Things to do in Bishop Auckland this Autumn
Discover Bishop Auckland this Autumn
Bishop Auckland is also known as the gateway to Weardale, Bishop Auckland is a bustling market town in the Vale of Durham, standing high above a meander in the River Wear with commanding views of the surrounding countryside.
Low Barns Nature Reserve & Wetland Centre
Low Barns is a valuable wetland reserve and one of County Durham’s most important wildlife sites, located adjacent to the River Wear. The reserve has become important for wildlife due to the wide range of habitats including wet woodland, grassland, open water and river side, which are home to many different types of birds, mammals, plants and insects. However, Low Barns has not always been a haven for local wildlife. Originally farmland, the site underwent sand and gravel extraction until 1964 when the area was given to Durham Wildlife Trust and restored as a nature reserve. In 2003 a redundant sewage treatment works on the site was replaced with a new reed bed habitat and a boardwalk which enabled public access with minimal disturbance to wildlife. The site’s flat terrain and large accessible bird hides make it an ideal place to visit for everyone.
The Auckland Project
The Auckland Project is a visitor destination located in the market town of Bishop Auckland. Comprising Auckland Castle, the historical home of the Prince Bishops of Durham, a walled garden, deer park, Auckland Tower an information centre with 15m high outdoor viewing platform, museum and galleries.
Auckland Castle is the former private palace for the Prince Bishops of Durham, dating back 900 years. It houses Jacob and his Twelve Sons a rare cycle of paintings by Spanish master painter Francisco de Zurbarán. The Castle is undergoing major restoration work to restore it to its former Georgian Gothic opulence, it will reopen to visitors in spring 2019.
Housed in a purpose-built extension to the Castle’s Scotland Wing, The Faith Museum will open in 2019 and will be the first museum to explore how faith and belief have influenced and shaped Britain.
Moving from the Castle grounds into the Market Place you will find the Mining Art Gallery featuring work of acclaimed local artists and from 2019 the Spanish Gallery showcasing Spanish and Latin-American art. Our beautifully re-planted Walled Garden opens to visitors in 2020 and will supply produce for our restaurants.
Auckland Way Railway Path
The Auckland Way Railway Path is a 4.3 mile route between Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor on a former railway line passing New Coundon and Binchester
The Railway Path passes through countryside which was once part of the Bishop’s Park. Remnants of its railway history can be seen along the route. Look for the very wide railway bridge with mature trees on it. Bishop Lightfoot hated the railway and would only give his consent for the use of his land if a special ‘double’ bridge was built over the railway for his personal use. The bridge is twice the normal width and had trees planted along each side to screen the Bishop from the detested railway. It is now known as the Bishops Bridge and is unique in the Durham area and possibly the country.
The scrub and hedgerow which line the route are ideal feeding and nesting places for birds. To the west there are extensive views across the Wear Valley towards the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The route passes near Binchester Roman Fort and Auckland Park.
The route is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and wheelchair users. Please follow the Railway Paths Visitor Charter so everyone can enjoy this route together.