A County Durham town has been named as one of Britain’s best “comeback” destinations to visit.

Bishop Auckland could be the next day out or weekend away for you, if you’re looking for a place to explore that is hidden among the usual UK tourist hotspots this year, according to inews.

From Auckland Tower to Auckland Castle, there are many attractions to make the most of in the “attraction-studded spot on the northeast England tourist circuit.”

inews said: “January is the time to look forward and think big. And there is inspiration, and enjoyment, to be found in these transformed towns and cities.

The Northern Echo: Is Auckland Castle on your list of places to explore?Is Auckland Castle on your list of places to explore? (Image: Tripadvisor)

“Each has been thoroughly spruced up following an era of decline, while every place we suggest offers dazzling reasons to visit for an off-beat weekend break.”

Why is Bishop Auckland one of Britain’s best ‘comeback’ towns?

The publisher commented: “Over the past decade, one fantastically ambitious scheme, the Auckland Project, has changed Bishop Auckland in County Durham from a somewhat shabby coal town to an attraction-studded spot on the northeast England tourist circuit.

“Sights to see now include the Auckland Tower, which reveals views across the town, a Mining Art Gallery that offers unique perspectives into the lives of coal miners, a museum charting the history of faith in Britain and the bishops palace of Auckland Castle (sparkling after a multi-million-pound refurbishment and bounded by a beautiful deer park).”


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When it comes to looking for a place to stay, inews recommends Park Head Hotel which opened its doors in 2023 as part of the Auckland Project.

Someone who recently visited Auckland Castle left this review on Tripadvisor: “We didn't go inside the castle on this occasion, we walked in the beautiful snowy grounds.

“It's a great place for families or couples or lone dog-walkers. The views in and around the place are stunning. I am excited about the newly re-vamped walled garden opening in Spring 2024 too!

“The adjacent visitor centre in the market place is excellent too, go to the viewing tower - it's free!”

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Britain’s best ‘comeback’ towns and cities to visit in 2024

  • Glasgow
  • Hull
  • Plymouth
  • Blaenau Ffestiniog
  • Bishop Auckland

You can read more about each location named among Britain’s best “comeback” towns and cities on the inews website.