Bishop Auckland

Known as the gateway to Weardale, 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 Castle, 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 castle grounds every April.

The town is set for major developments over the next few years thanks to The Auckland Project. Building on more than 1,000 years of history, The Auckland Project will transform the centre of the town, with several attractions in and around the grounds of Auckland Castle.

Attractions include the 150 acre ancient Deer Park, Mining Art Gallery, Bishop Trevor Gallery and Auckland Tower visitor centre. Other exciting developments due to open over the coming years include the Faith Museum and Spanish Gallery and  redevelopment of the 17th Century Walled Garden which will feature stunning new glasshouses providing 'garden rooms' restaurant and event spaces. 

Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, brings the town to life between the August and mid September each year, when thousands of people will experience 2,000 years of history, myth and legend in a fun family outdoor live action spectacular. Plus for the first time in 2021, visitors could explore the pre-show 11Arches Park, complete with amazing performances, immersive attractions, and spectacular stunt show 'Fina and the Golden Cape'. 

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.