Location: Bishop Auckland
Top Things to do in Bishop Auckland
7 Budget-friendly Things to do in Bishop Auckland That You Shouldn't Miss
Bishop Auckland /ˈbɪʃəp ˈɔːklənd/ is a market town and civil parish in County Durham in north east England. It is located about 12 miles (19 km) northwest of Darlington, 12 miles (19 km) southwest of Durham and 5 miles (8 km) southeast of Crook at the confluence of the River Wear with its tributary the River Gaunless. According to the 2001 census, Bishop Auckland has a population of 24,392, recounted at 16,296 for the 2011 Census.
Restaurants in Bishop Auckland
1. North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 109 reviews
The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a stunning landscape of open heather moors, dramatic dales, tumbling upland rivers, wonderful woods, close-knit communities, glorious waterfalls, fantastic birds, colourful hay meadows, stone-built villages, intriguing imprints of a mining and industrial past, distinctive plants and much, much more. As well as being an AONB the North Pennines is also a European and Global Geopark - a status endorsed by UNESCO. The AONB is a distinctive landscape of high moorland and broad upland dales in the North of England. It shares a boundary with the Yorkshire Dales National Park in the south and extends as far as the Tyne Valley, just south of Hadrain's Wall, in the north. Parts of the North Pennines AONB are in the three counties of Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is exactly what it says it is: an outstanding landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so precious that it is in the nation's interest to safeguard them.There are 46 AONBs in Britain (33 wholly in England, four wholly in Wales, one which straddles the English/Welsh border and eight in Northern Ireland) and they cover 18% of our countryside. AONBs are designated in recognition of their national importance and to ensure that their character and qualities are protected for all to enjoy.
Reviewed By susanrO3381JM - Whitley Bay, United Kingdom
Just spent the afternoon visiting the monumental art installation that is 'Hush' in Upper Teesdale - can't tell you how much joy it brought me. A lovely amble through woodland and farm yards to get to Bales Hush and it was well worth the effort. The sun came out and the sails of fabric dazzled in the breeze. Met some fantastic people - fellow walkers, locals who lived nearby and even the artist - Steve Messam. Start your adventure at Bowlees Visitor Centre. Wear some sturdy shoes as it can get a bit damp under foot but hurry as it will be gone by 5th August.
2. Mining Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
The Mining Art Gallery will provide a permanent home for more than 400 works from prominent local artists connected with the regions mining communities, including Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish. The gallery will be located in the former Old Bank Chambers in the heart of the Market Place. Parking available at North Bondgate car park, DL14 7PG. PLEASE NOTE: We are temporarily closed due to Covid-19.
Reviewed By 74alanm - Durham, United Kingdom
Took an elderly relative, who is an ex miner, to The Mining Art Gallery in Bishop Auckland Market Place. Excellent ...Oil paintings, sketches & drawing of life down coal mine and in the community. Not only if interest to ex pitmen. Assistance & info available from helpful guide. Price included a look up the nearby, newly built observation tower which has local historical info & fantastic high point views of Auckland Castle and surrounding area. A must do trip
3. Auckland Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 383 reviews
Auckland Castle is one of the best-preserved bishops’ palaces in the whole of Europe and is at the centre of The Auckland Project. The Castle is currently undergoing major conservation work, which will transform its state rooms to their original Georgian Gothic splendour, as designed by the renowned English architect James Wyatt. Auckland Castle re-opened Saturday, 2 November 2019. Parking available at North Bondgate car park, DL14 7PG. PLEASE NOTE: We are temporarily closed due to Covid-19.
Reviewed By alexadams62 - Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
Visited here while my friends and I were in Bishop Auckland today. The Castle was closed due to getting work done to it so we had walk around the deer park which is near the castle and learned a lot about the history that links the deer park to Auckland castle.
4. Low Barns Nature Reserve & Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Low Barns is a valuable wetland reserve and one of County Durham’s most important wildlife sites, located adjacent to the River Wear. The reserve has become important for wildlife due to the wide range of habitats including wet woodland, grassland, open water and river side, which are home to many different types of birds, mammals, plants and insects. However, Low Barns has not always been a haven for local wildlife. Originally farmland, the site underwent sand and gravel extraction until 1964 when the area was given to Durham Wildlife Trust and restored as a nature reserve. In 2003 a redundant sewage treatment works on the site was replaced with a new reed bed habitat and a boardwalk which enabled public access with minimal disturbance to wildlife. The site’s flat terrain and large accessible bird hides make it an ideal place to visit for everyone. For upcoming events check our website. Parking is free for DWT members and £2.50 for non-members.
