places to see

	National Glass Centre Explore the full history of glass making in the UK and see cutting-edge examples of the contemporary glass maker's art. Housed in an innovative glass-roofed building on the north bank of the Wear, the National Glass Centre is a fascinating experience for visitors of all ages. It also acts as a focus for artists, designers and makers to create exciting new products and art. National Glass Centre Liberty Way Sunderland SR6 0GL Tel: 0191 515 5555 www.nationalglasscentre.com


		Sunderland Empire Opened in 1907, the Sunderland Empire is the North East's largest theatre and a splendid example of Edwardian architecture. Following a £4.5million refurbishment in 2005, the Empire now boasts 21st Century facilities and is the only theatre between Manchester and Edinburgh capable of staging large West End productions. High Street West Sunderland SR1 3EX Tel: 0870 602 1130 www.getlive.co.uk/sunderland


		Mowbray Park One of the oldest municipal parks in the North East, Mowbray Park is a green oasis in the heart of the city. Now restored to its former Victorian splendour, the park features an unusual blend of historic and modern features, including an ornamental lake and a children's play area. An intriguing array of artworks celebrate the city's connection with Lewis Carroll, who wrote his famous poem Jabberwocky whilst staying in the city. Mowbray Park Burdon Road Sunderland SR1 1PP Tel: 0191 219 3941


		St Peter's Church The Anglo-Saxon church of St Peter's at Monkwearmouth is one of the UK's first stone built churches. Built in 674AD, the tower and west wall are original Saxon features and the church also has on display fragments of the oldest stained glass in the country, made by 7th Century European craftsmen. Together with its twin monastery, St Paul's in Jarrow, St Peter's has been short-listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. St Peter's Church St Peter's Way Sunderland SR6 ODY Tel: 0191 516 0135


			Marine Activities Centre The marina at Roker is Sunderland's main focus for all types of water-based sports and leisure activities, from sailing and canoeing to pleasure fishing or a river cruise. Take a boat trip out along the Wear to enjoy the varied riverscape or try out more watersports and other activities at the centre, which also boasts an Italian restaurant with panoramic sea views. Sunderland Marine Activities Centre North Dock Roker Sunderland SR6 0PW Tel: 0191 514 1847


				Eating out and nightlife Sunderland is a city that knows how to enjoy itself, and with a host of new bars and restaurants opening to join the established favourites there is no shortage of places to have a good time. For eating out you can take our pick from the nouvelle to the traditional and the city's nightlife venues range from contemporary bars and night clubs to the comfort and welcome of an old-fashioned North East pub.


				Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens Awarded second place in the Large Visitor Attraction category, Excellence in England awards, Sunderland's museum 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 considered Sunderland his 'second home'. Burdon Road Sunderland SR1 1PP Tel: 0191 553 2323 www.twmuseums.org.uk

						Roker & Seaburn Beaches Just north of Sunderland City Centre both Roker and Seaburn beaches provide a wonderful seaside playground for adults and children alike. Closest to the city, Roker is an ideal place for water sports, with the Marine Activities Centre and other facilities close by. 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 both a place of play and a place of relaxation. These award winning beaches and their nearby parks also play host to a number of Sunderland's annual outdoor events, from the thrill of the annual international airshow, to the world music, art and theatre of the Waterfront Weekend.

					The Stadium of Light www.safc.com

		Other Links Visit Sunderland - Tourist information Beamish open air Museum The Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art Hadrian's Wall - tourist information site The Sunderland Echo - the local paper North East Aircraft Museum Sunderland City Council Lanes - School of Motoring Star Memorials - DVD Tributes

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