Location: Bishop Auckland
Top Things to do in Bishop Auckland
Top 9 Things to do in Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom (UK)
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. Auckland Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 303 reviews
A Palace fit for Kings, built for Prince Bishops Auckland Castle Trust is transforming this 900 year old Bishop’s Palace from an unknown and almost unvisited private dwelling into a vibrant and fascinating visitor experience. Auckland Castle stands apart as the medieval home and hunting lodge of the Prince Bishops of Durham who for centuries were equal in power to the Kings of England. Please note, Auckland Castle is now closed to daily visits for major restoration and redevelopment work until 2018. However we still have many events running throughout the year
Reviewed By Donna L - Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom
Castle closed for refurbishment (Project Auckland -all sounds very exciting), but still able to get into surrounding park and see castle from the outside. The park was vast and wonderfully well maintained and clean. It was a delight to explore. There was much more of it that we could have explored had we had time. Definitely worth a visit.
2. Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 903 reviews
Reviewed By Kev G - Rolvenden, United Kingdom
This isn't just a place for those interested in railway engines or railway history - it's about social history too. How we used to live, work and travel - as well as how we got our goods to market. There's something for almost everyone here. There are areas where young ones can have a go at a shunting puzzle / build up the goods in a wagon / activity screens / how signalling works. The museum has a great gift shop stocking most major brands of model railway and NRM products.
Its free entry and that applies to the car parking. Will visit again.
3. North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 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 travellingsteenz - Marrakech, Morocco, Africa
we walked the pennine in the north pennines and these have been some of my favorite vistas. The area is ancient and full of history with great views and absolutely gorgeous scenery. My main gripes are with the trail maintenance. The signage can be poor or misleading in places, the trails are frequently flooded (or missing if they have already sunk into the bog), full of rocks and sometimes the trails take dangerous footpaths through slippery rock and high drops. In this case I mention Cauldron Snout which I found unacceptably dangerous (but beautiful). The footpath climbs up the waterfall! Another place that was poorly maintained was between moor house and falcon clints. There, the boardwalk was commonly rotten and falling into the water and the path follows a pile of stones that are slippery and dangerous. I also found it unacceptable that I would have to follow paths that warn of "bull in field" when walking a national trail.
4. Low Barns Nature Reserve & Visitor Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 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 Annette J - United Kingdom
Having fallen in love with this beautiful place within my first moment here, I now roam its pretty paths a couple of times a week.
I enjoy the sense that we are there on Nature's terms, that the Reserve is the domain of the flora & fauna and we are privileged visitors.
It seems I'm not alone in this, as the precious environment is well respected, with litter a rarity and four-legged friends well-managed. This is such a treat, as it ensures our nervous little rescue doggy can relax!
Highlights for me include the choir of birdsong, and noticing how it changes at various points as we stroll through the woodland, and one set of birds hands over the musical baton to another set in a slightly different setting.
The sound of the river too is different each time we stop to listen - sometimes a contented babble, a lazy swishing or a powerful roar!
So far, we have only visited the Reserve in autumn, and we're looking forward to experiencing it throughout the year. I'm sure each season will bring us its very own delights.
Thank you to the management and voluntary teams whose dedication helps to keep Low Barns so very special.
5. Escomb Saxon Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
As I was in the area I simply couldn't resist revisiting this stunning little church. Possibly built circa 670 AD this place has huge religious, historical and architectural importance.
Collect the key from the hook outside the house at No 28 and seek the following treasures:
The unique building style of the chancel arch, which is now universally described as "Escomb style".
Saxon windows.
Parts of Roman buildings that were incorporated into the building of the church.
Stonework containing Roman inscriptions.
Ancient piscina.
Equally ancient medieval font.
Etc etc etc.
There are even bats in the belfry!
This is a truly unique church and well worth a visit.
6. Mining Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 33 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.
Reviewed By ElaineRy - Northumberland, England
Two floors of art by miners and other mining artists, largely from the Durham coalfield. Ground floor with no natural light shows pictures about life in the mine; first floor those about the life of the communities. (Esitmate c 70 pictures?) Extremely well displayed - enough information, space to see the pictures well. Also a very moving little audio visual. Entry £4 (only £3 for concessions) allows you to come and go all day.
On the market place so very easy to access. Open every day from 10.
7. Binchester Roman Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By walkleytravellers - Sheffield
If you like British Roman history, or just visiting the Kynren show, this is a hidden gem and must-see attraction. Tucked away about a mile from Bishop Auckland is this Roman fort that was once an auxillary fort located directly on Dere Street, which as been excavated for all to see.
The complex is not huge but the main site is the commandants bath house and is the only one in Britain that has the layered floor intact above the furnace area. About two minutes walk away is the soldiers' bath house, currently being excavated by Durham university archaeology department. The whole area has been excavated and since re-covered to preserve it and their are pictures, plans and information showing us what was found.
8. Witton Castle Country Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By John G - Durham, United Kingdom
We visited friends in September and we were most impressed with the layout of the park with the castle being a fabulous back drop. The site overall was immaculate and the static homes had a reasonable distance between them giving people more privacy, location is also excellent Bishop Auckland town centre Barnard Castle all within easy reach. If I were to buy a holiday home I would not hesitate to reside at Witton Castle Country Park as it is the best one I have seen.
John
Bishop Auckland
9. No.42
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
No.42 promotes local creative businesses and exhibits new emerging artists by providing a platform for businesses just starting out to sell their work as it has a retail space as well as a gallery. The workshop area hosts a wide range of Heritage Craft skill sessions and other creative events. Also, see a snapshot of the work being carried out by The Auckland Project.
Reviewed By sheepygold - london
We were recommended here by a local artist. It is a very large space split between an exhibition on the history and current developments at Auckland Castle and a gallery space. They have a very large selection of items made by artists living within a radius of 60 miles. The items are often unusual and range from jewelry to felt work to pottery to silver topped walking sticks. There are many items for modest budgets and a few much more expensive pieces.
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