Tunstall Area & Property Guide

Tunstall, situated just south of Sunderland, is a desirable location to call home. These days, it’s mostly a privately purchased estate with some great contemporary properties; and it’s the perfect spot for homebuyers who are looking for more spacious houses for their families.

The area is built around a large hill – and indeed, was named after it. At Easter, several pilgrims climb to the top of the hill to place a cross at the top; this is a tradition that has been continued since the 1960s.

Due to its proximity to Sunderland, many of the local residents choose to head to the coast for days out, or for evening entertainment. However, if you’re looking for a quiet night nearer to home, there are some excellent pubs near Tunstall, which are just a short stroll away.

The area is also served by some good basic amenities, including a post office and several bus stops, taking travellers to Sunderland and beyond. For those seeking quality accommodation in a renowned suburban area, this could be the ideal spot.

If you’re looking for a large detached property, offering several bedrooms, an ample garden and a driveway, Tunstall is the ideal place to start your search. However, that’s not to say that it doesn’t cater for first-time buyers, or those working to a budget. In fact, there are some fantastic apartments and terraced houses, which are on the market for far less than the national average.

At the upper end of the market, buyers can expect to see some impressive detached homes; with many having been designed by top local architects. In these homes, you’ll not only find plentiful living space and bedrooms, but also some attractive design features, which really make the properties stand out.

There are also plenty of excellently-sized family homes available. Most of the houses in this area are modern, and as such, they offer airy, spacious accommodation. There are a few older properties on the market, particularly in the south of the area, which borders with Silksworth. These tend to go quite quickly, thanks to their original features and cosy layouts.

Apartments are well represented too. Some have two or even three bedrooms, and offer good living accommodation, minus the price-tag.

Tunstall is a pleasant area to live in, with some great green spaces in the vicinity. This is ideal if you have a dog that needs walking, or you like to take an afternoon stroll from time to time. The area to the south of Tunstall is particularly scenic, with plenty of green fields; which feels a world away from the bustle of the city. Alternatively, head over to Backhouse Park (to the north-east of the area), which is an attractive place for a morning jog.

For a night out in Tunstall, there’s the popular Rosedene pub and The Ashbrooke. It’s a converted Georgian mansion with a lovely garden; perfect for warm summer nights after work. You’ll also find a Toby’s Carvery here, which is a good place to head to for Sunday lunch with the family.

Silksworth Sports Complex is only a short distance away. Its star attraction is undoubtedly the outdoor ski slope, though there are two nursery slopes inside for the kids. There’s also a skate park, and football pitches. Sandhill Sports Centre, which is to the west of Tunstall, has a swimming pool and also has a well-equipped gym for locals to use. Ashbrooke Sports Club is another great spot in the area for cricket, rugby, tennis, squash, bowls, hockey and even have their own running club.

The Range is close by, which is regularly visited by shoppers from all over the city. Alternatively, keen shoppers may wish to hop on a bus and travel to Sunderland itself, which has all the major high street stores, plus several great boutique shops. Here, you’ll also find some great attractions and cinemas, libraries and bowling alleys.

There are a few local convenience stores close to Tunstall, which is useful if you need to stock up on essentials. The Spar on Durham Road has all the basics and there’s also Wilson’s Convenience Store, just to the north of the region. There’s also a large Sainsbury’s close by and a Morrisons Daily.

Families will be pleased to know that there are also some good schools in the area. St Leonard’s RC Primary School is popular, as is The Venerable Bede Church of England Academy. There’s also St Aidan's Catholic Academy, St Anthony's Girls' Catholic Academy, St Mary's RC Primary School, Hill View Junior Academy and Argyle House Private School.

Tunstall is also a great option for commuters. The multiple bus stops take travellers to the heart of Sunderland in a matter of minutes. From there, it’s easy to catch the train to Newcastle and Durham.