Sunderland is well-known for its football and the Stadium of Light is less than 15 minutes’ drive away for those who enjoy the beautiful game, or alternatively the many live concerts staged there. The city also has rugby and cricket clubs, as well as many sporting facilities, including the Sunderland Aquatic centre with its Olympic size swimming pool and the Silksworth Sports Complex & Ski Slope – the only dry ski slope in the North East. The latter also has floodlit all-weather football pitches and an athletics track – home to Sunderland Harriers & Athletics Club.
Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis & Wellness Centre, two miles from Burdon Rise, organises fitness classes and tennis lessons; it has a gym, swimming pool and 18 tennis courts, both indoor and outdoor.
The Empire Theatre 10 minutes by car from the development, hosts a comprehensive programme of family entertainment, live music, drama and comedy, while community theatre The Royalty stages several plays each season, including a family pantomime at Christmas. Film fans can catch up with the latest blockbusters at the Empire in the city centre and Cineworld at Dalton Park – both around 15 minutes’ drive away.
Sunderland’s location close to the coast means sandy beaches are just a short car journey away. Award-winning Seaburn and Roker beaches are popular with families drawn by their golden sands and traditional cafés, as is neighbouring Roker Park with its miniature railway, lake and children’s play areas.