- Play Hard
- 10th Sep 2025
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Girls day out in Sunderland: where to eat, go and shop
From brunch overlooking the Roker pier to finding gems in the local charity shops, a day out in Sunderland might just be what you and your friends need.
Breakfast with a view
Start your day with brunch at Love Lily where you’ll find everything from avocado toast to loaded pancakes. They also have curated their drinks menu with specialty lattes and matchas.
We’re obsessed with their Mango Coconut Iced Matcha and their Pistachio Latte, and enjoying it on their outdoor patio overlooking the sea? Perfection.
HLN top tip: Love Lily’s patio is dog friendly and even has a Pups Who Brunch menu!
Head to the city centre
Take some time to enjoy the white sandy beach before heading into the city centre. It’s only a thirty minute walk to town that takes you past the National Glass Museum as well as past St. Peter’s Church, one of the oldest churches in Britain.
Plenty of time to catch up and chat with the girls before you’re popping into Ashbrooke home to browse, then to Port Independent to shop and grab a coffee from their in-house coffee shop.
Explore a tropical paradise
A must-visit if you’re in Sunderland is the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens. Explore this magical indoor garden filled with tropical plants all the way up to the glass ceiling. Wander past the koi pond, birds of paradise and palm trees then grab a group photo at the top of the winding staircase.
Break for lunch
When you’re ready for lunch, simply cross the street and discover Cafe Floriana. All of their plates are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Or, for a healthy quick bite, try The Good Apple Cafe instead. A fully vegan menu with soup and sandwiches and specials like thai green curry and tex mex burrito.
Wander through the charity shops
Head to Blanford street, the best street in Sunderland for charity shop after charity shop. Stroll in and out of each shop for some unique vintage finds at charity shop prices. Some of our faves are Age UK, The Salvation Army Shop and the British Heart Foundation.
Dinner alfresco
Once you’ve shopped your heart out, cross back over the bridge and something to eat and drink from Sheepfolds Stables.
Their cozy outdoor seating always has live music plus you’ll find cocktails from Mother Mercy, donuts from Deep North, pints from Taproom and slices from I Scream for Pizza – we truly couldn’t ask for more!
If you don’t already have a girls day in the diary, it’s definitely overdue. Swap your usual coffee and catch up for a day of exploring, shopping and dining somewhere new.
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