Things to Do in Durham
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You are here > Home > Explore from Your Door > Bishop Auckland & Shildon
From the bustling market town of Bishop Auckland, to Shildon - the world’s first railway town, and surrounding villages including Crook and Willington, you’ll find fascinating attractions, tranquil walking and cycle routes.
Explore Roman ruins, go wildlife spotting at a beautiful nature reserve, or step back in time at one of England’s oldest Anglo-Saxon churches.
Number of results: 12
Nature Reserve
Witton-le-Wear
One of our region’s most important wildlife sites, this wetland reserve, bordered by the River Wear, also contains mixed woodlands and species rich grasslands.
Landmark
Bishop Auckland
A 19th century water fountain built by a movement against alcohol has been returned to its former glory as part of a heritage project.
Walking Route
Escomb, Bishop Auckland
This Route is a relatively easy 5 mile (8 1/4 km) walk that should take 2 1/2 hours taking in Escomb Saxon Church and The River Wear.
Church / Chapel
Bishop Auckland
**Exterior Viewing only until further notice**
One of England's finest Saxon churches, Escomb dates to the 7thC and contains a Roman arch and stonework. If locked keys available from 28 Saxon Green (daily 9-6 during summer and 9-4 during winter).
Historic Site
Bishop Auckland
Auckland Castle commands a prominent position overlooking the River Wear, surrounded by formal gardens and 150 acres of idyllic parkland. The highlight is a Deer House built in 1760 in Gothic Revival style constructed as a folly to provide shelter.
Picnic Site
Bishop Auckland
It is always worthwhile turning off any of County Durham’s main roads to discover unexpected delights. None more so than in Weardale where in the village of Eastgate (west of Stanhope) a turning leads to the village of Rookhope and one of Durham’s…
Outdoor Adventure Activities
Some of the darkest skies in England are found in the North Pennines. Much of the area is remote, wild countryside with little development and the views of the night sky are second to none.
During the winter months (the best time for…
Walking Route
Shildon
Discover the coming of the railways in the world’s first railway town, one in a series of walks for children produced by Bright Water Landscape Partnership.
Walking Route
A688, Bishop Auckland
A 4.3 mile route between Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor on a former railway line passing New Coundon and Binchester, close to Auckland Park and Binchester Roman Fort.
Walking
Bishop Auckland
A new map of the Deer Park has been created with three suggested walks. From a short walk around the inner park to a 4.6 km trail spanning the wider parkland.
Picnic Site
BISHOP AUCKLAND
Enjoy a peaceful circular walk around this reservoir in Weardale. Theres some wonderful woodland trails and lakeside paths to enjoy. It's a very quiet place with a series of picnic tables where you can stop to enjoy the lovely scenery of the North…
Walking Route
The Way of Life is one wondrous route: healing waters, one of England ’s oldest churches and a palatial castle where Prince Bishops once resided, plus places where St Cuthbert made miracles occur.
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