If you’re looking for some inspiration for what to do, we’ve rounded up some ideas in and around Sunderland.
1. Finchale Priory
Just outside Sunderland, en route to Durham, Finchale Priory is a beautifully tranquil spot, despite only being a short drive off the A690. Entry is free to wander the remains of this 13th century priory, founded on the site of a retired pirate's hermitage. There's also a great woodland walk to do following the path of the river. It's open 10am to 5pm daily. Photo: JPI Media
2. Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve
Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve is open with social distancing measures in place. Stoat, weasel, brown hare and roe deer are regularly seen and the wetlands attract numerous dragonflies and damselflies. Butterfly numbers are also high, particularly grassland species. The coffee shop is also open for takeaway treats for your stroll. The toilets have also reopened and the barriers lifted for vehicle access. Photo: JPI Media
3. Beamish, near Stanley
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North has reopened its outdoor areas and timeslot tickets are available to book online. The County Durham open air museum is able to open its grounds only under Step 2 of the government’s COVID-19 roadmap. Visitors can explore the museum and enjoy takeaway treats, including from Davy’s fish and chip shop, Herron’s Bakery and Jubilee Confectioners. They’ll also be able to take a ride at the Fairground, do a spot of Edwardian shopping at The 1900s Town stall and complete the family flower trail around the museum. Under the Step 2 rules, the museum cannot yet open its indoor attractions and buildings, or run its transport, with the exception of the wheelchair accessible bus, which will be operating on an on-call basis. Photo: JPI Media
4. Washington Wetland Centre
Washington Wetland Centre has reopened its grounds. Online booking has opened and to keep within covid guidelines, there will be daily limits on the number of visitors. The centre, run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), will manage numbers to maintain social distancing. All visitors must book online including people who visit free of charge such as WWT members, children under four and carers. Photo: submitted