The former mining town of Bishop Auckland is experiencing a revival. Surrounded by the rolling hills of County Durham, this unassuming town is quietly positioning itself for a tourism boom with world-class museums, spectacular live shows and a constantly changing food and drink scene.
Leading the way, the multimillion-pound Auckland Project is looking to transform the town, investing heavily in restoring historic sites such as Auckland Castle, whilst putting on dazzling events like the Aglow light trail. Outside the Auckland Project, there’s plenty going on – from football museums to locally-owned cafes and restaurants.
We’ve been lucky to explore Bishop Auckland whilst visiting family in the area. With each visit, there seems to be something new happening – it’s certainly a town with a forward-looking buzz. For those exploring County Durham, it’s certainly worth adding a trip to Bishop Auckland to your travel plans. From afternoon tea to ancient castles, here are 13 of the best things to do in Bishop Auckland.
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1) Take a tour around Bishop Auckland’s historic castle
Best for: Understanding the amazing history of Bishop Auckland.
Auckland Castle is the beating heart of the town’s attractions and is the must-see attraction for anyone exploring the area for the first time. The castle is synonymous with the historic Prince Bishops of Durham. These bishops were among England’s most powerful people – permitted to raise an army and levy taxes. Today, the Bishop of Durham cannot boast of a fighting force, but they do still have their office within the grounds of the spectacular Gothic castle.
Auckland Castle’s history stretches back to the 12th century. For hundreds of years, it served as a residence for the Prince Bishops. It comprises an ornate chapel, lavish halls and a residential suite, which was still used by the Bishops of Durham until 2012. Although they no longer live here, the Bishop still has their offices in the castle grounds today. The buildings overlook the lush grounds of the deer park, where the Prince Bishops would go hunting.
Thanks to the hard work of the Auckland Project, much of Auckland Castle is now open to the public. The exhibition spaces are well-curated and provide a fascinating insight into this historic seat of power. A visit also allows more intimate glimpses into what life was like for Bishops and their families within the castle.
Inside Auckland Castle
Highlights include the Long Dining Room, where twelve remarkable paintings by Spanish master Francisco de Zurbarán have hung since 1756. The paintings depict the biblical figures of Jacob and his sons. Twelve of the thirteen paintings hang in Auckland Castle, with the final one at Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire.
Meanwhile, St Peter’s Chapel, one of Europe’s largest private chapels, is another must-see, as are the living quarters.
Top tip: As you explore Auckland Castle, be sure to strike up a conversation with the staff. They are extremely knowledgeable, friendly and very happy to help.
How to do it: An adult ticket for Auckland Castle costs £10, with a child’s ticket setting you back £5. You can buy tickets for Auckland Castle online, or on the day from the ticket office at Auckland Tower. To make the most of your visit, we suggest budgeting at least 90 minutes – although you could easily spend longer.
2) Admire the views of Bishop Auckland from the Auckland Tower
Best for: Getting the lay of the land.
Boasting unbeatable views across the rooftops of Bishop Auckland and the rolling countryside beyond, this 29-metre-tall tower is one of the town’s newest tourist attractions. A trip up to the viewing platform – 15 metres above the main square – offers the perfect opportunity to admire the scale of Auckland Castle.
At the top, a handful of information boards explain what you are looking at. Beyond Bishop Auckland, the rolling hills of County Durham stretch into the distance – a perfect view for a sunny day.
Top tip: After admiring the views, make sure to visit the first floor, where a small exhibition sheds light on the history of the Prince Bishops of Durham.
How to do it: Entry to Auckland Tower is free.
3) Gaze upon the artwork at the Spanish Gallery
Best for: A world-class art gallery in the heart of Bishop Auckland.
A stone’s throw from Auckland Tower, the Spanish Gallery boasts one of the UK’s largest collections of 16th and 17th-century Spanish artwork. Inspiration for the gallery stems from de Zurbarán’s paintings in the Long Dining Room in Auckland Castle. Within the gallery, highlights include works by the likes of Murillo and El Greco.
Top tip: The Spanish theme continues in the ground-floor El Castillo tapas restaurant, which is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
How to do it: The Spanish Gallery stands on the picturesque Market Place, Bishop Auckland’s town square. Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children.
4) Learn about the history of the railways at Locomotion
Best for: A rainy day activity near Bishop Auckland.
In the heyday of the British railways, Bishop Auckland was home to a vast, busy goods yard. Indeed, the town was a hive of activity, with a sizeable train station on the historic Stockton and Darlington railway line. To commemorate the area’s railway heritage, the nearby Locomotion Museum is packed full of some of the world’s most historic locomotives.
Locomotion is the sister site of York’s National Railway Museum. A short drive up the A1 (M) from York, the museum stands just down the road from Bishop Auckland in the town of Shildon. Most of the exhibits live inside the vast main shed, where dozens of locomotives and carriages tell the story of the railways in Britain and beyond.
Chief among the attractions is the original Locomotion, built in 1825 by George and Rebort Stephenson. Locomotion has a special place in the history of train travel, becoming the first steam locomotive to pull a passenger-carrying service on a public railway.
