Plan The Perfect Weekend in Seaburn, Roker and Seaham
As golden sands of Wearside roll into the rocky shores of Durham, the coast becomes a hotspot for foodies
What to See and Do
Sunderland’s beaches promise fun for all the family, and Seldon’s Leisureworld has been bringing all the joy of a classic arcade to Seaburn seafront for more than four decades. Keep your eyes peeled for bottlenose dolphins throughout summer around Roker Pier & Lighthouse which has protected the entrance to Sunderland’s harbour for more than 100 years and today you can take a tour of the tunnel and lighthouse to learn more about Sunderland’s maritime heritage. History buffs should also check out The Watch House (the working base of Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade and the city’s smallest museum). Kids love the play areas and model boating lake in Roker Park and thrill seekers should have a go at stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, surfing or body boarding with Adventure Sunderland.
The golden sands of Seaburn and Roker beaches contrast with Seaham’s rocky coastline and dramatic magnesian limestone cliffs. Chemical Beach and Blast Beach are known for their industrial history, and are now the perfect spots to search for sea glass, as is Seaham Hall Beach. Discover more of Seaham’s maritime heritage at East Durham Heritage and Lifeboat Centre at Seaham Harbour Marina and check out Eleven 'O' One (affectionately known as Tommy), a statue of a First World War soldier by Durham-born sculptor Ray Lonsdale by the seafront. Dalton Park isn’t far away for a spot of retail therapy.
Where to Eat
For brunch by the sea we love North in Seaburn, whilst STACK is the place to be for street food, bars and live music. For fish and chips and ice cream head to Minchella’s, House of Zen serves authentic Asian cuisine, and Blacks Corner’s outpost in a restored Grade II-listed Victorian tram shelter is a go-to for sharing platters and wine. We’re awaiting the opening of new Indian restaurant Malabar in late July.
Emmys Coffee Pod is a perfect pit-stop on Roker beach, while Grannie Annie’s is dog friendly and a good choice for cocktails. There are plenty of great cafés and coffee bars in Roker, including Waves Coffee Bar & Patisserie, Fausto, and Love Lily (where the pancake stacks are a must). Opposite the marina, These Things Happen serve hearty breakfasts, lunch and dinner with live entertainment throughout summer, Antico is a great Italian, and you can sip a huge selection of gins at Tin of Sardines with views of Roker beach and pier. Six at Pier Point is a popular restaurant and wine bar on Marine Walk, and new this year is Elephant Rock, a café and beach bar on the Roker Promenade from Vaux and George Clarke.
Cork & Coffee serves good coffee, curated wines and artisan charcuterie on Seaham’s North Terrace, Dolce Vita is your go-to for stone-baked pizzas, fresh pasta and authentic Italian dishes, and Namaste Prosecco Micro Bar (which also has outposts in South Shields and Seaburn) is Seaham’s new Indian restaurant and bar. On Church Street, as its name suggests, Slice serves New York-style pizza by the slice (look out for their Roker outpost coming soon). Seaham’s newest addition, By the Waves Deli, serves delicious focaccia sandwiches and Scotch eggs.
Where to Stay
The Seaburn Inn sits right on Seaburn’s seafront with 40 bedrooms (some of which are dog friendly), and on Roker’s seafront, Roker Hotel is one of the longest standing hotels in Sunderland and boasts 43 ensuite bedrooms as well as a café and bistro and Poetic License bar. The Beach House at One Roker Terrace is a pretty boutique holiday home, The Seaside Retreat is a cosy two-bedroom home-from-home within a seafront terrace on Roker Terrace, and just 350 yards from Roker Beach, The Balmoral & Terrace Guest Houses boast a garden, sea views and family rooms. Seaham Hall (with its multiple dining options and award-winning Serenity Spa) is the perfect place to stay on your visit to Seaham.
