Under An Hour From Newcastle Upon Tyne Is A Charming Market Town With Arts, Gardens, And A Restored Palace

The charming market town of Bishop Auckland sits above the River Wear in northern England's County Durham. Considered "the gateway to the Durham Dales," this medieval settlement has plenty to offer in its own right, appealing to visitors interested in British history and architecture. Auckland Palace is the main focal point, with its restored interiors, extensive landscaped gardens, and deer park. Meanwhile, just steps away from the palace, the historic town center is also home to unique art galleries, some of which delve deep into the county's long coal mining legacy.

In recent years, this previously overlooked town in the Vale of Durham has been revitalized with a major regeneration program to attract visitors and preserve its rich heritage. The Auckland Project is a local initiative bringing the town's historic attractions, galleries, and gardens back to life. After extensive restoration and redevelopment, Bishop Auckland has enjoyed a welcome boost to tourism and is well worth a visit during your adventures around northeast England. To get your bearings on arrival, climb the almost 50-foot Auckland Tower and enjoy 360-degree views over the town, palace, and surrounding countryside. The tower is also the visitor center, so it's a good place to begin your explorations.

In the heart of the town, there has been a market in Bishop Auckland since medieval times, providing essential produce and trading opportunities for the local community. The triangular marketplace is surrounded by quaint buildings, alongside the 19th century French-Flemish Gothic style Town Hall. If you want to see the weekly markets in action, come on a Thursday or Saturday to peruse artisanal crafts, stock up on local produce, or munch on street food. Or, if you're here on the last Thursday of the month, you'll experience the Food Producers' and Crafters' Market, which is a great place to try local delicacies like honey and cakes while shopping for souvenirs. 

Dating back nearly 1,000 years, Auckland Palace was the countryside home of the Prince Bishops of Durham, who asserted their powers over much of northeast England. After years of decay, an extensive restoration project has brought the palace back to life, reopening in 2019 and returning the building to its former glory. Rooms were carefully conserved, and furnishings have been recreated to show what the palace would have looked like in the time of the bishops. Highlights of a palace visit include the Throne Room with its Georgian Gothic styling, the lavish private apartments of the bishops, and St. Peter's Chapel, which is one of the largest private chapels in Europe.

Once you've explored the palace, head outside to the historic Auckland Gardens, which were created for the Prince Bishops and have also been restored. There are several different areas to discover, from the Paradise Garden, with a cross-shaped water feature, to the 17th-century Walled Garden, where much of the café's produce comes from. These historic gardens were groundbreaking in their day, using heated walls and hothouses to grow exotic produce like pineapples. There's also a Wilderness Garden, which attracts local wildlife, and a Faith Garden, which sits on top of a ruined medieval chapel. For more, you can visit the nearby medieval city of Durham and check out the Durham University Botanic Gardens and the grounds of Ushaw Historic House.

For a longer walk or a summer picnic, head into the Deer Park, which surrounds the palace. The park covers around 150 acres and was once used by the Prince Bishops as their private hunting ground. There are several trails to explore in the park, taking in features like the medieval fishponds, the 18th-century Deer House, and an ice house dating to the 1700s. However, in contrast with the park's name, visitors note that there aren't actually any deer. 

Back in town, it's time for a fix of culture. County Durham is known for its coal mining heritage, with the industry playing a major part in the area's economy for centuries. To find out more about the lives of miners and the local communities, the Mining Art Gallery is a great place to start. Inside, you'll discover a collection of works and artifacts telling the story of northeast England's coalfields and those who worked in the harsh conditions underground. Just across the street, the Spanish Gallery highlights the Golden Age of Spain. This unusual assortment of art from the 13th to 17th centuries showcases masterpieces by painters like El Greco and Murillo and is the first of such collections in England. 

The town has its own bit of urban art too, with a giant mural of legendary British comedian Stan Laurel, who went to school in Bishop Auckland. You'll find the colorful mural along Railway Street, south of the town center. Finally, Bishop Auckland's Town Hall is another cultural hotspot, with a theater, library, and arts exhibitions inside. It's the ideal place to go on a rainy day — especially to see screenings of beloved movies. Don't miss the Durham Miners Gala mural or the stained-glass artwork in the café, created by former local miners.

Bishop Auckland is 30 miles from the riverside city of Newcastle upon Tyne and just 11 miles from Durham, making it a straightforward day trip from either destination. It's also easy to reach the charming town of Peterlee over on the Durham Coast if you want to include beaches and seafood on your visit to the northeast.