Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Awarded bronze for the Best Family Experience in the North East at the North East Tourism Awards, the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens is hugely popular with visitors of all ages.
A range of fascinating multimedia installations tell the city's story, from its early foundations to the present day, and one of the galleries boasts an extensive collection of paintings by LS Lowry, who thought of Sunderland as his 'second home'.
Meanwhile the stunning Winter Gardens stimulate the senses with over 2,000 flowers and plants brought together in a spectacular showcase of the world's natural beauty.
Sunderland's beaches
Sunderland boasts a number of wonderful beaches within striking distance of the city centre.
Roker is home to the Marine Activities Centre and is an ideal spot for waterports and family activities.
At the north end of the beach, the swathe of sand gives way to interesting geological structures, with rugged cliffs and 'cannonball' limestone rock formations.
Further north the wide stretch of golden sand at Seaburn and its green, traffic-free promenade are used throughout the year as a place to relax and play.
Empire Theatre
Opened in 1907, the Sunderland Empire is the North East's largest theatre and a splendid example of Edwardian architecture. The theatre boasts 21st century facilities and is the only theatre between Edinburgh and Manchester capable of hosting large West End productions.
Tel: 0191 514 2517
Email: info@empiretheatre.co.uk
Website: www.empiretheatre.co.uk
National Glass Centre
Focusing on the history of glass, this award-winning complex has on display glass produced locally over 1,300 years ago. Attractions include the opportunity to watch skilled craftsmen at work. Find out how you feel about walking on the see-through, toughened glass panels of its flat roof. The Centre is located on the River Wear bank just a few hundred yards east of the Stadium of Light.
Tel: 0191 515 5555
Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art
Located on the top floor of the City Library and Arts Centre, the Northern Gallery for COntemporary Art has received great critical acclaim for its changing exhibitions programme, featuring the current work of local, national and international artists.
Tel: 0191 5141235
Website: www.ngca.co.uk
Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve
Durham Wildlife Trust's headquarters includes a wetland nature reserve, visitor centre, wildlife garden and coffee shop. At Chilton Moor off the A690 west of Houghton-le-Spring on the city's western fringe.
Tel: 0191 5843112
Riverside Sculpture Trail
This easily accessible trail is suitable for both pedestrians and cyclists.
It offers a connectec promenade of specially commisioned artworks in metal and stone that refer back to the city's history and heritage.
Enjoy a stroll along the riverbank with plenty of places to sit and enjoy the view.
Stadium of Light
Football is something of a religion in sports-mad Sunderland and the 49,000 seat Stadium of Light could almost be considered its cathedral.
The home of Sunderland AFC, it is widely regarded as one of the best football stadiums in Europe. Positioned on the banks of the River Wear the stadium is also one of the city's major landmarks. Conducted tours are available all year round.
Sunderland Greyhound Stadium
Popular venue off the A184 between Sunderland and East Boldon includes restaurant, bars and disco.
Tel: 0191 536 7250
Washington Wetland Centre
Explore more than 100 acres of wetland, woodland and wildlife reserve, with rare and endangered waterfowl.
Visit the nursery (May - July) and see fluffy ducklings take their first steps or watch colourful woodland birds at Hawthorn Wood feeding station (November - February).
There are picnic areas, the Waterside Cafe with sun terrace, a gift shop, Splash Zone play area, interactive Discovery Centre and art exhibitions. And don't miss the new Close Encounters and stream channel.
Tel: 0191 416 5454
Email: wetlands@globalnet.co.uk/wwt
Website: www.washington.co.uk
Cineworld Cinema, Boldon
10-screen complex near the Boldon Business Park off the A184 east of its junction with the A19.
Tel: 0871 200 2000
The Customs House
At a riverside location west of South Shields town centre, it includes a theatre, cinema, gallery and restaurant.
Tel: 0191 454 1234
Email: mail@customshouse.co.uk
Website: www.customshouse.co.uk
Durham County Cricket Club
Riverside ground including a bar, bistro and shop. Home of the Durham county cricket team and has staged full England internationals.
Tel: 0191 387 1717
Email: marketing@durham-ccc.org.uk.
Website: www.durham-ccc.org.uk and www.crickettickets.net
