Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
Sunderland, Tyne and Wear
About Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
In the Sunderland Museum discover the history of the City from its prehistoric past to the present day in exciting displays interpreting the collections with hands-on exhibits, computer interactives and video presentations.
The amazing new Winter Gardens is home to over 1,500 of the world's most exotic and unusual flowers and trees. The Gardens also include exciting water features and a stunning treetop walkway, from which visitors can look down on the plants below.
See wonderfully crafted quilts, rag rugs, embroideries and ganseys representing the rich tradition of textile crafts found in this region. Hear the story of 'How the frog got into the mug' and look at the inspiration behind the style and decoration of the pots in the world's largest collection of Sunderland-made pottery. Plus displays on glass making, pottery, coal, shipbuilding, multi-media presentations and an intriguing look at the deep social and physical history of the region.
In the Worlds Alive exhibit, hundreds of animals have been brought together to show the huge variety of life that exists on the planet. Explore the themes of diversity, adaptation and extinction and see animals at home in a range of recreated habitats. Live insects, spiders, amphibians and fish are all part of the attraction.
Plus see fine oil paintings and watercolours in all the splendour of a Victorian collector's private gallery. Many works by LS Lowry are also newly displayed and, for the first time, art from other cultures can be seen in a showcase of beautiful objects from around the world. A programme of regularly changing special exhibitions can also be seen. The Museum also runs regular activities for all ages throughout the holiday periods.
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 16:00
Sunday 12:00 - 16:00
Pricing & Tickets
Free admission
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens by visiting our attraction tickets section.
FAQs
Contact Details
Verification & Last Updated
Claim Status:Claim
This attraction has not been claimed and verified. Own this attraction? Claim it now.
Last Updated: 13:41 26/02/2026
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens Reviews
Recent blog posts
As we’re nearing mid-June, the one month countdown to the school summer holidays is well and truly on and if you haven’t already started planning ahead, NOW is the time to do so… The UK Family Days Out Everyone’s Booking This Summer BeWILDerwood Norfolk Ready and waiting to welcome adventurers of all ages, BeWILDerwood Norfolk…
Discover 10 brilliant free days out across the UK, led by Manchester Museum. Perfect family ideas for budget-friendly adventures without entry fees.
The arrival of June signals just one thing: SUMMER has officially landed! We know you’re itching to dive into sun-drenched family adventures and soak up every second of the great outdoors before it’s gone. Keep scrolling for our weekly top picks of attractions… The UK Family Days Out Everyone’s Booking This Summer Wonderland, Telford Get…
Wow what a SCORCHER this May half-term has been! Whilst it might be back to routines sooner than you’d like, the fun needn’t be over as there’s still plenty going on for you and your family to enjoy! Check out these trending family attractions you won’t want to miss out on: The Days Out Families…
May Half Term 2026 – Best Days Out May half term is one of the best times of year to get the kids out of the house: warmer weather, longer days and a packed calendar of limited-time family events. To make planning easier, we’ve pulled together the best May Half Term 2026 days out from…
May half-term has officially arrived, and with a week of glorious sunshine ahead, it is the perfect time for an outdoor adventure! We have rounded up everything you need for the ultimate break. Searching for inspiration? We have found some fantastic last-minute options to help you plan a truly memorable trip. Attractions nationwide are launching…
May half-term is certainly on the horizon now, which means it’s time to start planning some unforgettable family days out! With Whit Week just around the corner, attractions across the country are gearing up for a packed schedule of special events, live entertainment, thrilling rides, and seasonal activities perfect for all ages. Below is a…
It’s that time of the week again when you start scratching your head as to where to take the children this weekend. Well, there’s no need to worry as we’ve got you covered with a whole range of entertaining activities suitable for your youngest right up to your eldest. Below is a list of all…