Sunderland Lichfield Train

Sunderland is a city in Tyne and Wear in the north east of England. It lies at the mouth of the River Wear which also runs through the city with the two sides of the city connected by the Queen Alexandra Bridge at Pallion and the Wearmouth Bridge just north of the city centre. Much of the city is located on a low range of hills running parallel to the coast.

Over the centuries the city grew as a port, trading coal and salt. The city also began shipbuilding in the 14th century and was once regarded as being the "Largest Shipbuilding Town in the World" and by the 19th century Sunderland had grown to absorb Bishopwearmouth and Monkwearmouth.

Following the decline in the city's shipbuilding, the shipyards along the Wear were redeveloped into a mixture of residential, commercial and leisure facilities which includes St. Peter's Campus of the University of Sunderland, the North Haven housing and marina development, the National Glass Centre, the Stadium of Light, home to Sunderland Football Club, and the Riverside Retail Park. Adjacent to the Stadium of Light is the Sunderland Aquatic Centre which contains the only Olympic size swimming pool between Leeds and Edinburgh.

Located in the county of Staffordshire, the city of Lichfield lies just to the north of Birmingham and is steeped in heritage with lots of things to do and see for the whole family. Whilst in the city why not pay a visit to the Georgian home of Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles Darwin and leading doctor, botanist, inventor and poet of the 18th century. The house is located in the idyllic surroundings of Cathedral Close and contains many interactive displays and a herb garden. Any trip to Lichfield must include a visit to the 800 year old cathedral which has treasures including the 8th century St Chad Gospels, 16th century Flemish Glass, monuments by Chantrey and Epstein and the 20th century Lang Lichfield Silver Commission. Located a few miles from Lichfield is Drayton Manor Theme Park with some of the biggest, scariest and wettest rides around. Thrill seekers will love the adrenaline-inducing drop-tower, Apocalypse, stand-up coaster, Shockwave, splash-tastic log flume, Stormforce 10, gyro-swing, and Maelstrom. The park is also home to Europe's only Thomas Land™ which features 21 rides and attractions based on the popular Thomas & Friends™ TV series, including Cranky’s Drop Tower, the Troublesome Trucks Coaster and Winston’s Whistle Stop Tour.