As the recent spring weather and lockdown continues, walking has become a highlight for many across the city. This route will allow you to take in some of Sunderland’s history on your daily exercise.
This circular walk, which is 1.9 miles or 3km long, starts and finishes at the Bungalow Café and it is estimated to take approximately 40 minutes complete.
The heritage trail, which has been produced by Sunderland City Council, takes you through the history of Roker Seafront and through one of the city’s oldest suburbs.
Although the way you will take in sea views from Cliffe Park, pass St Andrew’s Church and head through Roker Park, an iconic spot used by smugglers during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Here we take a look at some of the sites you will see, for detailed instructions click here.
1. Start at the Bungalow Cafe
The route begins at Sunderland's iconic Bungalow Café. From there, head along Roker Terrace passing the Roker Hotel on the left, until you reach a traffic crossing adjacent to Roker Park. Photo: Stu Norton
2. Turn right at the crossing
Once you reach the crossing adjacent to Roker Park, turn right onto the footpath and continue along the coast, passing the red naval mine on the right and Bede’s Cross on the left. Photo: Google Maps
3. Red Naval Mine
This type of mine was used during World War II for coastal defence. In modern times it is now used as a collection box by the Shipwrecked Mariners Society. Photo: Ray Hutcheon
4. Bede's Cross
Standing in Cliffe Park since 1904, Bede's Cross is a memorial to one of Sunderland's most famous sons - the monk and scholar, the Venerable Bede who lived and worked at the church of St Peter’s 1,300 years ago. Photo: Google Maps