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 Bishop
Auckland
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Bishop
Auckland , 12 miles south west of the city of Durham,
is at the confluence of the River Wear and its tributary the
River Gaunless.
The historic
market town stands high above a meander on the River Wear
and boasts far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside.
The route
of Dere Street (a major Roman route between York and Scotland)
runs straight through the town on its way to the nearby Roman
fort at Binchester.
Newgate
Street, the town's main shopping street, still follows the
route of Dere Street.
Spanning
the River Wear is an impressive Victorian railway viaduct.
This provides spectacular views of the land far beneath it,
as well as Auckland Castle, the Bishop's Park and the gothic
Town Hall.
The
viaduct has been converted to carry road traffic in order
to relieve the single track Bishop Skirlaw bridge in the valley
far below.
Bishop
Auckland has associations with the world-famous comedy actor
Stan Laurel. The Eden Theatre, that once stood in Newgate
Street, was managed for several years by Stan's father, Arther
Jefferson. Stan was baptised at St Peter's Church and educated
at King James I Grammar School.
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Map of Bishop Auckland |
What
To See -
Bishop Auckland Tourist Attractions
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 St John, Escomb Escomb near, Bishop Auckland |
The tiny Saxon church is one of the earliest surviving churches in Britain. It was built in the 7th century. Rare Saxon sundial. 
Location Map |
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Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NR |
Principal country residence of the Bishops of Durham since Norman times and is the official residence of the present day Bishops.
Tel: 01388 601627 Open: 2008:Castle & Gardens:Easter Mon-Jul & and Sept: Sun-Mon 14:00-17:00; Aug: Sun-Mon & Wed 14:00-17:00. Last entry 16:30 ) Parkland is open daily, 07:00-sunset  Location Map |
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Binchester Roman Fort 1.5 miles north of Bishop Auckland, Binchester, Bishop Auckland |
Established in about AD 80, Binchester (Vinovia) the largest Roman fort in County Durham, built to defend Dere Street, a Roman road running between York to Scotland. A town grew up beside the fort to house the families. Abandoned in AD 410, some of the stones were used to construct the church of St John, at Escombe. Remains of the Commandants House and Roman bath houses. Car parking or a 20-minute walk along the River Wear from Bishop Auckland.
Tel: 01388 663089 during opening hours Open: 17 Apr -Sept 2007: 11:00-17:00; Opens at 10:00 in Jul & Aug. Location Map |
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Bishop Auckland Discovery Centre 17 North Bondgate, Bishop Auckland DL14 7PG |
Bishop Auckland Discovery Centre offers a series of exhibitions focusing on the history and culture of the town. The centre also highlights the work of local artists.
Tel: all 01388 662666 before visiting to check opening Open: Thur-Sat: 10:00-15:00 Location Map |
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Gaunless Valley Visitor Centre The Stags Head Inn, The Slack, Butterknowle, Bishop Auckland |
The rich landscape of the Gaunless Valley reflects its agriculture and coal mining heritage. Over many centuries these two industries have created a unique pattern of villages, villages, fields, hedgerows and mines in the valley. Gaunless Valley Visitor Centre in a restored building
Tel: 01388 690909 Open: Jan-Mar & Oct-Dec: Sat-Sun 11:00-15:00;Apr-Sept: Daily 11:00-15:00 Location Map |
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Hardwick Hall Country Park Sedgefield, Stockton-on-Tees |
Off the A177 Durham - Stockton road, Hardwick Halls outstanding landscaped garden is unaltered since the 1750s, there has been a house here since medieval times but the present 18th century building,now a hotel, was built by John Burdon. Since 1972 the 41 acre country park had been restored. Nature trail through wetland and woodland follows the bed of the old ornamental lake. Tree trail,arboretum.
Tel: 0191 383 3594 Open: Open at all times Location Map |
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Bishop Auckland Town Hall Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP |
The historic Town Hall now houses a library and arts complex. The neo-Gothic building, dating from 1862, was restored in the 1990s. McGuiness Gallery and the Eden Theatre and cinema, public library, cafe and Tourist Information Centre.
Tel: 01388 602610 Open: Mon-Fri: 10:00-17:00 Sat: 9:00-16:00 Closed Bank Holidays and Easter. Location Map |
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Where
To Stay in Bishop Auckland
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Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £34 a room a LivePriceTM
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1 Gordon Lane,Ramshaw Evenwood near Bishop Auckland DL14 0NS MAP
Offering a warm and friendly environment with excellent homemade food and extensive menus, this homely, traditional countryside inn is truly a place for all the family.
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West Auckland Road Bishop Auckland DL14 9AP MAP
At Bishop Auckland food and drink is available at the Tindale Crossing and Brewers Fayre
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Fir Tree Bishop Auckland DL13 4NW MAP
The Helme Park Hall Hotel extends a warm welcome to all guests.Set in the beauty & grandeur of the Wear Valley, this quaint hotel offers the very best in accommodation..
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The Green West Auckland near Bishop Auckland DL14 9HW MAP
Relaxed, charming and unpretentious are words that describe The Manor House Hotel & Country Club, a quintessential English manor house built on foundations which date back to the 12th Century. Steeped in rich history, reputed to..
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Price based on cheapest room for 2 people per night available in next few days
Prices from: £50 a room a LivePriceTM
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Bildershaw Bank West Auckland Bishop Auckland DL14 9PL MAP
Rest a while at The Wheatside Hotel- a popular friendly, yet professionally, family run hotel. The Wheatside is fully licensed with good ales, fine wines and wonderful food.
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Around
The Bishop Auckland Area
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Tourist Information on Nearby Towns To Visit - straight line distance:
Shildon (1.90 miles) Crook (4.99 miles) Ferryhill (5.96 miles) Durham (9.16 miles) Darlington (10.21 miles) Barnard Castle (12.56 miles) Chester-le-Street (14.55 miles) Stanley (14.96 miles) Consett (15.19 miles) Peterlee (15.54 miles) Easington (15.62 miles) |
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