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Photo: Dennis Lovett, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This standard-gauge heritage railway runs for 16 miles between Stanhope and Bishop Auckland West, with stops at Frosterly, Kingfisher Halt, Wolsingham and Witton-le-Wear. Rides are in DMUs (diesel multiple units) with two or three shuttles per working day. Their only steam loco is an 0-6-0 colliery tank engine, under reconstruction.
The Weardale Railway is an independently owned British single-track branch line heritage railway between Bishop Auckland and Stanhope. The railway began services in July 2004. The line was purchased by the Auckland Project in 2020 with a view to restarting regular passenger services. In 2021, a bid was submitted to the Restoring Your Railway fund. In October 2021, the Department for Transport allocated funding for the development of a business case. By 2024 progress appeared to have stalled, with the scrapping of the Restoring Your Railway fund.
The castle was home to the Bishops of Durham from 1183 to 2012, each of whom embellished it in that period's style. The predominant style is Restoration Gothick; highlights are the Throne Room, the 17th-century chapel, and the 13 paintings by Zurbarán in the Long Dining Room. Visit by guided tour. The Faith Museum (included) explores the role of religious faith in history. You can also ascend the modern tower for views, and explore the Walled Garden and deer park.
Vinovia
Vinovia stood astride Dere Street, the Roman road into Scotland, at the point it crossed the River Wear. It was probably built around 79 AD and continuously garrisoned until the Romans abandoned Britain in 410. A civilian settlement grew up around the fort and remained inhabited into early medieval times. The site is more plundered than excavated - masonry and ornaments were purloined by Binchester Hall the nearby farm manor, or used as pit props. What remains includes two bathhouses, the commander's quarters, defensive structures and a section of road.
One of only four intact Anglo-Saxon churches in England, built maybe 675 AD. Roman inscriptions and workmanship indicate masonry recycled from Vinovia. It's tall and narrow, with room to seat 65, and fell derelict after 1863 when a new parish church was completed. Ironically it was saved by falling church attendance: in 1963 the newer church was in need of major repair and had a dwindling congregation, so that was demolished and the refurbishment was of the Saxon church, which remains active Anglican.
Railway museum on the site of the world's first steam-hauled railway. A new locomotive hall is under construction, to open in 2025 for the 200th anniversary of that first train.
Built in the 14th century, but much prettified in the 17th and 18th centuries in Jacobean style. It has a large art collection and extensive grounds.
Outdoor pageant of British history, on Saturday summer evenings. You pay extra for parking and can't bring your own food.