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  1. Home
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Sunderland and Whitburn

Dreamstime.com
Places to go
July 2021
Reading time 5 minutes

Sunderland isn't all about city life - this stretch of the coast is undergoing a rejuvenation and is well worth a visit

On sunny days, head to Whitburn beach and enjoy stunning scenery and rare limestone rock formations – perfect for a day of exploring. fter you’ve grabbed a must-have ice cream from Toni Minchella, take the children to Cornthwaite Park where they can make the most of the play park. Further south, watch the waves crash over the Victorian Roker Lighthouse and pier, which has stood guard over the harbour for more than 120 years. The tunnel to the lighthouse and the lighthouse itself are now open to the public for the first time and it’s well worth booking a tour. When the tide’s out, walk the full length of the beach (about one mile) from Seaburn to Roker, then enjoy a picnic in Roker Park (don’t miss the miniature railway here). If you’ve got an adventurous streak, there’s plenty of fun to be had in the water thanks to Adventure Sunderland, and you can learn to kayak, surf, and stand-up paddle board at Roker’s Marine Activity Centre. If the weather’s not playing ball, keep the kids entertained at Seldons Leisure World, or if you’re on two wheels, you can explore the scenic cycle paths running from Roker up to Whitburn – make a day of it by packing a picnic for the ride.
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Base Camp

We’re thrilled to see a new arrival on Sunderland’s coast this summer: an exciting new pub with rooms (and fabulous sea views), The Seaburn Inn. Right on the sea front, it’s just a stone’s throw from must-see attractions including The Stadium of Light, the National Glass Centre (home toexhibition galleries, artists’ studios, a craft shop and an award-winning café), and the Empire Theatre. After a day’s exploration head to their sea view restaurant for some great pub grub. The Roker Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Sunderland. Venture downstairs for a night cap in the Poetic License bar or, if you’re feeling peckish, for Italian food in the Italian Farmhouse.

STACK for Sunderland

Perfect Weekend

Foodies are in heaven along this stretch of the coast. Latimer’s Seafood Café in Whitburn is a must-visit for fresh seafood caught daily. STACK, which launched last summer in nearby Seaburn, is an eco-friendly container community by the sea packed with street food – we love Acropolis who bring the best Greek street food to the North East (order the chicken gyros and thank us later). If you’ve brought your four-legged friend along with you, pop into Grannie Annie’s on the Marine Walk in Roker for a pint (or a tipple from their ever-expanding cocktail menu) and a treat for your pooch. But a trip to Roker wouldn’t be complete without a visit to The Salt House Kitchen, whether you indulge in breakfast, brunch, lunch or an evening meal complete with cocktails. There is something brand new coming soon too, Boldon’s popular Blacks Corner deli are opening a new up a base on Sunderland’s seafront, in the former tram shelter.

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