Inside the main shed, you also have the opportunity to watch restoration work in action. From a viewing platform, you can observe the dedicated volunteers helping to bring old locomotives back to their former glory. For anyone with an enthusiasm for the railways, a trip to Locomotion is a must-do.
Top tip: Check the Locomotion website for special events. When we visited, the world-famous Flying Scotsman stood in the yard outside. A 90-minute-long queue of railway enthusiasts zig-zagged its way into the main shed. Everyone was waiting for their chance to set foot inside the cabin.
How to do it: Locomotion is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Admission is free, and the museum recommends allowing two hours for your visit. There is a cafe onsite.
5) Have lunch at The Smokehouse
Best for: A meat-filled lunch.
For those looking to sample some of the best food in Bishop Auckland, look no further than The Smokehouse. Serving meat-heavy plates in a small, unpretentious room, The Smokehouse prides itself on American-style BBQ dishes. As an added bonus, local ingredients take centre stage.
From ribs to pulled pork, the menu boasts all the classics. The Smokehouse offers takeaway, but for the best experience, we recommend trying to bag yourself a table inside, where railway-related artwork adorns the walls in a proud nod to the area’s history. Outside, bright street art adorns the brick walls.
Top tip: Try their smoked brisket sandwich – an all-time favourite.
How to do it: The Smokehouse stands on Railway Street, a few minutes from Bishop Auckland railway station. It is open from Thursday to Sunday – check their website for the latest opening hours.
6) Enjoy afternoon tea at Fifteas Vintage Tea Room
Best for: A relaxed catch-up with friends.
If you’re after a more classic English experience in Bishop Auckland, Fifteas Vintage Tea Room offers afternoon tea in relaxed surroundings. The selection ranges from quaint sweet treats and cakes to indulgent scones and perfectly-sliced sandwiches, all served on charming china plates.
Aside from afternoon tea, the menu offers everything you’d expect from a British cafe. The homemade soup, breakfasts and cakes keep people coming back for more.
How to do it: Fifteas Vintage Tea Room stands on Market Place, opposite the Auckland Tower. It is open from seven days a week, with longer hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
7) Gaze upon historic bathhouses at Binchester Roman Fort
Best for: A taste of Roman history in County Durham.
On a windswept hill just outside Bishop Auckland, Binchester Roman Fort – or ‘Vinovia’ as it was known – stands watch over the River Wear. The fort is thought to have been home to around 2,000 soldiers, and was one of the largest in the area, resembling a small town rather than a military outpost.
Most of Binchester’s secrets still remain hidden, but visitors can see the remains of Dere Street, a commandant’s house and an impressive bathhouse. The latter is the best preserved Roman bathhouse in the UK, offering a tantalising glimpse into what life was like for the Romans who lived at Binchester.
How to do it: Binchester Roman Fort is open from April to November. Entry costs £5 for adults and £3 for children.
8) Sample the drinks at Caps Off
Best for: Enjoying a locally brewed beer or cider in Bishop Auckland.
Somewhat hidden away in a quiet corner of an industrial estate on the southeastern edge of Bishop Auckland, Caps Off is a craft beer, cider and spirits producer whose taproom is one of the best places to enjoy a drink in the town. The taproom offers a generous range of craft ales, lagers and ciders, which you can enjoy onsite or takeaway to sip at home.
Caps Off also serves food – the burgers are particularly popular – and has a regular roster of events, from live sports screenings to gigs.
How to do it: The Caps Off taproom is open from Thursdays to Sundays.
9) Enjoy the spectacular Kynren show on a summer’s evening in Bishop Auckland
Best for: Watching a mind-bogglingly huge production in Bishop Auckland.
The jewel in the crown of County Durham’s events calendar, Kynren is a spectacular live show on an epic scale. With a cast and crew of 1,000, Kynren tells the story of over 2,000 years of English history on an enormous outdoor stage just below Auckland Castle. It’s a spectacle that needs to be seen to be believed, with fireworks, combat, stunts and more.
We love: The Kynren production is a real community affair, with hundreds of volunteers from Bishop Auckland and the wider area taking part.
How to do it: If you want to secure your seat, we suggest moving swiftly. Kynren takes place on Saturday evenings over the summer, with just eight shows each year. You can check the dates and book your tickets on the Kynren website. Tickets start from £27 for adults and £17 for children.
10) Visit the Faith Museum
Best for: Exploring Bishop Auckland’s newest museum.
Bishop Auckland’s Faith Museum first opened its doors to the public in October 2023, making it the latest cultural destination to arrive in the town. The new museum introduces visitors to the story of 6,000 years of belief and religion across Britain, with over 250 objects on display.
Like Auckland Castle, Auckland Tower and the Spanish Gallery, the Faith Museum is part of the wider Auckland Project collection, and it shares the same high standards as its sister attractions. The building itself is worth admiring, with an architect-designed barn attached to the historic Scotland Wing of Auckland Castle.
How to do it: Entry to the Faith Museum is included in your ticket to Auckland Castle. You can book tickets for Auckland Castle and the Faith Museum online or in person at Auckland Tower. Entry costs £10 for adults and £5 for children.
