Living in Houghton-le-Spring

Quality of life is about the details of everyday living. From the little things, like knowing the nearest place to pick up a pint of milk, to more important matters like finding the right school or having a health centre nearby, you need to know that the community you’re moving to will support you and your family, as well as being a pleasant place to live. So here’s some useful information about the area around Scholars Gate.

Leisure & Recreation
The Philadelphia, a family-friendly local with a children's play area and live music twice a month, is just quarter of a mile from Scholars Gate, and the nearby Philadelphia Cricket and Community Club hosts a number of fitness classes and community events. There is also a Sports Centre and Wellness Centre in Houghton-le-Spring that includes a modern gym, sports facilities, a skate park and a soft play area for children.

Transport
Scholars Gate is less than a mile from the intersection of the A182 and A183, and just three and a half miles from the A1(M) giving fast access to the whole region. The area is well served by buses linking the local communities, with several services passing along Philadelphia lane, 350 yards from the development, and some running adjacent to Scholars Gate.

Outdoor Activities
Scholars Gate is surrounded by parks, open green areas and sports grounds. Amongst the attractions, New Herrington Recreational Park incorporates a playground and sports pitches, and the magnificent Herrington Country Park, one of the largest parks in Sunderland and home to miles of walks and cycle trails as well as special events and open-air concerts, is just half a mile away. The Penshaw Monument, a striking, local landmark visible from miles around is a pleasant half-mile walk from the park, and there is also an 18-hole parkland golf course at Houghton-le Spring.

Shopping
Local shops include a Co-op supermarket, a newsagent and convenience store incorporating a post office, a second convenience store and off-licence, and a Numark pharmacy, all within half a mile of Scholars Gate. The village also has a selection of food takeaways, specialist shops and services such as hairdressers. There is a wider selection in the lively town centre of Houghton-le-Spring, two miles away.

Recycling Facilities
Recycling bins in the car park of the Shoulder of Mutton pub, a few minutes’ walk from Scholars Gate, accept most household waste including glass, paper and cardboard, textiles, metal cans and plastic bottles.

Education & Health
Shiney Row Primary, around 600 yards from Scholars Gate and reached via off-road footpaths, was recently assessed by Ofsted as a good school with a positive ethos and effective leadership. Pupils from Shiney Row normally move on to Kepier School in Houghton-le-Spring, a specialist Sports College with academy status, again rated by Ofsted as a good school. There are two medical practices within a few minutes’ walk, and a choice of dentists in Houghton-le-Spring.

The Philadelphia Pub
Success Road
0191 584 0356