About Our City

The city of Sunderland, proudly situated on the north-east coast of England and resting over the River Wear, is a thriving city rich in heritage and character. Once the biggest ship building town in the world, and several working mines forming the main economy for the people, recent changes have meant a diversification of trades – with many new businesses attracted to the area, dominated by the successful Nissan car plant and, of course, the huge Stadium of Light football ground.

Sunderland has an early and well-documented history, seen even to this day in various surviving buildings such as the 7th century Saxon church of St Peter, as frequented by the monk Bede; Hylton Castle and Penshaw Monument.

The city continues to grow as new projects fill the skyline – including the National Glass Centre, the university’s St.Peter’s campus, the Museum and Winter Gardens, the trendy Park Lane bus terminal, the Bridges shopping centre and other venues throughout the area.

The people of Sunderland have a famous and typically ‘northern’ friendly manner. Many modern artwork pieces have been recreated around the city to hopefully show children and visitors the unique and strong character of its people – from the miner’s lamp, steel men and miner’s wheel outside the Stadium, to the kaleidoscope creations outside the National Glass Centre. For more information regarding our city please visit the Sunderland Visitor Portal.