The Bishop Line is part of the original Stockton & Darlington Railway so it’s bursting with history and packed with exciting attractions and places to explore. Taking the train is the perfect way for you to get around as most of the places we are shouting about here, you can get to with a short walk from each station. And by choosing to take the train, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and looking after our lovely planet. You can even compare your emissions using this handy tool!
Darlington is where the Bishop Line starts, home of the Darlington Hippodrome where this summer’s sparkling season of sensational shows includes Bluey’s Big Play, Fireman Sam, and much more! Coming Friday 16 – Saturday 17 August – Cirque – The Greatest Show combines musical theatre with jaw-dropping circus – the perfect show for the full family! Book direct www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk/whats-on/Cirque-The-Greatest-Show. See a full listing of what’s on at darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
Just around the corner from the Hippodrome, on Borough Road, you’ll find The Hullabaloo, the only purpose-built theatre for children and young people north of London. And this summer you can create a Hullabaloo of our own! Imagine a city where children are in charge! What would it look like? How would it work? The creative workshops run from Monday 12th August – Thursday 15th August, 10am-3pm. Find out everything you need to know at theatrehullabaloo.org.uk
North Road is the next stop, home of Hopetown Darlington NOW OPEN! The opening week will has been full of entertainment and celebrations including live performances, crafts demonstrations, street theatre, tours and more. Check out @ hopetown Darlington’s facebook page. There’s plenty happening over the summer to keep you entertained, from summer family activities, tours of the Museum and the amazing Brick Journey exhibition made from nearly one million LEGO® bricks. Hopetown reopens after a major transformation and now features a host of family friendly experiences including Wagon Woods adventure play park, North Road Station Museum, The Goods Shed with its Clocktower Cafe & Hopetown Goods & Gifts, Darlington Locomotive Works and Skerne Bridge – the oldest operating railway bridge in the entire world plus an immersive tour through the world of transport constructed entirely from LEGO® bricks! Explore everything that Hopetown Darlington has to offer at hopetowndarlington.co.uk
Shildon is just three stops further along the line, known as the ‘cradle of the railways’ and home to Locomotion and its New Hall which opened in May. Visit the museum for a Summer of Steam, with special guest Flying Scotsman. Enjoy train rides and family activities throughout the summer holiday. Find out what else is on this summer at Locomotion at Locomotion.org.uk
Bishop Auckland is the next stop, home of The Auckland Project which brings together beautiful delights such as Auckland Palace, Auckland Tower, the Mining Gallery, the Spanish Gallery, the Faith Museum and striking nature in Auckland Gardens and the Deer Park. It’s ideal for families, with three new gardens and 150-acres of parkland to explore, plus family fun activities during the summer holidays including Open Art Space and Knight School running from 7 August – 18 August at Auckland Castle – £10 per child – book in advance, 10.30am – 11.45am or 2.30pm – 3.45pm Follow the link here for more info and to book: https://aucklandproject.org/event/knight-school/. You can also benefit from 20% off The Auckland Project Unlimited Pass when you travel by train. Discover more of what The Auckland Project has to offer at aucklandproject.org
Bishop Auckland is also the start of the Weardale Railway which is an 18-mile heritage railway that meanders up the dale to Stanhope. During the Summer make the most of their ‘Kids for a Quid!’ offer. During the summer holidays up to 2 children can travel for £1 each with one adult. This summer, hop on the Weardale Railway from Bishop Auckland West and explore the beautiful Durham Dales! Our trains call at all stations, including Witton Le Wear, Kingfisher Halt, Wolsingham, Frosterley and Stanhope. Highlights on the route include: discovering quaint village pubs and scenic walks, the nature reserve at Witton Le Wear or walk to Witton Castle, enjoy Turnstall Reservoir at Wolsingham, or explore the Dales Centre at Stanhope. Kids travel for just £1 with a day rover ticket! One adult can travel with up to two children aged 5 to 15 for only £1 each. Perfect for a family day out! To find timetables and prices visit weardale-railway.org.uk
We think you’ll agree that the Bishop Line has so much to offer, the best way to get around all these great attractions this summer is by train.
To check train times, book tickets and download the app visit the Northern Website northernrailway.co.uk.
Start exploring our attractions and plan your summer today.
