Bishop Auckland

Known as the gateway to the Durham Dales, Bishop Auckland is a bustling market town in the Vale of Durham, standing high above a meander in the River Wear with commanding views of the surrounding countryside.

Walk from the town centre straight into the beautiful grounds of the magnificent Auckland Palace, the country residence of the Prince Bishops for more than 900 years. And don't miss the annual Bishop Auckland Food Festival which takes place in the town's historic market place every spring.

Building on more than 1,000 years of history, The Auckland Project has transformed the town centre, with several attractions in and around the grounds of Auckland Palace. Attractions include the 150-acre ancient Deer Park and re-imagined 17th century Walled Garden, Faith Museum, Mining Art Gallery, Spanish Gallery, El Castillo Tapas Restaurant and Auckland Tower visitor centre. 

Every summer Kynren – An Epic Tale of England brings the town to life between July and September, when thousands of people will experience 2,000 years of history, myth and legend in one unforgettable evening at this breathtaking outdoor live‑action spectacular.

And in summer 2026, there’s even more reason to visit. The Storied Lands a stunning new daytime attraction, will open its gates for the very first time (date TBC) giving visitors the chance to step into beautifully re‑created worlds and immersive shows inspired by the past. Don’t miss your chance to be among the first to explore this incredible new experience before taking your seat for Kynren later in the day.

From Bishop Auckland train station you can hop on board the Weardale Railway, an 18 mile heritage line which is part of the historic Stockton to Darington Railway. It's the perfect mode of transport for those wishing to explore the Durham Dales, with stops at Fosterley, Kingfisher Halt, Witton-le-Wear and the historic market towns of Wolsingham and Stanhope. You'll also find the Bishop Line at the town train station, which connects travellers onto nearby Shildon and Darlington  

Bishop Auckland's historic town centre has a thriving arts and cultural offering, with the Bishop Auckland Town Hall home to a superb library, cinema, theatre and arts complex. Plus, the town has more than 200 shops - head for Bondgate for boutiques and specialist shops that you won’t find on the high street. And after a busy day, sample the delights of one of the many cosy cafés to help keep the energy levels up!

A mile from the town are the remains of Binchester Roman Fort, home to the best preserved Roman military bath house in Britain. And at Escomb, you can see one of the finest examples of early Christian architecture in Northern Europe at the restored 7th Century Escomb Saxon Church.