Wearmouth Bridge, Sunderland

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.

Perched on the North East coast where the River Wear meets the sea, Sunderland is a proud, friendly city and a fantastic base for a coach getaway. Once world-renowned for its shipbuilding and glassmaking, the city now offers a wonderful blend of breezy golden beaches and a lively, welcoming centre. Whether you're strolling along the seafront at Roker and Seaburn or simply breathing in the salty air, you'll feel right at home on Wearside.

There is plenty to discover here. You can head up to the striking Penshaw Monument for sweeping views of the landscape or step back in time at Washington Old Hall, the ancestral home of George Washington's family. Nature lovers will adore the birdwatching at the WWT Washington Wetland Centre, while families can explore the Museum & Winter Gardens or enjoy a gentle walk through Herrington Country Park. Between the Blue Flag beaches, the iconic Stadium of Light, and the treat of fresh seaside fish and chips, it's easy to see why visitors love a trip to Sunderland.

Places in Sunderland


Coach tours visiting Sunderland


Historic Northumberland and Hadrian's Wall Country

by Shearings

5 days from £519

Explore the glorious North East from our scenic riverside setting in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall Country, and discover the wonderful Northumberland Coast.

Operator
Shearings
Transport
Executive Coach
Departs
May–Jun 2027

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.

  1. 🧳 Arrival

    Local departure by coach or Home Connect service then on to our hotel for a four-night stay.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Seahouses
    📸 Excursion

    Northumberland Coast

    Enjoy spectacular scenery on our included excursion travelling along the Northumberland Coast. We make our way via Warkworth and pretty Seahouses to call at Bamburgh, which lies in the shadow of the glorious castle.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Durham cathedral and the city skyline
    📸 Excursion

    Durham

    Explore the historic city of Durham, where the dramatic skyline is dominated by the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cathedral and Castle. Bill Bryson called Durham 'a perfect little city' and with churches, chapels and cafés dotted throughout, the city has an illustrious, religious and tempestuous past that can be uncovered in many of its attractions.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Hexham
    📸 Excursion

    Hadrian's Wall Country and Chesters Roman Fort

    We follow the route of Hadrian’s Wall, calling at the ancient market town of Hexham and visiting Chesters Roman Fort. Here, we learn more about what life was like on one of the Roman Empire’s most northern outposts and the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. 🏡 Departure

    Return home.

    Meals: Breakfast

Holy Island and Northumbrian Coast

by Shearings

5 days from £479

Uncover the rugged beauty of the Northumbrian Coast, famed for its golden sands, history and mystery, and visit the impressive Holy Island.

Operator
Shearings
Transport
Executive Coach
Departs
Oct 2026 – Oct 2027

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.

  1. 🧳 Arrival

    Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then on to Newcastle for a four-night stay.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Lindisfarne Castle
    📸 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

  3. Durham cathedral and the city skyline
    📸 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

  4. Alnwick Castle
    📸 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

  5. 🏡 Departure

    Return home.

    Meals: Breakfast

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