Sunderland Glass Centre
Glass making is a key element in the history of Sunderland, bringing together its religious, social and industrial heritage.
Ever since Benedict Biscop brought the first glaziers over from Gaul in 674 AD, Sunderland has had a rich glassmaking heritage. Glass making has played an important part in the industrial landscape of the City, with factories such as Pyrex and Hartley Woods, providing employment and economic stability.
Since the decline of these important industries, National Glass Centre at The University of Sunderland has been dedicated to continuing the legacy of glass making, supporting and nurturing new glassmaking talent through The University of Sunderland’s Glass and Ceramics Degree Programme and fostering an enthusiasm and understanding of the material through a rich and varied exhibitions and learning and participation programme.
Sunderland Museum & Winter Garden
Discover Sunderland’s fascinating history in one place. With a collection dating back to 1846 there are plenty of surprises at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens. Perhaps the most famous object of all is Wallace the Lion.
Wallace was part of a touring wild animal show which visited Sunderland during the 1800s with the then famous African tamer Martini Maccomo. When he died, some years later Wallace the lion, came into the Museum’s collection and remains one of the most popular exhibits. Over 135 years later, he’s still here…posing for selfies!
You’ll also find hundreds of other amazing object like the first Nissan car to roll off the production line at their Sunderland factory in 1986. Galleries cover the shipbuilding, glass and pottery making industries the Anglo-Saxon period and many other aspects of the city’s past.
The Art Gallery shows a significant collection of the works of LS Lowry and artist who spent lots of time in Sunderland. The temporary exhibition and events programme mean that there is always something new and exciting to see and do for all the family.
Roker Illuminations
Sunderland Illuminations will be back for 2018, with lights spreading sparkle from St Peters Church all along the seafront.
As well as feature lighting, the illuminated observation wheel will return to Cliffe Park and traditional fairground rides and quality catering concessions will run from Cliffe Park to Bede’s Cross.
Seafront lights and activities on Cliffe Park and Bede’s Cross will run from from Friday 5 October until Sunday 4 November, 17:00 - 22:00 each day.
Roker Park will be transformed into a Festival of Light, with a Disney theme. The Park will be open every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, from 5 October to 5 November plus every night at half term, from 5pm – 10pm each night. Last entry into Roker Park will be 9.00pm.
Sunderland Illuminations 2018 will end in spectacular style with a firework extravaganza. Best viewing points will be from Cliffe Park and all along the seafront. There is no charge to view the fireworks and the best viewing points will be from Cliffe Park and all along the seafront.
Day Trip - Pick up Code 2
Morpeth: Bus Station - 07:45
Pegswood: Opposite Cookswell Garage - 07:50
Pegswood: Train Station Bus Stop - 07:53
Ashington: Sports Direct - 08:00
Ashington: The Elephant Pub - 08:05
Stakeford: Morpeth Road, Half Moon Bus Stop - 08:10
Stakeford: Opposite The Cherry Tree Pub - 08:13
Guidepost: The Square Bus Stop - 08:15
Choppington: Opposite The Travellers Rest - 08:18
Bedlington: Market Square Bus Stop - 08:25
Blyth: Job Centre, Percy Street - 08:40
Cramlington: Manor Walks, near Sainsburys - 09:00