Roker and Seaburn

About Roker and Seaburn

Roker and Seaburn are Sunderland's main sandy beaches, running north from Roker Pier at the mouth of the River Wear, a river with a long glassmaking history. The open sand is less productive, but the rocks by the pier and at Seaburn's Cat and Dog Steps trap material between tides.

Sea glass at Roker and Seaburn

Visitors report the odd piece of sea glass among the sand and pebbles; green, white, brown and pale blue are most common. Work the rocks at Roker Pier, the Cat and Dog Steps and the quieter stretch towards South Bents, especially after a stormy high tide.

Visiting Roker and Seaburn

Getting there

For the Cat and Dog Steps, park on Stanhope Street, cross the seafront road and go down to the rocks. Seaburn and St Peter's Metro stations are within walking distance.

Parking

Pay car parks at Roker (Harbour View, Marine Walk) and Seaburn (Dykelands Road), plus seafront pay and display.

Toilets

Available on both the Roker and Seaburn seafronts.

Safety

Check the tide times before you go and head out on a falling tide, so you're never cut off. Keep away from the bottom of cliffs, wear sturdy shoes on rocks, and only take sea glass and other man-made rubbish: pebbles, sand and shells should stay on the beach.