SUNDERLAND- The Glass Tour

The first chronicled production of glass in England was in 674 AD when the Venerable Bede described how glass makers from Gaul were brought over to make windows for a newly built church and monastery in Sunderland. This church, St Peters in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland still stands today.

National Glass Centre offers the opportunity to explore the full history of glass-making in the UK and see real life demonstrations as well as cutting-edge examples of contemporary glass maker's art. Housed in an innovative glass-roofed building on the north bank of the Wear, the National Glass Centre is a fascinating experience for visitors of all ages. It also acts as a focus for artists, designers and makers to create exciting new products and art. Look out for a fascinating programme of events, short courses and workshops offering anything from stained glass window and jewellery making to glass blowing. The centre also houses a wonderful glass shop with some unique and limited edition pieces to buy, and Throwingstones Restaurant where you can relax and enjoy the splendid riverside views over a coffee or a bite to eat. FREE ENTRY

St Peter's Church, the Anglo-Saxon church of Monkwearmouth is one of the UK's first stone built churches. Built in 674AD, the tower and west wall are original Saxon features and the church also has on display fragments of the oldest stained glass in the country, made by 7th Century European craftsmen. Together with its twin monastery, St Paul's in Jarrow, St Peter's has been short-listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. FREE ENTRY.

Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens offers something for all ages. Rebuilt on the site of the original Victorian glass houses is the Winter Gardens, a tropical rainforest with an overhead, a treetop walkway giving a birds-eye view of the lush canopy of foliage, complete with a 30ft water feature and individual micro climates. The Museum area contains a wide range of collections, which are of local, regional and national importance. Particular strengths are local history, including shipbuilding and coal mining, natural history, geology, glass and pottery made on Wearside, 19th and 20th century art, work by L S Lowry, archaeology and ethnography. Highlights of the collection on display include the largest collection of Sunderland lustreware pottery in the world, the Londonderry glass table service (made on Wearside in the 1820s), a large collection of pressed glass from Pyrex as well as a display showing the history of all the old Sunderland glass makers such as Greeners.
FREE ENTRY.

St Nicholas' Church - The church is completely glazed with Evett designed windows, many of them including Hartley Wood glass in their designs, it really is a gem and well worth the visit. It's also a great place for a tea and coffee stop. FREE ENTRY.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Refreshments -
Throwingstones Restaurant (at the National Glass Centre) has splendid views of the River Wear and offers anything from teas and coffees to buffets to a full 3 course meal.
Eden Café (Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens) can provide a range of meal options - sandwiches, snacks and hot meals from the cafe's regular menu and special buffets can also be arranged for groups.
Sunderland hosts a wide range of restaurants and cafes across the city serving local, international and cosmopolitan cuisine plus hotels which also offer lunch/dinner stops including the Marriott Hotel, The Tavistock Roker Hotel, Holiday Inn Washington and The George Washington

Accommodation - The city centre and surrounding area offer a variety of accommodation including cosy B&Bs for smaller parties, to travel-lodge style accommodation up to 4 star luxury with full leisure club facilities.