Things to do in Sunderland for free

Sitting just 10 miles southeast of Newcastle, at the mouth of the River Wear, Sunderland offers much more than you might think!

What to do in Sunderland

Once hailed as the largest ship-building town in the world, Sunderland was once a tiny fishing village. However, it has since expanded into a cosmopolitan city, offering a vibrant nightlife scene, a wealth of natural beauty areas and interesting places for families to visit together.

With trains to Sunderland running regularly on the Grand Central line, there has never been a better time to visit. To help you with your trip, here we have listed ten fabulous things you can do and see in the city - for free! 

Cheap trains to Sunderland

And if you want to save even more money, a railcard can help you buy cheaper train tickets. Click here to see which Railcard you should choose. 

Relax or stroll at Roker & Seaburn Beaches

If you’re wondering about things to do in Sunderland for families, the twin beaches of Sunderland, Roker, and Seaburn are perfect for a fun family day outdoors. Let the kids run on the beach with buckets and spades, while you enjoy the fresh sea air, marvel at the views , and enjoy an ice cream - whatever the weather! 

Roker Pier in Sunderland

The recently restored Roker Pier is great for strolling with the dog or pram and there are plenty of places to sit and eat your picnic or fish and chips!

Visit Sunderland winter lights

It doesn’t just have to be the summer months when you visit here. The seafront is illuminated with bright lights each winter - making it a great place to spend an early evening walk snuggled up with a scarf and gloves.

Our winter holiday packing list and packing tips can help you pack your bag for the colder months, allowing you to enjoy yourself while staying nice and cosy. 

Expand your knowledge at the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens

Full of interesting facts about Sunderland’s history, the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens offers something for every age group.

Sunderland art gallery

From an art gallery displaying some of LS Lowry's impressive works, to rich histories of the coal mining, glass-making and pottery industries, you will leave with a massive dollop of culture and some fascinating facts to share after your visit.

Visit Sunderland workshops

There is also a calendar of temporary exhibitions and workshops for all the family to enjoy as well as a unique summer holiday programme.

We advise you check the museum's website for more details about free tickets. 

Paint glass at the National Glass Centre

Date night? Looking for things to do in Sunderland for couples? When you visit the National Glass Centre, you can learn about Sunderland’s rich glass-making history.

Travel back 1300 years to learn how glass originally arrived in Anglo-Saxon Britain, and then fast forward to modern-day times to see how glass is now made with daily demonstrations from the centre’s resident glass makers.

Glass art in Sunderland

Marvel at some of the world’s most impressive exhibits of glass and ceramics in the exhibition spaces and even have a go at glass painting, sand casting and fusing for yourself!

You may require a free ticket to enter. We advise checking the National Glass Centre's website.

Visit Sunderland Hylton Castle

With a history steeping back to 1066, a visit to Hylton Castle is well worth a visit while you are in Sunderland.

Explore the castle’s awe-inspiring features including heraldic devices such as coats of arms belonging to the local gentry of the late 14th century and a chapel once dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria in 1157.

Hylton Castle Gardens

You can experience a lot of culture and splendour while spending time in the peaceful grassland park surrounding the castle - making this the perfect day out on a clear day.

You may require a free entry ticket - we advise checking the castle's website.

Herrington Country Park

Herrington Country Park is one of the largest parks in Sunderland - with walks, cycling trails, family cycling with Sustrans, an adventure play area, skateboarding, Nordic walking, model boat sailing and sculptures all taking place here.

Herrington Country Park events in Sunderland

In the past, Herrington Country Park has also hosted many events including the Sunderland Festival, Race for Life National Cross Country Championships, Radio 1 Big Weekend, The Big Bike Ride and even the 2012 Olympic Torch Celebration. 

Looking for more places for walks, bike rides or family picnics? See the best winter walks on the North East service.

Visit Sunderland Mowbray Park

Steeped in history, Mowbray Park is a municipal park in the centre of Sunderland. Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens border it and it is one of the oldest city parks in North East England.

Molbray Park statues in Sunderland

This park has many interesting sights including the William Hall Drinking Fountain, Victoria Hall Disaster Memorial, Henry Havelock, Jack Crawford, John Candlish, and the Walrus statues.

Ryhope Engines Museum 

The Ryhope Engines Museum is based on the Ryhope Pumping Station, built in 1863 to supply water to the Sunderland area.

After 100 years of continual use, the museum is now regarded as one of the finest Grade II industrial monuments in the North East of England. Volunteers now work to keep the 100-horsepower beam engines in working order, steaming them periodically for their visitors' benefit.

Alongside these beams are three ‘Lancashire’ boilers of 1908, a Blacksmith’s Forge, a Waterwheel, numerous steam engines, pumps and waterwork accessories. 

Visit Sunderland Keel Square

Keel Square is located in the heart of the city centre and hosts many events.

This square, named by the public, celebrates Sunderland's shipbuilding heritage including the ‘keel line’ and up to 9,000 other ships built on the Wear and the ‘Propellers of the City’. It is above the ‘Keel Line’ artwork by Bryan Talbot which features almost 500 shipyard workers.

The street furniture mirrors Sunderland’s twin and sister cities, Saint-Nazaire, Harbin Essen, and Washington DC.

This attraction is great for sitting and relaxing near or for viewing events. 

St Peter’s Sculpture Trail

The final part of the Coast to Coast cycle route includes the Sculpture Trail, which Colin Wilbourn created between 1991 and 2001.

This trail aims to bring together Sunderland’s past and present on the riverside near the beach and sea. You can also visit the National Glass Centre and Sunderland Marina whilst following this Sunderland art trail.

Love art and looking to continue exploring cities famous for their sculpture collections and artwork? Why not read about the most popular art galleries in London?

Visit Sunderland Fulwell Mill 

Fulwell Windmill began appearing on Sunderland's skyline in 1806. It became a familiar landmark only when it opened in 1808.

Joseph Swan made it out of magnesium limestone and operated in 1949. At this time, removing its sales and installing a gas engine allowed it to continue running for this long to produce animal feed. 

The mill deteriorated until it was renovated in 1956 so that tourists could visit.

Trains to Sunderland with Grand Central

Whether you fancy a peaceful walk, something creative or a dive into the rich history of Sunderland - all these options will allow you to do just that, even whilst you’re on a budget or looking for a free day out.

Book a ticket to Sunderland today.