Sunderland is a regional metropolis, at the mouth of the River Wear facing the area’s beautiful North Sea coastline. Historically, there were three settlements on the river estuary, which later formed today’s Sunderland. It was Monkwearmouth from 674 on the north bank and Jarrow from 684 and Bishopwearmouth from 930, both on the south bank of the river.

Fishing provided prosperity for urban development, as did the port facilities along the river. Sunderland obtained city rights in 1179, and trade in coal and salt arose with ships built locally on the river. The 19th century growth from the port and industrialization caused the three original towns to be formally merged.

Today, Sunderland is known for its harbor and the atmosphere around the Wear. Just north of the city’s modern center south of the river you can see two well-known bridges next to each other, Wearmouth Bridge from 1927-1929 and Monkwearmouth Railway Bridge from 1879. From here you can take a stroll along the harbor, passing the University of Sunderland, the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art and the National Glass Center on the way east. If you continue, you come to the city’s marina and harbor piers, where you can almost walk out into the North Sea.

The center of Sunderland is characterized by modern buildings and shops. Around the center, however, there are also several sights and attractions. For example, you can visit the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens, where you can see different collections of art etc., and there is also a park and an interesting winter garden on site. You can also go to the Anglican churches, Sunderland Minster and Holy Trinity Church. If you walk a little to the northwest, you can see Hylton Castle, which is a medieval castle and former residence of the Hylton family.

Along the North Sea coast north of Sunderland is Souter Lighthouse, a remarkable lighthouse from 1871 that was the first in the world to install alternating current. It was erected in this place because there are a number of rocky cliffs off the coast, into which many ships have sailed over time.