The Bishop Line

About

Starting in Bishop Auckland, home of Auckland Palace, the line takes in the beautiful scenery of Shildon, Newton Aycliffe, Heighington, Darlington – North Road, then ends at Darlington’s main station – Bank Top. Beyond Darlington the line continues as the Tees Valley line to Saltburn via Eaglescliffe, Middlesbrough and Redcar.

The rail line the Bishop Line follows is of tremendous historic importance as it formed part of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway. The Stockton to Darlington railway opened on 27 September 1825.

The official train had thirty-two wagons pulled by the engine Locomotion and ran at a speed of approximately 10 miles per hour. It was preceded by a man on horseback who rode in front of the engine and was followed by twenty-four horse drawn wagons.

This historic event took place on the Bishop Line and heralded the start of the “railway age”. There are still many buildings and places of interest to do with the early years of the railways to be found in the area.

The Bishop Line now has an hourly service operated by Northern and attracts commuters, shoppers and tourists alike.

For timetable enquiries, please call Northern Rail on 0333 222 0125 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 484950.