Published: June 1, 2018
The University of Sunderland is close to both the coast and the countryside and the North East has its fair share of well-known attractions to visit. Various big cities can be easily reached by public transport, meaning there’s always something to do in the region, as well as further afield. In this blog, I will share some of my favourite places to visit during the summer months.
North East
- Metrocentre – Gateshead
We all know that the weather in England can be unpredictable, with some days bright and warm and other days resembling a grey autumn day. The Metrocentre is the perfect place to visit on those overcast and rainy summer days. I like going here as there is a wide range of shops and restaurants all under one roof.
Price: free
- Herrington Park and Penshaw Monument – Sunderland
If you enjoy walking in the open air and being in the outdoors, Herrington Park and Penshaw Monument is a great place to visit, especially on a sunny day. I like to go here in the summer with my friend and her dog. We walk around the park and then make our way up the hill to Penshaw Monument.
Price: free
- Beamish Museum – County Durham
If you love history and want to learn more about the region’s past, Beamish Museum is a great place to visit. My favourite part of the museum is the 1900s town and the sweet shop, where you can buy various traditional sweets and watch them being made. The tram ride transports you back to the past, as you pass through the historic streets and buildings.
Price: £14.00 for students
- Durham City – County Durham
You can spend the whole day in Durham visiting the shops, restaurants, historic Durham Cathedral and Castle. My friends and I enjoy walking along the riverside and then going on the rowing boats on the River Wear.
Price: free
- Alnwick Castle – Northumberland
As one of the locations used to film Harry Potter, Alnwick Castle is an attraction not only with links to modern culture, but a history dating back 700 years.
Price: You pay different prices depending if you pay prior online or at the gate on the day. Students receive a concession on the price of admission, which is £11.70 online and £13.00 at the gate.
- Roker and Seaburn beach – Sunderland
Sunderland’s location by the sea means I’ve made countless visits to the beach over the years and I’m sure as a student here at Sunderland you will too. It’s one of my favourite things about the city. Summer, of course, is one of the best times to visit – especially when the sun is shining brightly.
Price: free
- Beamish Wild – County Durham
If you love the outdoors and an adventure, Beamish Wild is the perfect place to visit. It’s a fun and unique day out and is an alternative change to the usual summer plans you may have in store.
Price: £22.00 for students
Further afield
- Edinburgh
With a relatively short train journey from Newcastle Central station, Edinburgh is a great place to visit for the day. Some of my favourite things to do in the Scottish capital is of course shopping, primarily Princes Street and the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, the National Museum of Scotland and the view from Calton Hill.
You can get a direct train to Edinburgh from Newcastle.
- York
There’s so much to see and do in the historic city of York, a place with lots of ancient heritage. I enjoy walking around the city to see the sights, particularly the Shambles (which reminds me of Diagon Alley from Harry Potter), York Minster and the York city walls. Occasionally, I visit Betty’s Tea Room for hot chocolate and cake before heading home back to Sunderland.
You can get a direct train from Sunderland to York.
*The prices are correct as of April 2018
Topic: Student lifestyle, Advice and tips
