Situated in the Tyne and Wear region of the North East of England, the city of Sunderland sits on the mouth of the River Wear.

Sunderland was once known principally as an industrial city, particularly involved in the shipbuilding industry as well as in glass production. However the area saw a general decline in both these industries and they are now largely non existent. The transitional period till new sources of income and employment was difficult for Sunderland. However largely due the skills and highly developed work ethics of the working population of the local people, new industries developed in the area which has undergone an economic and cultural revival in recent years. Visitors to the city will be impressed as to the new and regenerated city center which boasts as good an opportunity for shopping and entertainment as you will find anywhere in the UK. Many of these centers are situated on the banks of the River Wear where once the tall cranes, symbols of shipbuilding in the city, once stood. Nowadays, bars, restaurants and outside cafes ply their trade to the local population and visitors to the city. The clean and compact center of Sunderland lies on the southern shores of the River Wear. Within a few minutes walking distance is the city’s Mowbray Park that takes in the Sunderland Museum and the Winter Gardens, a modern masterpiece of steel and glass. Rising out of the ashes of the city’s now practically defunct glass industry is the city’s National Glass Center, where examples of the works of the Sunderland’s glass blowing craftsmen are on display.

The north east of England holds many surprises for the visitor, and it is possible t to reach them all through a short journey by car. Visitors to the region never fail to be entranced by the cobble streets of the quaint city of Durham, with its imposing Cathedral going back to Norman times. The beaches of the North East are no less attractive than in any other part of the country, and if you are looking for an example of typical holiday town, then there is none better than South Shields, only half an hour’s drive from Sunderland.

Renting a car can be an economical way to travel around Sunderland and the region. There are several pick up areas around the city with discounts are on offer for rentals of three days and over. Car Hire in Sunderland comes as a ‘fully inclusive’ package which includes unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver, passenger indemnity insurance and cover for third party, fire and theft – and usually insurance excess. To rent a car anywhere in the United Kingdom, you must show a full driver's licence and a credit card in the driver’s name. Cars are usually rented to customers between the ages of 21 to 70 years. Hiring a car is a great idea if you want to use Sunderland as your base for a three day minimum travel experience around the region.