Discovering Sunderland: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip

Discover the charm of Sunderland without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

A visit to Sunderland, UK on a limited budget can still offer a rich experience. Explore Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, the National Glass Centre, and Roker Beach for free. Affordable accommodation options include budget hotels like Travelodge Sunderland Central or Airbnb rentals.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Explore the Coastal City of Sunderland

  • Start the day with a traditional English breakfast at Holmeside Coffee, a cozy café with friendly staff and a great atmosphere.
  • Take a walk along Roker Beach to Sunderland’s famous lighthouse. Admire the panoramic views of the sea, coastline and pier.
  • Visit the National Glass Centre to watch local artists blowing and sculpting glass in the on-site studio and learn about Sunderland’s heritage in glass-making.
  • Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at Port of Call, a restaurant located in an old seafaring building that serves delicious burgers and fries.
  • Stroll through Mowbray Park, a tranquil oasis among the hustle and bustle of the city, and admire the Victorian bandstand, fountains, and botanical gardens.
  • End the day by catching a game at the Stadium of Light, home to Sunderland AFC and experience the excitement of a matchday in this passionate football city. Or, enjoy a drink at The Peacock, a traditional pub with great atmosphere and constantly changing ale selection.
  • Sunderland may be a coastal city with a rich maritime history, but it's equally proud of its art and sporting culture. A perfect blend for a memorable day on a limited budget!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Sunderland by plane is to fly into Newcastle International Airport and then take a taxi or the Metro system to Sunderland. There are regular flights to Newcastle from major UK cities as well as international destinations.

Car

Sunderland is easily accessible by car via the A1(M) motorway, which connects to major UK cities such as London, Edinburgh, and Manchester. There are several car parks in the city centre, as well as on-street parking with time limits.

Train

Sunderland has a mainline train station which is serviced by direct trains from major UK cities such as London, Edinburgh, and Manchester. The station is located in the city centre and is a short walk from most hotels and attractions.

Boat

Sunderland is located on the coast of the North Sea and has a small marina, however there are no regular ferry services to the city. The closest international ferry port is in Newcastle, which is accessible by bus, train or taxi.

Bus

There are several bus services that run to Sunderland, including National Express and Megabus. The bus station is located near the city centre and is a short walk from most hotels and attractions.

Destination

Sunderland

Welcome to a city that's constantly wondering when its beloved football club will finally start winning again - Sunderland. Don't worry though, there's plenty to see and do here besides crying about sports.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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