Keel Square
Sunderland's modern urban hub for events, dining, and family fun, featuring interactive fountains and vibrant public spaces.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy outdoor events and dining
Keel Square
Best Time
Enjoy outdoor events and dining
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sunderland's modern urban hub for events, dining, and family fun, featuring interactive fountains and vibrant public spaces.
"A great new upcoming sq that holds concerts markets and other various social activities its lovely looking with sculptures seating areas."
Check Event Schedules
Keel Square hosts many events; check listings to catch festivals, shows, or markets. :calendar:
Explore New Eateries
Several new restaurants and cafes are opening, offering diverse culinary experiences. :forkandknife:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Stages Festival
Keel Square
Experience electrifying music festivals with top artists, creating a buzzing atmosphere. :musical_note:
Sunderland Fashion Show
Keel Square
Witness bold styles and creative energy on the catwalk, celebrating local and emerging designers. :dress:
Water Features & Sculptures
Keel Square
Enjoy interactive fountains and modern sculptures, creating a visually appealing and playful environment. :art:
Women's Rugby World Cup Launch
Keel Square
Feel the excitement of major sporting events, with the square often hosting significant launches and celebrations. :trophy:
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Event Hub & Family Fun
Dining & Entertainment Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Event Schedules
Keel Square hosts many events; check listings to catch festivals, shows, or markets. :calendar:
Explore New Eateries
Several new restaurants and cafes are opening, offering diverse culinary experiences. :forkandknife:
Enjoy the Fountains
Great spot for kids to play in the water features during warmer months. :child:
Local Pub Crawl
The Botanist and Keel Tavern are on the square, with many other pubs nearby. :beer:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Event Schedules
Keel Square hosts many events; check listings to catch festivals, shows, or markets. :calendar:
Explore New Eateries
Several new restaurants and cafes are opening, offering diverse culinary experiences. :forkandknife:
Enjoy the Fountains
Great spot for kids to play in the water features during warmer months. :child:
Local Pub Crawl
The Botanist and Keel Tavern are on the square, with many other pubs nearby. :beer:
Fashion Forward
The Sunderland Fashion Show brings vibrant style and creative energy to the square. :dress:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Keel Square is praised as a modern, clean, and vibrant city centre space that's excellent for families and events. Visitors appreciate the growing number of dining and entertainment options, as well as the interactive fountains and public art. While ongoing development is noted, the overall sentiment is positive, highlighting its transformation into a key community hub. :star2:
"Great area with access to the Bridge's Shopping centre and on the square there's restaurant's, pubs the theatre and great music venues and hotels are all near to keel square. It's used for Christmas, big events like Pride, big sporting events Especially the Football and also the fountains and water pools for the children to play in and around the water.
It's a beautiful space for families to get together.
And when the new Sunderland Culture House Sunderland, a multi-million pound, four-story venue set to open this autumn.
It will house the City Library, various galleries including an immersion gallery, podcasting studios, and an event space. There's also a new pavilion structure with a large immersive screen, which is there for at least 2 year's. Sunderland is a growing and friendly City. Amazing."
james magee
"What an great venue, Keel Square is turning out to be..
Giant TV, stage for entertainment, seating..
Great food and drink available locally if not expensive!
Just take your own tbh.."
Scott Burrows
"Its a great new upcoming sq that holds concerts markets and other various social activities its lovely looking with sculptures seating areas little green spaces & fountains woth bars cafes hotels pubs & restaurants woth more been added and a new culture house been built with the surrounding area Riverside Sunderland in major development."
