Retire to Sunderland
Retirement living in Sunderland
The city by the sea is packed with exciting things to do and see
Sunderland is a friendly city with a unique history – including links to George Washington, the first president of the USA – and an idyllic coastal location at the mouth of the River Wear. The city itself is packed with culture: museums, galleries, and theatres, but it also offers easy access to the award-winning Blue Flag beaches of Roker and Seaburn as well as countryside, wetlands and nature reserves. This spectacular mix makes it an ideal choice for active retirement living.
Sights
The locations of our retirement homes in Sunderland are chosen for their easy access to a wide range of attractions. The golden sands of Seaburn and Roker beaches are simple to reach from Sunderland centre. You can enjoy all the traditional seaside attractions, like fish and chips, ice cream and walks along the promenades and Roker Pier. Grandchildren will love bringing their bucket and spades and the fairground rides too.
Just outside Sunderland, Washington Wetland Centre offers 45 hectares of stunning wetlands and woodland on the River Wear. It is a haven for wildlife, particularly birds including curlew, redshank and herons.
The bright lights of Newcastle are also worth a visit. This striking city is famous for its seven bridges, nightlife and iconic brown ale.
Attractions
There are plenty of options to get active for all abilities too, including St John Table Tennis Club, Sunderland Cricket Club and Sunderland Strollers. Football fans will love watching Sunderland AFC at the famous Stadium of Light.
Sunderland is home to not one, but two celebrity chef-led food festivals. Scrantastic Family Food Festival in May and Sunderland Food and Drink Festival in June.
If you enjoy a busy social life, it’s good to know 83% of McCarthy Stone homeowners experience a sense of community in their new property. If you’re after more flexibility, we offer retirement rentals as well as retirement properties for sale.
Transport and connections
Sunderland is well connected and easy to get around by foot, bus or the Tyne and Wear Metro. This light rail network efficiently links Tyneside and Sunderland with Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne and Newcastle Airport. It will transport you from Sunderland to Newcastle Central station in approx. 30 minutes.
For road trips, the North East coast is connected to London and Scotland by the A1(M). Prefer rail? Sunderland train station runs regular trains to Yorkshire, the North West, and the South and you can reach London Kings Cross in around in 3 hours.
For trips further afield, Newcastle International airport offers flights to over 70 destinations around the world, from Barbados to Berlin. The metro will take you to the airport in around an hour.
Surrounding areas
If you retire in Sunderland there are a myriad of attractions to discover and the Sunderland Museum, Library & Winter Gardens is a great start. This entertaining museum shares the unusual history of the area and it’s Winter Gardens offers a tropical paradise whatever the weather.
If you love arts and culture you’re spoilt for choice. Take a trip to the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art within the National Glass Centre or explore the sculpture trail. Theatre goers will love the Empire Theatre with its famous panto, while the Empire Cinema screens the latest films.
Sunderland boasts some of the most beautiful public outdoor spaces in the UK, with the ‘jewel’ being the historic Mowbury Park in the city centre, while the iconic Penshaw Monument dominates the views at the spectacular Herrington Country Park.
Popular places to retire in the Sunderland area
Explore more brilliant retirement locations close to Sunderland.
Browse by Retirement Living Services and Facilities
Our retirement developments offer differing amenities and assisted living services. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.
Retirement Living
Low maintenance independent living for the over 60s, with a House Manager on-site and a friendly community on the doorstep.
Retirement Living PLUS
Independence combined with assisted living for the over 70s, Includes an on-site restaurant and the option of personal care.
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