Bishop Auckland is a very pretty market town in County Durham, known for its castle, Auckland Castle, its associations with the Bishops of Durham (who have long resided in it), its Roman Fort — called Binchester — its thriving Thursday and Saturday markets, and its seven and a half acre open-air theatre, Kynren — which, using a cast of 1000+ depicts the whole history of England every summer. For our Gurus the best places to stay in Bishop Auckland are close to the centre of town, near the castle, the art galleries and the marketplace.

Bishop Auckland is also a good base for walkers: its location, close to the River Wear, and surrounded by pretty hills and valleys, is picturesque, and there are numerous trails offering access to some of the most beautiful spots. Bishop Auckland is also just beyond the boundaries of both the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the North York Moors National Park, and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Bishop Auckland may be most famous for  Auckland Castle, which has been the residence of the Bishop of Durham since the early part of the 19th century, when the Bishop’s residence in Durham was gifted to Durham University. It’s surrounded by 800 acres of grounds, and has an art collection which includes an impressive collection of works by Francisco de Zurbarán. The Winchester Roman Fort, which is one of the best preserved examples of a Roman Bath House in the country, is also worth a look. 

As with many pretty little backwaters, this can be a year round destination. So don't forget to book ahead, the best places to stay in Bishop Auckland get very busy!

The Best Places to Stay in Bishop Auckland

For a Central Spot

• The Park Head Hotel is a comfortably stylish, 38 room property in the centre of Bishop Auckland. This is a friendly pick, especially if you want in on local insight or advice, with a wonderful restaurant which is also very home grown. Rooms are well designed, and are in a good range shapes and sizes, which includes family-sizes suites. The hotel also has a children’s play area.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Bishop Auckland’s closest airport is Teeside International Airport, which is around half an hour away by car or taxi, or around an hour and a half away by rail. Depending on where you're starting out from, Newcastle Airport may be more convenient. It is about 40 minutes away by car or taxi, or about two and a half hours away by train. If you're coming via London, you can catch the train all the way up to Bishop Auckland in about three and a half hours, travelling direct from Kings Cross.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Summer is the most popular time for visiting Bishop Auckland, but that’s more to do with the school holidays than the fact that Bishop Auckland is a fine-weather destination. This is a cooler spot, with sunny days, but plenty of cool, rainy ones too. Bishop Auckland is the kind of town where there’s always quite a bit on: from the food festival in April, to summer street food markets, steam train events, art exhibitions, and an every-busy calendar of music events.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for the best hotels in the Yorkshire Dales National Park or the North York Moors National Park
• Include our Gurus’ recommendations for all the best places to stay in County Durham or the best places to stay in Northumberland
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.