Sunderland

The City of Sunderland is a metropolitan borough in Tyne and Wear, North East England, stretching from the mouth of the River Wear to the North Sea coast. It includes the central city of Sunderland and towns such as Washington, Houghton-le-Spring and Hetton-le-Hole. The coastline includes Roker and Seaburn, with Roker Pier and its 1903 lighthouse marking the entrance to the river. Shipbuilding and the port on the River Wear shaped the area for generations; the Stadium of Light sits near the river on the site of the former Monkwearmouth Colliery.

Culture and education are concentrated along the river and town centres. The National Glass Centre on the north bank houses a working glass furnace visible from public areas and records the local glassmaking tradition. The University of Sunderland maintains campuses at St Peter’s and in the city centre, and industries include manufacturing, logistics and public services. Transport routes cross the borough: the A19 passes through Washington and rail links connect Sunderland to other North East towns. Council services administer housing, planning and coastal management across urban and former mining settlements in the borough.