Parish in County Durham, England
| Coordinates: | 54.656, -1.681 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | NZ 20 29 |
| Population: | 26,050 |
| Dialling code: | 01388 |
Bishop Auckland is a market town and civil parish in County Durham, England, straddling a bend of the River Wear. Historically it grew as the seat of the Prince Bishops of Durham and remains centred on the imposing Auckland Castle, known for its episcopal palace, medieval architecture and an important collection of Spanish Old Master paintings. The surrounding landscape opens out towards Weardale, giving the town a mix of industrial heritage and accessible countryside.
Once dominated by coal mining and engineering, the local economy has shifted towards heritage-led regeneration and cultural tourism, with projects such as the Auckland Project and large-scale outdoor performances helping to draw visitors. The town still retains a traditional market, independent shops and community organisations, and residents benefit from river walks, green spaces and links by road and rail to nearby Durham and other regional centres.
DL14 6PH, DL14 6DB, DL14 9TG, DL14 6EX, DL14 0RA, DL14 6LN, DL14 7HY, DL14 6RX, DL14 6PP … See all