Sheffield Sunderland Train

Sheffield is a city located in South Yorkshire and takes its name from the River Sheaf which runs through the city. The city lies in the valleys of the River Don and its four tributaries, the Loxley, the Porter Brook, the Rivelin and the Sheaf. The city has gained a reputation for its steel production which began in the 19th century. The city is home to many innovations including crucible and stainless steel which led to an almost tenfold increase in its population during the Industrial Revolution. Sheffield is a very green city with more than 250 parks, woodlands and gardens in the city.

Sheffield is a major retail centre and is home to many national chain stores, department stores and designer boutiques. The main shopping areas in the city centre are The Moor precinct, Fargate, Orchard Square and the Devonshire Quarter. Outside the city centre is Meadowhall shopping centre and retail park.

Sheffield has been home to several well-known bands and musicians, with an unusually large number of synthpop and other electronic bands originating from the city. These include The Human League, Heaven 17 and ABC. Also the Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Paul Carrack, Richard Hawley and Joe Cocker were either born or established in Sheffield.

The city of Sunderland in the north east of England has an enviable location, set right on the mouth of the River Wear next to a beautiful coastline and surrounded by easily accessible countryside. The city also has many heritage, cultural and sporting attractions and you will find that Sunderland has something for everyone. Sunderland has many things to see and do including the Sunderland Empire Theatre, St Peters Church which produced the Venerable Bede, Europe's greatest 8th century scholar, the award winning Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens and for energetic types, the Sunderland Wall and Silksworth Sports Complex offer climbing, skiing and snowboarding while Adventure Sunderland has facilities for windsurfers, kayakers and divers. Sunderland's green spaces and coastline make an ideal setting for a number of outdoor festivals and events. From the adrenaline rush of the Red Arrows at the Sunderland International Airshow to open air movies at the Sunderland Festival, to traditional ox roasting and fireworks at Houghton Feast, there is always something going on in Sunderland to suit all tastes. After a day exploring the city's museums and galleries why not take time out for a spot of retail therapy! The retail heart of the city is centred around The Bridges Shopping Centre, where over 100 top name high street sit side by side along the bright and airy walkways.