5 Free or Cheap Things to do around Sunderland

When money is tight and boredom is running high, you only need to know two things: where can I go for under a tenner, and how far is the nearest Gregg’s?

National Glass Centre

There are new events, workshops, and exhibitions here every month, and almost every day you can attend free glassmaking demonstrations. Unfortunately, the nearest Gregg’s is a twenty-minute walk away, which just isn’t good enough.

Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens

What better time to take the kids to a Winter Garden than in winter (yes, they really do pay me to come up with these ideas)? Have a look at their upcoming events here, and for 3 pound a pop, you can make Cyanotype Christmas cards this December 14th (book now to avoid feeling blue with disappointment). Best of all, the nearest Gregg’s is five minutes away.

South Shields Museum & Art Gallery

Another great place for the kids, entry is by donation and their scheduled activities are likewise by donation, or a small fee for materials. It’s a popular venue, so if you like the sound of one of their events, be sure to book early. This museum is a bit of an eclectic mix of museum, art gallery, mini zoo and, of course, there is a cafe and (every parent’s favourite), the gift shop. The surrounding area is packed with other places to visit and go for a stroll through the parks or along the beach. With the nearest Gregg’s clocking in at only two minutes away, it’s no wonder this venue is so popular.

Volunteering at Hylton Castle

Hylton Castle, or the original Hilton Hotel to its friends (sadly, you can’t stay overnight), is undergoing a makeover, so it’s closed to the public, however, there are various opportunities for volunteers, and you can still visit St Catherine’s Chapel from 10am to 4pm. There is a play area nearby, some nice woods for a walk, and, most importantly, the nearest Gregg’s is less than 15 minutes away on foot.

Trampoline for a Month for £1.33 per Day

You can get a 30-day pass for Super Tramp trampoline park for just £40, which means that if you bounce your cares away every day, it works out at just £1.33 a day (plus £2 for socks). The trampolines are very bouncy, and the socks are nice, but this venue is sorely lacking in local Gregg’s: the nearest one is a marathon 25-minute walk away.

Where do you go when you don’t want to spend lots of money, and is it near a Gregg’s? Let us know in the comments below.