Sunderland, an underrated seaside city in the North East of England, has been named one of the UK's best places to visit in 2026 by Time Out. The city claimed the number 10 spot on the magazine's list of 'The 14 best places to visit in the UK in 2026', beating out more famous destinations like London and Bath. According to Time Out, the city earned its place for its vibrant nightlife, stunning coastlines, world-class museums, and exceptional food scene.
Beaches and Coastal Attractions
Sunderland boasts several expansive beaches along the mouth of the River Wear on the North Sea coast. The twin beaches at Roker and Seaburn hold Blue Flag status, ensuring they are pristine and safe for families. Visitors have praised them as 'the best in the UK', with one TripAdvisor reviewer noting: 'We spent a fine sunny spring morning walking on the seafront. Roker and Seaburn are attractive with good beaches with nice cafes with good coffee.' Pier Point at Roker offers numerous cafes and restaurants for classic seaside fare.
Museums and Cultural Venues
Time Out highlighted Sunderland's museums as a substantial part of its tourism offering. The National Glass Centre, set in a striking glass building beside the waterfront, is dedicated to glass art and heritage. It ranks second on TripAdvisor among Sunderland attractions. One visitor said: 'This place is amazing. The glassblowing demonstration is really good, the cafe is really nice, food delish, staff very good.' Other museums include the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum, Ryhope Engines Museum, and Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens. The latter offers free entry and chronicles the city's history across four storeys, featuring Wallace the Lion, a taxidermy lion that has been with the museum for over 160 years.
Food Scene
Sunderland's independent eateries offer a range of dishes from street food to seafront staples. Time Out singled out Propa Pies, a 'nostalgia-fuelled pastry pop-up from Hairy Biker Si King', which offers inventively flavoured pies alongside classics. The city's food scene is a key draw for visitors, with many options for dining.
Events and Activities in 2026
With a packed calendar of exhibitions, sporting events, and more lined up throughout 2026, Sunderland offers plenty of reasons to visit and extend a stay. The city's football club, Sunderland AFC, is also a major attraction for sports fans.
