Sat on the coast of the city of Sunderland is a small beach, tucked away between Roker Pier and Sunderland Marina, which has been awarded one of the UK’s Blue Flag Awards for 2024.

Roker Beach, described as “one of the unsung hidden gems of the northeast English coast” by beachguide.co.uk, made it onto the list of 72 beaches in the UK to be granted the prestigious award.

The beach and the nearby Roker Park, both share their name with the city’s former football ground, prior to the opening of the Stadium of Light in 1997.

The beach is a sandy stretch, which allows dogs during certain months of the year and is popular for water sports.

Even in the winter months, you can see brave swimmers taking the plunge here, along with paddle boarding, canoeing, windsurfing and skiing.

Roker is also popular among fishing enthusiasts, with local fishermen regularly lined up along the historic pier.

This stretch of coastline is popular for walks, with the promenade leading onto Seaburn Beach and further along to Whitburn.

You can expect to be greeted with beautiful views of the North Sea and sometimes dramatic waves.

At certain times of the year, you may even be greeted by dolphins which are welcomed by the locals. In May 2023, the local newspaper the Sunderland Echo reported sightings of a pod of approximately eight dolphins playing in the water.

You can find several newly opened cafés and bars along this stretch of beach, as well as a children’s playground.

Just a stone’s throw from the beach are the area’s arcades, which have been a firm favourite for many years.

Blue Flag awards are only granted to coastal destinations that boast the highest quality of water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management. Over the years, the importance of the Blue Flag Award scheme has driven local councils and managers to improve the quality of their beaches.