GOING FUTHER AFIELD

Bishop Auckland is a great base for exploring all that the surrounding region has to offer, just 20 minutes from Durham City and within easy reach of the Durham Dales and Durham coast. Here are our top picks:

BEAMISH MUSEUM

This world-famous living museum tells the story of life in the north-east during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s. Set across 350 acres, there’s a recreated town, pit village, farm and old hall to explore, with costumed folk ready entertain. Say hello to the pit ponies in their stables, hop aboard a tram and have your portrait taken in the Edwardian photographer’s studio.

Beamish Museum, Beamish, Co. Durham DH9 0RG. beamish.org.uk; 0191 370 4000

DURHAM CATHEDRAL

Built in 1093, Durham Cathedral has been a place of pilgrimage and worship for almost a millennium, and, together with Durham Castle was one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in England. Soak up the extraordinary architecture, conquer the 325 steps up the tower and take a guided tour to learn more about those formidable Prince Bishops. Christmas sees special carol concerts and a regional producers’ market in the cathedral cloisters.

Durham Cathedral, Durham DH1 3EH. durhamcathedral.co.uk; 0191 386 4266

DURHAM CASTLE

Head through the gatehouse and into the heart of this historic building with its Great Hall decorated with portraits of past bishops and exceptional Norman chapel built in 1080. One of the first fortified castles built by William the Conqueror, the castle is now used as accommodation for lucky Durham University students.

Visits are by guided tour only and tickets can be purchased from the nearby Palace Green Library.

Durham Castle, Palace Green, Durham DH1 3RW. dur.ac.uk/durham.castle; 0191 334 2932

RABY CASTLE

Without doubt one of the most impressive and bestpreserved medieval castles in England. Take in the sumptuous interiors and fabulous art collection before heading outside to enjoy the Walled Gardens and Deer Park with herds of red and fallow deer.

Raby Castle, Staindrop, Co. Durham DL2 3AH. raby.co.uk; 01833 660202

HIGH FORCE

A 30-minute drive from Raby Castle with take you to High Force, a spectacular waterfall where the River Tees takes a dramatic 21-metre plunge. A gentle and pretty woodland walk will lead you to a viewing area at the waterfall’s base.

High Force Waterfall, Forest-in-Teesdale, Co. Durham DL12 0XH. raby.co.uk; 01833 622336

THE BOWES MUSEUM

Whether its paintings by Van Dyck, fashion from the 16th20th centuries or a Silver Swan musical automaton, this diverse collection is sure to inspire. It was purpose built in the 19th century by businessman John Bowes and his actress wife, Josephine, their romantic story revealed as you wander around this graceful Grade-I-listed building.

The Bowes Museum, Newgate, Co. Durham

DL12 8NP. thebowesmuseum.org.uk; 01833 690606

LOCOMOTION

Fittingly based in Shildon, where the world’s first steam-hauled passenger train set off on the Stockton to Darlington railway, learn about the history of rail travel here through more than 70 engines and carriages.

Locomotion, Dale Road Industrial Estate, Shildon, Co. Durham DL4 2RE. locomotion.org.uk; 01904 685780