Davey Allan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Keel Square is centrally located in Sunderland city centre, easily accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and Sunderland train station is a short walk away. If driving, there are several car parks in the vicinity. :bus: :train:
Yes, Keel Square is designed with modern accessibility in mind, featuring flat surfaces and ramps, making it easy to navigate with wheelchairs and prams. :wheelchair:
Several car parks are available near Keel Square, including those at The Bridges Shopping Centre and other city centre locations. It's advisable to check parking availability and costs in advance. :car:
Absolutely! Keel Square is a pleasant and short walk from Sunderland train station, making it a convenient destination for rail travelers. :walking:
While specific park and ride services directly to Keel Square might vary, utilizing the city's public transport network from outskirts car parks is a viable option for reaching the city centre. :park_park:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Keel Square itself is a public space and generally free to enter. However, specific events like music festivals or ticketed performances held within the square may require admission fees. :ticket:
As a public square, Keel Square is accessible at all times. However, individual businesses and venues within the square will have their own operating hours. :clock:
For popular restaurants and during peak times, booking a table in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. :restaurant:
The Sunderland Fashion Show held at Keel Square typically offers free entry, making it an accessible event for everyone to enjoy the latest trends. :moneywithwings:
Keep an eye on local Sunderland event listings, social media pages for Keel Square, and the websites of venues located within the square for the most up-to-date event information. :computer:
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Keel Square is becoming a culinary hotspot with a variety of restaurants and cafes, including popular spots like The Botanist, The Muddler, and Flower Cafe, offering diverse cuisines. :pizza: :coffee:
Yes, Keel Square features pubs like The Botanist and Keel Tavern, with many other popular drinking establishments like The Peacock and The Dun Cow located nearby. :beer_mug:
Keel Square is adjacent to The Bridges Shopping Centre, offering a wide range of retail outlets. :shopping_bags:
Many of the restaurants and cafes in Keel Square are family-friendly, offering varied menus that cater to different tastes. The water features also provide entertainment for children. :family_mmb:
Certainly! Flower Cafe Sunderland is a beautiful new addition to Keel Square, perfect for a coffee break or a light bite. :coffee_cup:
📸 📸 Photography & Sights
Capture the modern architecture, the interactive fountains, and the vibrant atmosphere, especially during events or at sunset. The new Keel Crossing bridge also offers unique perspectives. :camera:
Keel Square features modern sculptures and public art installations that add to its aesthetic appeal and provide interesting photographic subjects. :statueofliberty:
The Keel Crossing is a new bridge offering impressive views of the stadium and the surrounding area, making it a great spot for photography, especially when lit up. :bridgeatnight:
Yes, capturing the energy of events like music festivals, fashion shows, or sporting celebrations is encouraged, but always be mindful of other attendees. :microphone:
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting. Evenings are also great for capturing the square lit up, especially during events. :sunriseovermountains:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With a growing number of family-friendly restaurants and cafes, finding a meal to suit everyone is easy. The open space of the square also allows children room to move around. Keep an eye out for family-oriented events and markets that are frequently hosted here, adding an extra layer of fun to your visit. :ice_cream:
🍽️ Foodies & Drink Enthusiasts
For those who enjoy a drink, the square and its immediate surroundings offer a good selection of pubs and bars, from modern establishments to traditional real ale pubs. It's an ideal location for a pub crawl or a relaxed evening enjoying local brews and cocktails. :beer_mug:
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Visiting during event days, like the fashion show or music festivals, provides opportunities to capture vibrant scenes and energetic crowds. Golden hour also offers beautiful lighting for capturing the square's ambiance. Don't miss the chance to photograph the square lit up at night, especially when events are taking place. :sunriseovermountains:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Keel Square: A Modern Urban Hub
The area has seen significant investment, leading to the opening of new restaurants, cafes, and bars, such as The Botanist, The Muddler, and Flower Cafe. These establishments contribute to Keel Square's reputation as a go-to destination for food and drinks. Beyond dining, the square frequently hosts a variety of events, from music festivals like 'The Stages' to fashion shows and celebrations for major sporting occasions, drawing large crowds and adding to the city's vibrant cultural calendar. :party_popper:
Furthermore, Keel Square is strategically located near key Sunderland attractions, including The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland Empire Theatre, and The Fire Station. The development of the surrounding Riverside Sunderland area, including the new Sunderland Culture House, further solidifies Keel Square's role as a central hub for leisure, culture, and community engagement. The recent opening of the Keel Crossing bridge also enhances connectivity and offers new vantage points for exploration and photography. :camerawithflash:
Events and Entertainment at Keel Square
Major sporting events also find a home here, with the square having hosted celebrations for the Women's Rugby World Cup, highlighting its capacity to accommodate significant public gatherings. The presence of a stage and large screen further enhances its suitability for concerts, markets, and other social activities. Visitors can often find entertainment ranging from traditional wartime celebrations to contemporary music acts, ensuring there's something for everyone. :trophy: :microphone:
Beyond scheduled events, the square's design with seating areas and open spaces makes it a pleasant place to gather. The addition of new venues and the ongoing development of the surrounding Riverside Sunderland area promise even more opportunities for entertainment and cultural experiences in the future. It's advisable to check local listings for the most current event schedules to plan your visit accordingly. :calendar:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit