Tasty Days Out: Foodie Experiences to Enjoy Around Bishop Auckland Food Festival

If you’re heading to Bishop Auckland Food Festival, why stop there? Durham is full of rich food heritage, quirky cafés, historic bakes and delicious surprises that turn a great day out into a tasty day out.

From Ginger Loaf served beside world changing locomotives to Edwardian treats baked in a living museum and immersive food tours, we've picked some mouth watering experiences you can weave into your festival weekend: 

A slice of history at Locomotion

Just a short hop from Bishop Auckland, Locomotion in Shildon is home to an incredible collection of historic railway engines and vehicles. Between exploring the engines and soaking up railway heritage, Café Number One offers a unique refreshment stop.

Special seating crafted from real Eurostar train interiors gives visitors the memorable experience of dining inside railway history. Even better, there’s a new star on the menu - Stephenson’s Ginger Loaf, a delicious treat inspired by a recipe from George Stephenson’s 200 year old family recipe book! This beautifully spiced loaf connects you to the railway pioneer’s personal culinary heritage and is available now at Locomotion’s café. A must try for foodies, and train lovers alike.

Taste the Past at Beamish Museum

At Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, food isn’t just something you eat - it’s part of the experience. Wander through the 1900s Town and let the smell of warm gingerbread draw you straight into Herron’s Bakery, where traditional Edwardian recipes are still baked by hand from historic recipes.

The museum offers some of the most immersive historic food experiences you’ll find anywhere. Beyond its famous Edwardian bakery, you can also enjoy traditional fish and chips cooked in coal fired ranges at Davy’s Fried Fish Shop; sweets made the old fashioned way at Jubilee Sweet Shop; and special Beamish ice cream, perfect for sunny days as you explore the 1900s town.

Beamish brings the flavours of the past to life, and no visit is truly complete without taking home a little something sweet for later.

Afternoon Tea with Style at The Bowes Museum

At Café Bowes, afternoon tea becomes a refined, elegant experience set within the magnificent French style building. Enjoy beautifully assembled sandwiches, homemade cakes and perfectly crafted scones, with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients and seasonal flavours. 

But the experience doesn’t end at the table. The Bowes Museum itself is a treasure trove of art, fashion, and decorative pieces, offering a feast for the eyes to complement the one on your plate. With stunning galleries, family‑friendly exhibits and a rich programme of events, the museum invites visitors to wander its opulent rooms and landscaped parkland - perfect for a gentle stroll once you’ve sampled Café Bowes’ delights.

A Historic Taste of Durham City with Triple A Food Tours

To truly immerse yourself in Durham’s culinary heritage, join a Triple A Food Tour through Durham City. This guided experience stops at five to six handpicked venues, including independent eateries, market traders and local producers, while weaving in stories from Durham’s rich history. Enjoy a curated tasting journey through the city’s cobbled streets, riverside walks and markets, all while taking in the iconic views of Durham Cathedral and Castle.

It's an ideal addition to your food themed weekend, offering a deeper connection to Durham’s past and present flavours.

Cathedral Comforts: Historic Cake at Durham Cathedral

No visit to Durham is complete without stepping inside its breathtaking cathedral, and no cathedral visit is complete without a stop at The Undercroft Café. 

Set within the cathedral’s medieval Undercroft, this atmospheric café offers freshly prepared homemade cakes, scones, biscuits and light lunches, all made using local produce wherever possible. It’s the perfect historic pause during a day exploring Durham's historic sights.

Vennels Café and The Story of Durham Mustard

Hidden within Durham City’s historic vennels, Vennels Café is not only beloved for its homemade cakes and hearty bakes - it also sits on the site linked to Mrs Clements, the woman who invented English mustard in Durham in 1720. Be sure to pop in for cake or a warm lunch and savour the atmosphere of one of Durham’s most storied cafés.

Today, Durham Mustard is making a remarkable comeback, revived through heritage-led projects dedicated to restoring this iconic local condiment. It was Mrs Clements who first discovered how finely milled mustard seeds created the strong flavour we know today, a recipe so prized it eventually caught the attention of King George I. 

Visitors can now buy jars of Durham Mustard from local stockists as it continues its modern revival. Discover where to purchase it at: durhammustard.com

Make your food festival experience a full-flavoured adventure

Durham is bursting with edible heritage and unforgettable foodie experiences. So while Bishop Auckland Food Festival serves up the best of today’s flavours, make time to explore the tastes of yesterday and the hidden gems all around the county.

From gingerbread and mustard to afternoon tea and cathedral bakes; your next delicious adventure is waiting. #tastedurham