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Tyne and WearSunderland

Sunderland stands at the mouth of the River Wear and in medieval times was known as Wearmouth.

 In AD674 the nobleman Benedict Biscop founded a monastery at Wearmouth (which became known as Monkwearmouth) and the Venerable Bede (AD673 - 735) studied at here. 

Sunderland developed as a shipbuilding centre in the mid-14th century and by the 19th century was the greatest shipbuilding town in Britain.  However, production waned after World War II and the last shipyard closed in 1988.

Sunderland became an important port in the early-18th century and in 1850 it was expanded by the opening of the Hudson Dock.  Coal from the Wear valley was loaded onto ships here to be transported by sea.  Because the town developed on plateaux high above the river, its bridges spanned the Wear Gorge and did not impead the flow of river traffic.

The Wearmouth Bridge, built in 1796, was the second iron bridge to be constructed in England.  The elegant span was double the length of Abramam Darby's famous Ironbridge.

In the 17th century glassmaking became an important industry in Sunderland and today this is celebrated at the new National Glass Centre on the River Wear. 

Coal mining, another lucrative industry, boomed during the 19th century, but Sunderland's last pit closed in 1993.  

Sunderland's economy suffered considerably with the lost of its industry, particularly in the 1980's when there was mass unemployment.  However, the city has since undergone regeneration, with its riverside sites transformed and new business sectors emerging.  Car making, electronics, chemicals and paper manufacture are important, as are service industries.

 In 1992 Sunderland was given city status by the Queen.  The city is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. 

The National Glass Centre, housed in an innovative new building on the north bank of the River Wear, demonstrates the very best in art and design in glass.  Visitors can see exhibitions on the history the glass industry, use interactive displays to see how glass relates to everyday life and watch demonstrations by glassmakers. 

The site of the last coal mine is now the home of the Stadium of Light, the home ground of Sunderland AFC, the stadium is considered to be one of the best in Europe.  Prior to the English Civil War in 1642, Charles I gave Newcastle the rights to East of England coal trade.  The bitter resentment this caused between Sunderland and Newcastle lead to a lasting rivalry between Sunderland AFC and neighbouring Newcastle United.

      Location Map of Sunderland
What To See -

Sunderland Tourist Attractions

Where To Stay in Sunderland

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Hotels


Sunderland Marriott Hotel Queens Parade Seaburn Sunderland SR6 8DB MAP
Overlooking Whitburn Sands and 2 miles (3.2 km) from Sunderland city centre, this hotel offers sea-front views, spacious accommodation and an indoor swimming pool.

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Best Western Tavistock Roker Hotel Roker Terrace Sunderland SR6 9ND MAP
The Tavistock Roker offers 57 bedrooms, many with breath taking sea views of the North Sea and Roker Pier. Each bedroom is en-suite with tea & coffee making facilities, satelitte television, trouser press and telephone.

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Queen Vic Harbour View Road Sunderland SR6 8JJ MAP
The Queen Vic Hotel has 9 luxury rooms with plasma screen TVs, most with sea views, and a great restaurant specilising in great British food. On site parking and free wireless internet are available for all guests.

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The Pullman Lodge Whitburn Road Sunderland SR6 8AA MAP
A family run hotel offering a good standard of accommodation, service and comfort for both business and private users. The food served in our Original Orient Express carriage restaurant is of the highest quality.

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Premier Inn Wessington Way Castletown Sunderland SR5 3HR MAP
At Sunderland West food and drink is available at the Wessington and Brewers Fayre

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Premier Inn Timber Beach Road, off Wessington Way Castletown Sunderland SR5 3XG MAP
At Sunderland North West food and drink is available at the adjacent and Old Orleans

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Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfasts, Inns and Other Hotels


The Balmoral & Terrace Guest Houses 2/3 Roker Terrace Roker Seafront Sunderland SR6 9NB MAP
2 Family Run Guesthouses directly on Roker Sea Front with beautiful views of Sunderland's coastline. The Balmoral and Terrace are right next door to each other. They offer a family atmosphere, friendliness and comfort.

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Chaise Guest House 5 Roker Terrace Roker Sunderland SR6 9NB MAP
Built in the Victorian era, this licensed, family-run guesthouse has stunning views of the sea. We have an excellent reputation for our hearty breakfasts and home-cooked evening meals.

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Roker Lodge Roker Terrace, Roker Sunderland SR6 9NB MAP
Traditional style guest accommodation. Situated overlooking North Sea and Roker Pier. The Lodge is attached to Best Western Roker Hotel, where you have access to all of the hotel facilities. Breakfast is served in the hotel.

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Travelodge Sunderland Central Low Row Sunderland SR1 3PT MAP

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Around The Sunderland Area


Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:

Seaham (4.84 miles) Washington (5.67 miles) South Shields (6.83 miles) Jarrow (6.87 miles) Hebburn (7.34 miles) North Shields (7.72 miles) Easington (8.39 miles) Wallsend (8.45 miles) Chester-le-Street (8.57 miles) Gateshead (9.81 miles) Whitley Bay (9.91 miles)

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Where To Stay

What To See

Around The Area

Featured Hotel

Premier Inn Sunderland North West
 Premier Inn Sunderland North West
Timber Beach Road, off Wessington Way Castletown Sunderland
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