Reviewed By 764graemeh
It never ceases to amaze me: How Nature survives in the Wild; When you look at little Chicks with Mum: All, so Meek and Mild! Rain, Storm, Wind and Cold with only Shrubs and Trees to Protect; Whilst we require Coats and Hats and Boots as a minimum to be: Bedecked! This 'Low Barnes' Wildlife Park is 'Free' to wander round at Will; We donate £4 per month as do others, helping to pay a Maintenance Bill. The Area was Well Hacked Down, several years ago; It has taken all this time to recover, with Wildlife Return; Quite Slow. There is plenty of Seating for those with a need , plus Several, Staunch, Helpers who Volunteer; If you want a snack, with an Hour or So to Fill, this is the place to Saunter: Right Here!!
5. Escomb Saxon Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Sean002 - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
This is a wondrous small Church and amazing to see it standing proud after having been on the site since around 675AD.It also has the oldest sun dial in its original setting in the Country and lots more of significant historical interest.
6. Binchester Roman Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By rebeljenn - Ruislip, United Kingdom
We visited first thing on the way back to London and had the place to ourselves. There are a couple of excavations to see with many more (I'm sure) buried still. The bathhouse is in excellent condition from the floor and under the floor level. The guide also told us about the human footprints in the concrete, so we looked out for those. English Heritage members receive a slight discount. Interesting place if you enjoy Roman Britain history. They need some support in this time, especially with wanting to do more excavation work to understand our history more and preserve the past as I am sure there's a lot under the soil there.
7. Bamboozles Adventure World
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 54 reviews
Bamboozles Adventure World Ltd is an action packed family Entertainment Centre where children can have hours of fun in a safe and secure environment. Adults can sit at tables or on comfy sofas, whilst taking full advantage of our free wi-fi, and order from our cafe delicious coffees and hot chocolates, cold drinks and we aso serve meals and snacks. Babies have a separate soft play area of their own, where they can enjoy playing with a selection of toys including, musical toys, play gyms, play mats, soft balls, cuddly toys and bouncer chairs. Toddlers have a dedicated play frame especially for them to venture. Comprising of a double slide, ball pool, soft cubes, cars, seasaws, tunnels, building blocks and a little tykes ride on area, it will keep tots entertained for hours. Our junior play frame (4 -13 years) is guaranteed to give those older ones a fantastic time. Set over three floors, the play frame comprises of a four lane astra slide, ball cannon area, twirly slide, shark pit, aerial glide, dizzy discs, bridges, tunnels and much more. And just to add to the adventure we have Integrated Trampolines, a Trikes, Inflatable Obstacle Course, Formula 1 ride on cars on there very own track (£1 per ride) Football Court, Air Hockey Machine (£1 per game) and our very own 6 metre high Climbing Wall. Five children can use the wall at any one time so it’s great for racing mates! In addition we also have the Outdoor Barnyard, which also contains a Maze, Sandpit, Crazy Golf (£1pp) and Outdoor Seating area. In the Barnyard we have Meercats, Alpacas, Goats, Pigs and Rabbits for the children to interact with and enjoy. Entry price includes both the indoor SoftPlay and outdoor Barnyard (Excluding additional charges where shown) and is: Under 1's = FREE 1-4 years = £4.40 4-13 = £4.80 Meal Deal (Entry and Childrens Meal) = £6.50
Reviewed By Popslife
We had a joint birthday party here this weekend for my son & 2 of his school friends. It was THE best idea that we’d all had...all 3 of our children have birthday close together in December - NIGHTMARE! So we organised an exclusive party where the place was shut down for us all (60 kids) it was organised from start to finish. Invites, mascots, food, use of the zorbs even the birthday kids got a slush to boot! We got a voucher for us to use next time which is a great bonus too. The staff were so attentive and made sure things ran as smoothly as they could (it was a kids party after all) - we’ll defiantly be doing this again next year...totally took the hassle out of party planning! Thanks so much guys x ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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