High Barnes Area & Property Guide

High Barnes is a very popular residential suburb in Sunderland. Equidistant to the city centre and A19, it offers the best of both worlds; a more laid-back suburban lifestyle combined with all the attractions of a major city close at hand. Many local amenities include Barnes Park and local shopping facilities on Chester Road. There are some lovely walks into the city centre or across the countryside to Penshaw Monument and Herrington Country Park, a perfect place for an afternoon stroll or an early morning run!

The area was little more than fields until the Middle Ages when a succession of wealthy families owned the land; the Daltons, the Bowes, the Ettricks and the Pembertons. These four families provided the names of the four nearby Barnes Junior School houses. High Barnes suffered significant damage in World War II after bombs destroyed several Colchester Terrace and Nora Street homes. However, the area has recovered so well that no sign of this remains.

In addition to the city itself, residents of High Barnes will enjoy the proximity to some of the North-East’s most attractive beaches, such as Roker and Seaburn. Both can be reached in just a few minutes. As for the area itself? There are plenty of amenities for the locals, including restaurants, convenience stores, shops and more. All this, combined with easy access to Millfield Metro Station.

The property market in High Barnes is varied, with everything on offer, from cosy single-story terraced bungalows, which are unique to Sunderland and known as cottages, to spacious detached houses.

You’ll also find a wide variety of architectural styles for homebuyers. There are some attractive Victorian and Georgian properties for those who like period accommodation, with many retaining their original features. Some smaller terraced period properties are excellent for first-time buyers, as they offer a good balance of character and generous dimensions without a hefty price tag.

The area is also well-known for its characterful dormer cottages, with their deceptively spacious layout inside. These are usually popular and tend to be snapped up quickly.

For more space, buyers may gravitate towards the 1920s and 1930s semi-detached homes, often with driveways and gardens. Some large detached properties in High Barnes are also excellent for those with growing families.

Contemporary accommodation is also well-represented. This area has many modern properties, from retro 1970s and 1980s homes to new-build developments. Although few apartments are on the market, they become available occasionally and are ideal for professional couples or new buyers.

Barnes Park is arguably High Barnes’ most notable attraction. After being awarded a regeneration grant in 2009, it’s been transformed into one of the city’s most popular natural locations and is Sunderland’s largest park. You’ll find play areas, tennis courts, a café and several walking trails here, making it the perfect spot for a lazy Sunday afternoon with the family.

High Barnes also has highly regarded restaurants, such as The Broadway (a steak house) and San Marino restaurant, which serves Italian cuisine.

You can pop into local pubs along Chester Road, including The Chesters if you want a good night out. From there, you can walk into the city centre, which has a great selection of bars and restaurants to choose from. However, you could also go to a quieter pub like the Rosedene on Queen Alexandra Road. Sunderland city centre is around a 10-minute walk away, and there are also several local buses taking people into the city throughout the day.

There are also some lovely independent shops in the area, such as Kitchens Complete and Charlotte’s House of Flowers. Additionally, there are plenty of convenience stores and newsagents, such as the Spar shops on Chester Road and Ewesley Road.

For active residents, there are running trails in Barnes Park and numerous sports facilities in the region. These include Barnes Basketball Courts and Sandhill Sports Centre, which has a swimming pool and gym.

The University City Campus and Sunderland Royal Hospital are within walking distance, and the A19 is just a 2 minutes drive from High Barnes, making it a perfect area for those commuting to Newcastle, Durham and Middlesbrough. Doxford International Business Park and the Nissan Motor Manufacturing plant are just 5 to 10 minutes' drive away.

High Barnes Schools

Families with children will be happy to know that there are also some well-regarded schools in the vicinity. Barnes Infant and Junior School is in the region's heart, and Richard Avenue Primary School is near Barnes Park. The Barbara Priestman Academy, a specialist school for children on the autistic spectrum, is also nearby.

High Barnes Travel

Residents of High Barnes have virtually everything they need on their doorstep. Walking to Sunderland train station only takes a few minutes, which connects with Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham, Edinburgh and London.