The Venue

We want FYNAC26 to be as welcoming and accessible as possible for all delegates.

The University of Sunderland works in partnership with AccessAble to provide detailed accessibility information for its campuses, buildings and teaching spaces. These guides include facts, measurements and photographs to help visitors plan ahead with confidence. Information covers areas such as step-free routes, accessible toilets, parking, lifts, hearing loops, room layouts, entrances and travel routes.

Please find additional information here

There are a number of convenient ways to travel to Sunderland.

Park Lane bus station is on the national coach network and is an affordable method of travelling around the UK. The coach station is also just a five-minute walk from our City Campus.

The city has recently undergone refurbishment of the central train station, which is on the national rail network and offers easy access to London and Edinburgh from Sunderland.

Car

Delegates travelling by car are very welcome.

Parking at the conference venue is included in your ticket price.

To access parking, delegates will need to register their vehicle details with us in advance. Further information on how to do this will be shared closer to the conference date.

Train

Sunderland Station is the city’s main rail hub, where all train services arrive. It has connections to a range of major cities, including Newcastle, York, and London.

Located in the city centre, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk to City Campus and 20–30 minutes to St Peter’s Campus via the scenic Wearmouth Bridge. For a quicker route, you can take the Metro from Sunderland Central to St Peter’s Campus and walk along the riverside (around 15 minutes).

There are also taxis available from outside the main station entrance, and a Metro stop for onward travel.

Plane

Sunderland's closest airport is Newcastle International Airport.

If you have flown to Newcastle from outside the UK, you will access the airport terminal via the international arrival gate.

If you have taken a connecting flight from another UK airport, you will arrive via the domestic arrivals gate, and this is the gate closest to the Metro station.

 You will have several options for travelling to Sunderland city centre:

• Get a taxi from the airport – a taxi journey from the airport can cost between £45 and £60, depending on time and availability. You can confirm the price before you book your travel

• Metro is the region's light rail transport network. It is frequent, reliable and affordable. Many students use the Metro to travel from the airport to Sunderland. The Metro ride from the airport to Sunderland city centre takes about an hour.

Bus

Park Lane is the main bus hub in the city, and the station also has a Metro stop with the same name. City Campus is a short walk away, and the city's main shopping area can be reached in under five minutes.

Sunderland Coach Station is also located at Park Lane Interchange.

The University is well-connected by a range of local bus services. To find the best route for your journey, we recommend using Traveline.

Metro

The Metro system is split into two lines. The green line covers the airport, Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland. Ticket machines accept both card and cash payments.

If you are travelling from the Airport to Sunderland, you need to buy a ticket that covers zones A, B, and C. You can change the language on the ticket machines. Only one line services the airport, so don't worry about getting on the wrong line. The journey will take around one hour.

The two ticket options are:

• Single – One-way only, ideal for trips like from the airport to your accommodation

• Daysaver – Unlimited travel in chosen zones for a day. This is often cheaper than buying multiple singles.

The nearest Metro stop varies depending on your destination. These are the closest Metro stations to our locations:

• City Campus: University

• Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s, Panns Bank and Scotia Quay: St Peter's.

Stops of interest also include:

• Stadium of Light: For Sunderland's historic football club

• Seaburn: Ideal for visiting Sunderland's fantastic beaches

• Newcastle Central Station – Newcastle's biggest train station with National Rail connections

• Park Lane – Sunderland's main bus station. It also has a Metro stop providing direct access to the city centre.

Preferred Hotel Partner

We are pleased to be working with the Hilton Garden Inn Sunderland, where delegates can access a reduced conference rate using the code:

Discount Code: FYNAC

The hotel is opposite the Stadium of Light and is approximately a 20 minute walk to the University Campus though we are aiming to put on the University campus bus for travelling as well.

Evening of Day One – 8 July 2026

Join us after Day One of the conference for a fantastic evening social event at the iconic Stadium of Light.

We will gather in the lively 76 Yards Bar for a relaxed and memorable evening featuring:

• Traditional pie and peas supper

• Selection of desserts

• Live ceilidh entertainment

• Networking with colleagues from across the sector

• A unique venue experience in one of the North East’s most recognisable landmarks

The pies will be created by award-winning Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks, offering a delicious twist on a much-loved classic.

This is the perfect opportunity to unwind, make connections, and enjoy great food, music and company.

Cost

£40 per person

Booking

Please click here to book