of plants from across the world in its Winter Gardens.

England’s first glass was made in the Port of Sunderland, and the National Glass Centre is a fascinating museum that explores how artists and designers create contemporary works of art from combine cultural history and ancient techniques. The exhibitions cover artisan techniques for glass-making, lace-making, taxidermy, and marquetry, to mention just a few. The center is home to the UK’s biggest art glass-making facility.

Herrington Country Park, located on a former open cast coal mine site, has been redeveloped to create parkland and a wildlife conservation area that is used for local events that include the Party in the Park, a Race for Life supporting cancer research, the Durham County Show, and the North East Motor Show.

The Sunderland Wall is a competition wall with an area of 900 square meters and 140 routes that challenge beginners and world-class climbers. Co-located with the Silksworth Sports Complex, the center also offers skilling and snowboarding. The nearby Marine Activities Centre has facilities for kayakers and windsurfers.

The Port of Sunderland has been reported to be one of the best nights out in England based on “The Circuit,” a cluster of 65 bars and nine clubs in the city center.

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