What to do and see in Bishop Auckland, England: The Best Things to do

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.

Operator of special themed excursion trains including Beer & Gin Trains, Cheese & Wine Trains and Festive Trains.

Kynren – an epic tale of England and 11Arches Park Travel through time and watch legends come to life in a thrilling tale told on an epic scale - 2,000 years in the making. Join young Arthur on his spellbinding journey through time in his quest to discover the ‘story of us’. This world-class performance takes place on a 7.5-acre outdoor stage every Saturday from 7 August - 11 September 2021 and is set against the magnificent backdrop of Auckland Castle in County Durham. New for 2021 - 11Arches Park is a new day attraction offering visitors an electrifying original horse stunt show, immersive attractions, a playground and eating experiences.

Coundon WMC, located in the historic mining village of Coundon in North East England, has been established for over 60 years. The Club (which is open 7 days a week,) hosts numerous events throughout the year. Catering for almost every occassion at great prices.

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.

Come and see over a thousand years of history, art, culture and faith, within the beautiful surroundings of The Auckland Project, which centres on historic Auckland Castle, once the seat of England’s powerful Prince Bishops. The destination also includes the Mining Art Gallery, Auckland Tower and Deer Park, with a Spanish Gallery, Faith Museum and Walled Garden to come. Parking available at North Bondgate car park, DL14 7PG. PLEASE NOTE: We are temporarily closed due to Covid-19.

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.