Sunderland Cottages with Hot Tubs

0 Cottages Found

Sunderland Guide

Sunderland's cottages with hot tubs offer a brilliant base to explore this northeastern coastal city. The area combines industrial heritage with stunning beaches like Roker and Seaburn (both Blue Flag winners) and green spaces such as Barnes Park.

Trip Advisor's top attractions include the National Glass Centre (4.5/5), Penshaw Monument (4.5/5) and the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens (4/5). The Stadium of Light, home to Sunderland AFC, draws football fans year-round.

Did you know Lewis Carroll was a regular visitor to Sunderland? It's believed his experiences here influenced parts of Alice in Wonderland, with Hylton Castle supposedly inspiring the story's castle scenes.

Cottages range from cosy couples' retreats to large group accommodation sleeping 10+. Many feature private hot tubs, sea views and modern amenities. Some properties welcome dogs, making them perfect for the whole family.

Get More From Your Sunderland Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Sunderland packs in loads of sights within a compact area. The National Glass Centre (SR6 0GL) showcases the city's 1,300-year glass-making history with free entry daily 10am-5pm. Watch live glass-blowing demonstrations and walk across the glass roof with views over the River Wear.

Penshaw Monument (DH4 7NJ) stands proudly on Penshaw Hill. This 70-foot Greek-style temple offers amazing views across the city. It's free to visit and open dawn till dusk. On selected summer weekends, you can climb the 70 steps inside one of the columns for a small fee.

Roker and Seaburn beaches (SR6 0PL) have won Blue Flag status for their clean water and facilities. The Victorian Roker Pier and Lighthouse (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) reopened after major restoration and offers guided tours Thursday-Sunday (book ahead).

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens (SR1 1TY) houses 2,000+ plants in its tropical paradise plus local history exhibits. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm with free entry.

Pet Friendly

I've found Sunderland surprisingly good for dog owners. Many cottages welcome pets, often with secure gardens and some even provide dog beds, bowls and treats. Just check any size restrictions when booking.

Roker and Seaburn beaches allow dogs year-round on certain sections. Between May and September, dogs must stay in the designated areas, but from October to April, they can run free along the entire coastline.

Herrington Country Park (DH4 7EL) offers 200 acres of parkland with dedicated dog exercise areas. The park has several walking trails, including the 2-mile lake circuit that's perfect for a morning walk before returning to your hot tub cottage.

For eating out, The Scullery (SR1 3PZ) in the city centre welcomes dogs in their outdoor seating area and provides water bowls. The Harbour View (SR6 0PL) on the seafront has a dog-friendly section and even offers doggy ice cream in summer!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Sunderland

1. Sunderland Empire Theatre (SR1 3EX) is the largest theatre in the North East, seating 2,000 people. Built in 1907, this Edwardian gem hosts West End shows, ballet and comedy. The Beatles and The Rolling Stones both played here in the 1960s. One visitor wrote: "Stunning building inside and out, great acoustics and comfortable seating." Open for shows only, check their website for performance times.

2. Hylton Castle (SR5 3PA) is a medieval castle dating back to the 14th century. After a £4.5 million restoration, it reopened in 2023. The castle tells the story of the powerful Hylton family who owned it for 400 years and the famous Cauld Lad ghost said to haunt its corridors. Open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm. A recent visitor commented: "Fascinating history brought to life by knowledgeable volunteers."

3. Washington Old Hall (NE38 7LE), just outside Sunderland, is the ancestral home of George Washington's family. This 13th-century manor house features period gardens and rooms furnished in Jacobean style. The stone-flagged Great Hall still has its original fireplace. Open Thursday-Sunday 10am-4pm from March to October. One TripAdvisor review states: "A hidden gem with incredible connections to American history."

What's the best time to visit Sunderland?

Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather for enjoying the beaches and hot tub, with temperatures averaging 15-20°C. The Sunderland International Airshow in July draws huge crowds. September is my personal recommendation - fewer tourists, mild weather and the sea is still warm enough for swimming.

How do I get around Sunderland without a car?

The Tyne and Wear Metro connects Sunderland with Newcastle and coastal areas. Day tickets cost around £5.70. The city has good bus coverage through Go North East and Stagecoach. For coastal exploration, the 26 bus runs along the seafront between Roker and Seaburn every 12 minutes.

Where can I buy groceries for my self-catering cottage?

Sunderland has several supermarkets including Tesco Extra (SR5 3JG) and Asda (SR5 3EQ) for big shops. For local produce, try Jacky White's Market (SR1 3JE) in the city centre, open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm, selling fresh fish, meat and vegetables.

Is Sunderland safe for tourists?

Yes, Sunderland is generally safe. Like any city, be aware of your surroundings at night. The main tourist areas around the seafront and city centre are well-lit and have good CCTV coverage. The beaches have lifeguards during summer months.

What should I pack for my hot tub cottage break?

Bring swimwear for the hot tub (at least two sets so one can dry), flip-flops for walking between the cottage and tub and towels (though many cottages provide these). A waterproof phone case lets you take photos while relaxing in the bubbles!

Are there any annual events worth planning my trip around?

The Sunderland Illuminations (October-November) transform the seafront with light displays. Sunderland Pride (usually September) brings colour and celebration to the city. The Sunderland Food Festival in June showcases local cuisine in Mowbray Park.

Helpful links: