Sunderland - Wearside's Most Exciting City

Sunderland is a major port city that lies on the southern banks of the River Wear and looks out over the North Sea on the Northeast coast of the United Kingdom. The city of Sunderland is part of the much larger Wearside urban area that also includes Middleborough. Overall this part of the country is known for the friendliness off the locals and the stunning coastal landscapes that stretch south along the North Sea coast towards Humberside and Yorkshire.

Sunderland itself is a historic city that dates back to the Saxon era and in its modern form is a place that looks out onto the ocean as much to the land in order to create its identity. While Sunderland has been somewhat overshadowed by neighboring Newcastle Upon Tyne in the last few years due to the fact that it has faced a number of economic challenges over the erosion of its industrial base, in the last few years, there has been a great deal of investment in the city that has seen it recover much of its confidence and improved life in the city no end.

There are numerous attractions for tourists to enjoy during their visit to Sunderland including the Winter Gardens in Mowbray Park. Aside from the large climate controlled greenhouse where you can enjoy tropical plants throughout the year, there are also indoor exhibitions that show off the many industries that Sunderland has excelled at including glass making.

The city is home to the premiership football team Sunderland AFC, who have enjoyed a fair amount of success in recent years, although they have yet to win any major trophies in the modern era. If you are in town when they are playing one of their local derbies against either Middleborough or Newcastle at the Stadium of Light, then it is well worth getting tickets, as the atmosphere is electric.

The University of Sunderland is based on the north bank of the River Wear and in the city center, and the students at this leading technical university are well known for the entertainment that they bring to the city, and if you are planning a night out in Sunderland, then you will find that the best bars in the city are to be found close to the two main university campuses.