Locomotion - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Auckland Castle, once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham. It is one of the best-preserved bishops’ palaces in the whole of Europe and is at the center of The Auckland Project. Previously a deer park, Bishop Hugh Pudsey established a manor house on the site in around 1183. Because it was near to his hunting estate, a successor, Bishop Bek, relocated his main residence from Durham Castle to Auckland and he later converted the manor house into a castle.

Bishop Auckland Town Hall is a multi-purpose cultural venue situated in the Bishop Auckland marketplace. The Hall with its theatre, gallery, library, and café has undergone a major refurbishment program and was due to fully reopen to the public earlier in 2020. The building held a prominent position in the town and dominated the area with its strong mansard pavilions, spires, and associated ironwork.

Kynren is a spectacular outdoor theatre experience that takes place annually, usually between August and September. The open-air extravaganza had planned to add even more to their attraction in 2020 with a new show, new attractions and new dining. This family-friendly event is a feast for all the senses and a brilliant way to enjoy the long summer evenings in the North East.

The Roman fort at Binchester lies above the River Wear just outside the historic town of Bishop Auckland (Co. Durham). Known to the Romans as Vinovia, it commanded the main road that ran from the legionary headquarters at York northwards to Hadrian's Wall. It formed a key element of the complex frontier system that lay both sides of the Wall that marked the northern-most edge of the Roman Empire for nearly four hundred years.

Escomb Saxon Church is one of the oldest Anglo-Saxon churches in England and one of only three complete Anglo-Saxon churches remaining in England. The church was built around 675 AD with stone probably from the Roman Fort at Binchester. Escomb church is on the national register of the Small Pilgrim Places Network. These places are small, spiritual oases, offering an atmosphere that encourages stillness, prayer and reflection for people of all faiths or none.

Hardwick Hall Country Park is a park located in County Durham near Sedgefield. This is a very popular wood which can get very busy at weekends. Interesting sculptures, lakeside walks, picnic areas and a temple to view. Built around the 1750s the park has now been restored.