We’ve put together a guide to Sunderland’s parks, many of which became a haven in lockdown, from the smallest pocket park to a landmark park which was created in response to another public health crisis, the Cholera epidemic.
9. Minster Park, city centre
Minster Park is Sunderland's newest park, which opened in August 2020. The old Town Park, next to Sunderland Minster, was a little-used area of the city in recent decades, despite its rich heritage as the heart of Bishopwearmouth, one of the three original settlements that came together to form Sunderland. The new look Minster Park was unveiled following a year-long programme of improvement works to transform Sunderland Minster and the land to the south of it. The opening marked the completion of this section of the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme, a project which has also seen repair works made to Sunderland Minster churchyard, as well as the Dun Cow and Peacock pubs.
Photo: JPI Media
10. Thompson Park, Southwick
Thompson Park is set for a major revamp after receiving almost a quarter of a million pounds in funding. The park has been aligned £200,000 from the North Sunderland Area Committee. The funding will be used to improve the park’s cycling and sports facilities, as well as general improvements to make the park safer and more accessible to people of all ages.
Photo: JPI Media
11. Barnes Park
The land for Barnes Park was bought in 1904 by the Borough of Sunderland for £8,500. Work commenced on the site in 1907 and it was officially opened on 6 August 1909. The park underwent a major £3.6million revamp which was completed in 2011. Historic features, including the band stand, were restored as well as new adventure play areas created. It's the largest park in the city.
Photo: JPI Media
12. Barley Mow, Hendon
Not as well-known as its sister park, Backhouse Park, Barley Mow still has plenty of historic features worth exploring including its impressive entrance gate.
Photo: Kevin Brady