Plan The Perfect Day Out at These Wearside Beaches
Wearside's beach fronts are a hotspot for foodies
Whitburn is best known for its iconic Grade II-listed windmill, but its stunning cliff-top views and rare limestone rock formations tempt visitors to stick around. Whitburn Point Local Nature Reserve is reclaimed colliery land where birds now thrive – so don’t forget your camera. Fun for all the family awaits in Seaburn: challenge your family to win as many tickets as you can at Seldons Leisureworld which has been a popular attraction here for more than 40 years thanks to its rides and 2p machines. A little further down the coast in Roker, your children can let off some steam in Roker Park, home to its own miniature steam train, or Marine Walk play area, and the whole family can try out their water sport skills with Adventure Sunderland. Sadly while repairs take place at Roker Pier and Lighthouse, the popular tours aren’t taking place. Culture vultures will want to explore the National Glass Centre, and the Stadium of Light isn’t too far away.
Base Camp
Perfectly positioned right on the seafront with fab views of the North Sea, The Seaburn Inn is a popular place to stay complete with cosy, modern rooms and good pub grub. Roker Hotel (one of the longest standing hotels in Sunderland) is a characterful yet luxurious hotel – think exposed brickwork and chandeliers – and there’s a tearoom, Poetic License bar, and restaurant here to enjoy after a day of exploring.
Perfect Weekend
Blue’s Micro Pub is a popular spot for craft ales in Whitburn and eaststreet19 is a go-to for wine and cocktails (as well as speciality coffee), but the best place for fresh local fish is Latimers Seafood. Latimer’s takeaway The Hatch now has indoor and outdoor seating (perfect for dolphin-spotting). Over in Seaburn, STACK is the place to be for street food of all kinds (including firm favourites Acropolis) as well as sport on the big screen and live music. For fish and chips followed by ice cream you’ll want to pop by Minchella’s. House of Zen is your go-to for authentic Asian food and Prego Bar & Eatery serves up Italian-inspired food with good cocktails, but by far the most popular foodie destination here is The Tram Shelter with small plates, sharing boards, flatbreads and crostinis courtesy of Blacks Corner. Order the focaccia, oil and balsamic or the Lindisfarne oysters to share.
Over in Roker the best spot for caffeine is Emmys Coffee Pod on the beach at the entrance to Roker Park, your four-legged friends are welcome at Grannie Annie’s, and Cole Kitchen serves the most decadent sarnies. For bottomless brunch and pizza nights head to the dog-friendly Tin of Sardines, for good burgers pop into These Things Happen, and for cocktails and bao bun deals we love Grandpa Dickie’s Shed. Those with a sweet tooth will adore Love Lily but you’ll want to ask for a takeout box – the pancake portions are huge! Six at Pier Point is a great spot for breakfast, brunch and dinner with amazing views of the coastline. We love the sharing boards with local cheeses but we also recommend trying the seafood platters and Sunday lunch sharing board. Just a short stroll inland, don't miss the recently-opened Sheepfolds Stables –Sunderland’s highly-anticipated new food, drinks and leisure venue.
