The English market town dubbed ‘Christmas capital of the North’ with ice rink, Ferris wheel and Santa’s Grotto
BISHOP AUCKLAND is a historic market town in County Durham that’s been named one of the best market towns to visit in England for a festive getaway.
Not only is Bishop Auckland described as the gateway to the Durham Dales, but it’s fast becoming known as the Christmas Capital of the North.
Research from holidaycottages.co.uk recently revealed the top 10 festive market towns in England.
Bakewell in Derbyshire took first place with Stow-on-the-Wold in Gloucestershire ranked second.
Norfolk‘s Holt came in at third, while Keswick in Cumbria took fourth place.
Meanwhile, Bishop Auckland ranked fifth thanks to its scenic winter walks, cosy pubs, festive lights and other Christmas attractions.
A team of travel experts at holidaycottages.co.uk wrote: “Bishop Auckland brings a captivating blend of history and holiday spirit to the festive season.
“Also known as the Christmas Town of the North, it shines bright throughout the festive period, attracting visitors eager to experience its charming streets, Christmas ambience, and numerous holiday events”.
Located in the Vale of Durham, Bishop Auckland will soon host Christmas Town 2024 – a 10-day festive event that features an ice rink, a ferris wheel, giant tipis and a grotto.
Other attractions include a Christmas bandstand, a Christmas market and a vintage carousel.
Christmas Town will take place from November 29 until December 8 in Bishop Auckland’s town square.
Several other Christmas events will also take place in the English market town over the festive period, including AGLOW – a Christmas light trail featuring 22 displays, some of which will be the largest in the country.
The Christmas light trail will take place at Auckland Palace with adult tickets starting from £21.75 and children’s tickets from £14.75.
Christmas at the Palace will also take place at Auckland Palace, with 12 rooms decorated for the festive season.
Holidaymakers will be able to visit the State Rooms, St Peter’s Chapel and the Private Apartments, all of which will be adorned with Christmas Trees, twinkling lights and garlands.
Christmas at the Palace will take place on set days in November and December during normal opening hours.
Entry tickets start from £20 for adults and £12.50 for children under the age of 16.
Nearby, Weardale Railway’s festive Christmas train will depart from Stanhope Train Station.
The festive train journey will feature live onboard performances from a Christmas-themed cast.
Journeys will operate for 22 days throughout November and December, with tickets from £36.20.
Bishop Auckland is a 25-minute drive from Darlington and a 47-minute drive from Newcastle.
The top 10 festive market towns to visit
HERE are the top 10 festive market towns to visit in the UK, according to holidaycottages.co.uk.
- Bakewell
- Stow-on-the-Wold
- Holt
- Keswick
- Bishop Auckland
- Wetherby
- Sandbach
- Bicester
- Corbridge
- Aldeburgh
Earlier this year, we revealed our favourite towns and villages to visit across the UK.
Another tiny village in the UK has been compared to a retro 1940s film set.