Parks & Outdoor Attractions

Herrington Country Park and Penshaw Monument

Our outdoor spaces offer lots to see and do with the whole family, and they change with the seasons, so there's always something new to see, whether you need your wellies or your suncream.

We've got some of the most magnificent parks and countryside in the UK. Mowbray Park is the jewel in the crown of the city centre, and winner of 'Best Park' at the 2014 Northumbria in Bloom awards.

Herrington Country Park is at the foot of the iconic Penshaw Monument and has walks and cycle trails, a play area, lake and a variety of sculptures.

For more opportunities to get up close with wildlife, nature and other animals, head to Washington Wetland Centre, Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve or Down at the Farm for great days out.

Albany Park

Albany Park

Visit one of Washington's parks with extensive grassed areas and woodland plantations. Situated next to the 'F' Pit Museum in Albany.
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Backhouse Park

Backhouse Park

This park is a natural arboretum with a large variety of trees and some of the city's largest mature trees, producing a wonderful display of autumn colour. Renowned for its magnificient bulb display in early spring the park is overlooked by University of Sunderland's Name Art College.
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Barnes Park

Barnes Park

A great day out for all the family with wonderful walks, play areas, bowling greens, tennis courts and a cafe. The largest of the city's urban parks stretching just under 2 miles in length features a Victorian style bandstand and a cannon situated near to the West End bowling greens which were...
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Down at the Farm

Take a tractor ride around this fun farm to meet the cows and you will hear the bleating of sheep, barking prairie dogs and hoots of snowy owls.  Children can pet and stroke the animals in the farmyard and there is even a chance to be a mini zoo keeper. Seasonal activities include helping to feed...
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Herrington Country Park

Herrington Country Park

One of the largest parks in Sunderland with walks and cycle trails, family cycling with Sustrans, an adventure play area, skate boarding, Nordic walking, model boat sailing in the lake and a variety of sculptures that celebrate the heritage of the area. It's home to many exciting events like the...
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Hetton Lyons Country Park

Hetton Lyons Country Park

Discover the picturesque views of this park on a former colliery site just on the outskirts of Hetton centre. The park featuring a sporting lake, fishing lakes, football pitches, orienteering course, play park and is also part of the national cycling network. There are dedicated cycle tracks and...
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Mowbray Park

Mowbray Park

At the heart of the city sits Mowbray Park, one of the oldest parks in the North East of England and often described as 'the jewel in the crown of the city centre'. Trip Advisor Click here 
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Penshaw circular walk

Penshaw circular walk

This is a 4 mile (6.5km) walk starting from the foot of Penshaw Monument. The route offers great views of Penshaw Monument and the surrounding countryside as well as covering a number of interesting historical features and locations, including: Penshaw Monument Penshaw Monument was built in honour...
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Did you know?

Sunderland's Friendship Agreement with Washington DC makes us the only city in Europe to enjoy such a relationship with the world's most powerful city. Washington Old Hall is home to the direct ancestors of the first president of the United States of America.

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