Sunderland
Sunderland is a proud city on the North East coast where the River Wear meets the sea, known for its golden beaches, shipbuilding and glassmaking heritage, and landmarks like Penshaw Monument and the Stadium of Light.
Sitting on the North East coast where the River Wear meets the sea, Sunderland is a proud, friendly city that makes a brilliant base for a coach holiday. Once world-famous for shipbuilding and glassmaking, it now pairs golden, breezy beaches with a lively and welcoming city centre. Stroll the seafront at Roker and Seaburn, breathe in the fresh sea air, and you'll soon feel right at home on Wearside.
There's so much to explore in and around Sunderland. Climb up to the striking Penshaw Monument for sweeping views, or visit Washington Old Hall, the ancestral home of George Washington's family. Nature lovers can spot birds at the WWT Washington Wetland Centre, while families enjoy the Museum & Winter Gardens and easy walks in Herrington Country Park. Add in Blue Flag beaches, the landmark Stadium of Light and fresh seaside fish and chips, and you'll see why coach travellers love a trip to Sunderland.
Places in Sunderland
Coach tours visiting Sunderland
Holy Island and Northumbrian Coast
by Shearings
Uncover the rugged beauty of the Northumbrian Coast, famed for its golden sands, history and mystery, and visit the impressive Holy Island.
Where you’ll stay
-
Leonardo Newcastle ★★★★
Set on the south bank of the River Tyne, the Leonardo Hotel Newcastle Quayside is a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the best of Newcastle and Gateshead.
Many of its spacious rooms enjoy lovely views over the Tyne and its famous bridges, and you're just a short stroll from the Quayside's shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. With a riverside restaurant, on-site coffee bar, and easy access to the city centre and transport links, it's a welcoming spot to relax after a day of sightseeing.
-
🧳 Arrival
Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then on to Newcastle for a four-night stay.
Meals: Dinner
-
📸 Excursion
Holy Island* and Seahouses
This tiny, 2-sq mile island packs a lot in with religious significance dating back centuries.
Connected to the mainland by a causeway that is only accessible at low tide, Lindisfarne is much the same as when St. Aidan founded a monastery here in 635 AD.
We then return via Seahouses, a delightful Northumberland Coast village.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
-
📸 Excursion
Durham and Newcastle
Explore Durham, in the ‘Land of the Prince Bishops’, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The grand Norman-era Cathedral dominates the landscape and there is a plethora of delightful shops and cafés to enjoy in the cobbled streets.
We then return to Newcastle for an afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
-
📸 Excursion
Alnwick and Northumbrian Coast
Today we visit Alnwick, home to an impressive castle and gardens and is bursting with pretty streets and interesting shops, such as Barter Books, one of the largest second-hand bookshops in Europe.
We then take a scenic drive along the beautiful Northumbrian Coast. With wide, sandy beaches, quaint villages, and impressive castles, this stretch of coastline is some of the most beautiful in the country.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
-
🏡 Departure
Return home.
Meals: Breakfast
Image Attribution
- Wearmouth Bridge, Sunderland — (Photo by Ethan Wilkinson on Unsplash )
- Seahouses — (Photo by Charlie Green on Unsplash )
- Lindisfarne Castle — (Photo by Graham Durham on Unsplash )
- Durham cathedral and the city skyline — (Photo by Jeffrey Zhang on Unsplash )
- Alnwick Castle — (Photo by Jeffrey Zhang on Unsplash )