How to get here
Bishop Auckland, take the A68 then A6072 north-west from Darlington. From the A1(M), Junction 60 then A689 west bound.
County Durham Guide Features
Bishop Auckland Tourist Information
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.
Bishop Auckland has a Tourist Information CentreWhat to see - Bishop Auckland Tourist Attractions To Visit
Churches
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. St John, Escomb information
Historic Houses
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. Auckland Castle information
Museums
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. Binchester Roman Fort information
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. Bishop Auckland Discovery Centre information
Out & About
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 information
Hardwick 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. Hardwick Country Park information
Theatres, Cinemas and Venues
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. Bishop Auckland Town Hall information
Where to stay in Bishop Auckland
Hotels
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West Auckland Road Bishop Auckland DL14 9TW MAP Located within easy reach of the A1 and only 15 minutes from rail links, this Premier Inn is just southwest of Durham city centre with its castle and cathedral. Premier Inn Bishop Auckland boasts air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs with Freeview. More Information and Book ... |
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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.. More Information and Book ... |
Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and other Hotels
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41 The Market Place Bishop Auckland DL14 7PB MAP Situated within a few metres of the historic Auckland Castle, in the centre of Market Town in Bishop Auckland, The Castle Bar Hotel features a bar and free Wi-Fi. Durham is a 21-minute drive away. More Information and Book ... |
Holiday Cottages
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North Bitchburn Terrace North Bitchburn near Bishop Auckland DL15 8AL MAP Enjoying a village location in lovely Weardale yet only 9 miles from historic Durham Old Chapel Cottages make an ideal base for exploring the area's varied attractions. Durham boasts good shops an imposing cathedral and seasonal river boat trips; and ..Sleeps 8 More Information and Book ... |
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3 St. Annes Drive Wolsingham near Bishop Auckland DL13 3DG MAP Set in the conservation village of Wolsingham – acknowledged as the gateway to Weardale – this contemporary cottage is ideally located for exploring the glorious fells and forests of County Durham. Beautifully decorated and stylishly furnished w Sleeps 4 More Information and Book ... |
South Byre
4*
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Hamsterley near Bishop Auckland DL13 3NH MAP South Byre is a detached cottage on a working farm near to Hamsterley in County Durham. The cottage sleeps five people in a double bedroom and a family bedroom as well as a family bathroom. Sleeps: 5 Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Changeover Day: Fri Price Guide: £247 - £547 a week. More Information and Book ... |
Bishop Auckland Weather
Wednesday 22nd May
Day :
14°C Sunny skies
14°C Sunny skiesNight :
2°C Patchy rain possible
2°C Patchy rain possibleThursday 23rd May
Day :
9°C Light rain shower
9°C Light rain showerNight :
4°C Light rain
4°C Light rainWeather by weather2
Where to Stay in Bishop Auckland
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Area Telephone Code
- 01388
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