Premier Inn Bishop Auckland

Yes, Bishop Auckland is definitely worth a visit. The town combines history, culture and natural beauty, making it ideal for weekend breaks or longer stays. You can explore Auckland Castle, which dates back nearly 900 years and hosts exhibitions and family-friendly activities, such as boar trails and dressing-up days. History lovers can also visit nearby museums, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy walks, cycling and scenic views in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with its heather moors, rivers and rolling dales. Families can also enjoy parks, playgrounds and local events throughout the year.

Bishop Auckland is best known for Auckland Castle, once the residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham, which remains one of the most important historic buildings in the UK. The town is also renowned for its links to mining and industrial heritage, showcased in local museums and galleries. Nature lovers are drawn to the nearby North Pennines and visitors often enjoy traditional experiences like exploring local markets, independent shops and sweet shops like Sweet Greetings in nearby Shildon.

Yes, Bishop Auckland is a historic market town with roots dating back centuries. Markets remain an integral part of town life, selling fresh produce, crafts and local products. These markets, along with seasonal fairs and community events, add energy and vibrancy to the town, making it a lively destination for visitors.

Bishop Auckland is a medium-sized town, large enough to offer a wide range of shops, restaurants, cafes and cultural attractions, but still compact enough to explore comfortably on foot. 

Bishop Auckland has plenty to keep you busy, from history and nature to family fun. Start with Auckland Castle, one of the UK’s most important historical buildings, nearly 900 years old. Families can enjoy weekend activities like boar trails and interactive exhibits that make history come alive for kids. For outdoor lovers, the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is just a short drive away. Explore heather moors, windswept dales, tumbling rivers and scenic walking trails, perfect for hiking, cycling or just soaking up the views. Sweet Greetings in nearby Shildon is a traditional sweet shop where you can pick up all sorts of candies, from jellies and gums to old-fashioned favourites. Other attractions include the Mining Art Gallery, which showcases artworks inspired by the region’s coal mining history and Binchester Roman Fort, where history buffs can explore ancient ruins. Families can also enjoy Whitworth Park, with playgrounds and open spaces for a relaxing afternoon.

Yes, Bishop Auckland hosts regular market days, where visitors can browse fresh local produce, artisan foods, crafts and more. Throughout the year, the town also hosts seasonal markets, outdoor fairs and themed events, perfect for families.

Entrance to Auckland Castle is free for general visits, including access to the historic rooms, exhibitions and grounds. Some special exhibitions, guided tours or family activity days may have a separate fee, so it’s worth checking ahead if you’re planning to join one of these experiences.

Yes, Bishop Auckland railway station connects the town to larger cities such as Durham and Darlington, making it easy to reach by train. The station is within walking distance of the town centre, convenient for exploring local attractions, shops and restaurants without needing a car.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.