7 Budget-friendly Things to do in Bishop Auckland That You Shouldn't Miss

The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a stunning landscape of open heather moors, dramatic dales, tumbling upland rivers, wonderful woods, close-knit communities, glorious waterfalls, fantastic birds, colourful hay meadows, stone-built villages, intriguing imprints of a mining and industrial past, distinctive plants and much, much more. As well as being an AONB the North Pennines is also a European and Global Geopark - a status endorsed by UNESCO. The AONB is a distinctive landscape of high moorland and broad upland dales in the North of England. It shares a boundary with the Yorkshire Dales National Park in the south and extends as far as the Tyne Valley, just south of Hadrain's Wall, in the north. Parts of the North Pennines AONB are in the three counties of Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is exactly what it says it is: an outstanding landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so precious that it is in the nation's interest to safeguard them.There are 46 AONBs in Britain (33 wholly in England, four wholly in Wales, one which straddles the English/Welsh border and eight in Northern Ireland) and they cover 18% of our countryside. AONBs are designated in recognition of their national importance and to ensure that their character and qualities are protected for all to enjoy.

The Mining Art Gallery will provide a permanent home for more than 400 works from prominent local artists connected with the regions mining communities, including Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish. The gallery will be located in the former Old Bank Chambers in the heart of the Market Place. Parking available at North Bondgate car park, DL14 7PG. PLEASE NOTE: We are temporarily closed due to Covid-19.

Auckland Castle is one of the best-preserved bishops’ palaces in the whole of Europe and is at the centre of The Auckland Project. The Castle is currently undergoing major conservation work, which will transform its state rooms to their original Georgian Gothic splendour, as designed by the renowned English architect James Wyatt. Auckland Castle re-opened Saturday, 2 November 2019. Parking available at North Bondgate car park, DL14 7PG. PLEASE NOTE: We are temporarily closed due to Covid-19.

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. For upcoming events check our website. Parking is free for DWT members and £2.50 for non-members.

Bamboozles Adventure World Ltd is an action packed family Entertainment Centre where children can have hours of fun in a safe and secure environment. Adults can sit at tables or on comfy sofas, whilst taking full advantage of our free wi-fi, and order from our cafe delicious coffees and hot chocolates, cold drinks and we aso serve meals and snacks. Babies have a separate soft play area of their own, where they can enjoy playing with a selection of toys including, musical toys, play gyms, play mats, soft balls, cuddly toys and bouncer chairs. Toddlers have a dedicated play frame especially for them to venture. Comprising of a double slide, ball pool, soft cubes, cars, seasaws, tunnels, building blocks and a little tykes ride on area, it will keep tots entertained for hours. Our junior play frame (4 -13 years) is guaranteed to give those older ones a fantastic time. Set over three floors, the play frame comprises of a four lane astra slide, ball cannon area, twirly slide, shark pit, aerial glide, dizzy discs, bridges, tunnels and much more. And just to add to the adventure we have Integrated Trampolines, a Trikes, Inflatable Obstacle Course, Formula 1 ride on cars on there very own track (£1 per ride) Football Court, Air Hockey Machine (£1 per game) and our very own 6 metre high Climbing Wall. Five children can use the wall at any one time so it’s great for racing mates! In addition we also have the Outdoor Barnyard, which also contains a Maze, Sandpit, Crazy Golf (£1pp) and Outdoor Seating area. In the Barnyard we have Meercats, Alpacas, Goats, Pigs and Rabbits for the children to interact with and enjoy. Entry price includes both the indoor SoftPlay and outdoor Barnyard (Excluding additional charges where shown) and is: Under 1's = FREE 1-4 years = £4.40 4-13 = £4.80 Meal Deal (Entry and Childrens Meal) = £6.50