Roker Park

Roker Park is a protected garden space in Sunderland shaped like an inverted L, running from Park Parade down to Side Cliff Road. A ravine cuts through the grounds and leads directly to Roker Beach, creating a natural link between the park and the coastline.

The land came from Sir Hedworth Williamson in 1880, who donated it as a recreation space for the local community. This gift marked the beginning of what became a protected green space that continues to serve the area.

The park holds a protected drinking fountain built by Sunday School members to commemorate the park's opening and mark a century of Sunday School activity. This memorial shows how community groups shaped public spaces and remains a point of local connection for visitors today.

The central lake allows for remote-controlled model boating, and tennis courts plus multi-purpose sports fields offer other activities. The sloping terrain toward the beach can be demanding in wet conditions, so visitors should plan accordingly.

A narrow gauge railway runs through the northwest section of the park, adding an unexpected historic charm to the grounds. In autumn, the park becomes an illuminated display, transforming the green space into something quite different for evening visitors.

Location: Sunderland

Inception: 1880

GPS coordinates: 54.92540,-1.36934

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:05