11) Tuck into a pizza at Knead A Slice
Best for: Delicious pizza served in a stylish cafe setting.
If you’re driving to the nearby North Bondgate Car Park, you can’t help but notice the welcoming glow of Knead A Slice on the corner of Fore Bondgate. This is one of Bishop Auckland’s most popular cafes and pizzerias, serving everything from top-quality breakfasts to mouthwatering pizzas, which are available from lunchtime onwards.
Knead A Slice has also developed a reputation as one of the town’s best spots for cocktails. Their 2 for £12 deal is excellent value, whilst the Boozy Brunch – four cocktails and one pizza for £30 – is a weekend favourite.
We love: If you’re visiting in the morning and have worked up an appetite, try the “Big Boy” breakfast. Packed with toast, beans, eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, sausage, black pudding and hash browns, you won’t be leaving hungry.
Read next: 10 of the best things to do in Knaresborough.
12) Discover football heritage at The Bishops Museum and Shop
Best for: Football fans looking for a unique thing to do in Bishop Auckland.
On the edge of Market Place, The Bishops is one of Bishop Auckland’s most unique attractions. This small museum and shops tells the story of Bishop Auckland FC, with countless memorabilia on display. The collection is remarkable, with some items dating back to the 1800s.
For football fans who fancy a change of scene from the money-driven glitz and glamour of the Premier League, a trip to The Bishops is a great way to reconnect with grassroots football at its very best.
How to do it: The Bishops is a short walk across Market Place from Auckland Tower.
13) Stroll along The Way of Life
Best for: A hike through the countryside around Bishop Auckland.
The Way of Life is one of six Northern Saints Trails – a network of pilgrimage routes that crisscross northeast England. The trails celebrate the Northern Saints – famous figures from ancient Northumbria such as St Oswald, St Hilda and St Cuthbert.
One of these trails, The Way of Life, passes through Bishop Auckland. The trail marks St Cuthburt’s final journey, when his coffin was carried from Ripon to Durham. Whilst the full trail, which stretches for 43 kilometres from Gainford to Durham, would take two or three days to complete, you can follow the section that tracks around Bishop Auckland and explore the surrounding countryside on this historic route.
How to do it: You can check the full route for The Way of Life on the British Pilgrimage website. The trail is well-marked and has information boards along the way.
Bishop Auckland: how to do it
From getting to Bishop Auckland to finding accommodation, here’s how to plan your trip.
How to get to Bishop Auckland
By car: Bishop Auckland is well-located, less than a 15-minute drive from the A1 (M). Durham is less than 30 minutes away, whilst Newcastle can reached in under an hour. The best place to park is North Bondgate Car Park, which is just a few minutes walk from Market Place and many of the main attractions.
By train: Whilst Bishop Auckland train station is much smaller than in its heyday, it is still easy to reach by train. For those travelling from other major cities, you will need to change at Darlington. Northern runs a regular service from Darlington to Bishop Auckland, which takes just under 30 minutes.
Where to stay in Bishop Auckland
Although Bishop Auckland has plenty of things to do, it is still somewhat lacking in accommodation within the town itself. Accommodation in central Bishop Auckland mostly comprises self-catering apartments and the occasional bed and breakfast. Depending on your needs, you may be better suited to stay just outside the town and travel in.
We’ve picked out three of the best options for overnight stays in and around Bishop Auckland, from budget rooms in the city of town to a nearby hotel:
Stylish glamping
A short drive from Bishop Auckland, Country Glamping offers a selection of well-equipped glamping pods perfect for a short stay in County Durham. Set among rolling countryside, the pods offer you the chance to wake up next to a field of horses, with beautiful views and plenty of walks on your doorstep. From £100 a night, self-catering.
Great value in central Bishop Auckland
Offering no-frills accommodation in the heart of Bishop Auckland, this property straddles the line between a homestay and a traditional B&B, with a self-service continental breakfast included in the price. The private rooms are basic but comfortable, and guests are welcome to use the kitchen facilities. Most rooms have shared bathrooms, although one does come with a private shower. The host, Sean, is super friendly – ideal if you’d like a point of contact whilst visiting the town. Rooms from £43 a night, including a continental breakfast.
A classic, comfortable hotel
If you’re looking for a more traditional hotel stay, the Park Head Hotel is just a few minutes’ drive from Bishop Auckland. With large, comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant, it’s a straightforward option for a break near Bishop Auckland. On a sunny day, the gardens are the perfect place to relax with a drink. From £59 a night on a room-only basis, with breakfast available for an additional fee.
Things to do in Bishop Auckland: our final thoughts
Whilst Bishop Auckland is often overshadowed by the likes of Durham, there is plenty to admire about this forward-thinking town. The Auckland Project is working hard to attract new visitors, with Auckland Castle and the nearby museums a must-see for any visitors. However, outside of the main restoration project, there’s plenty going on – from charming cafes to hiking trails. If you’re heading to County Durham, a trip to Bishop Auckland is well worth your time.