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.

3

Research from 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.

Read More on Christmas Travel

YULE GO

Lesser-visited 'alternative Florence' with the world's oldest Christmas market

UP MARKET

Europe's best-value Christmas market revealed with cheap grog & free train rides

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.

Most read in News Travel

SANDS GOOD

Seaside town is the ultimate staycation spot & one of UK’s 'best places to live'

SNOW WAY

Inside England's only Christmas Winter Wonderland that guarantees real snow

HIKE ON

I've walked 10,000 miles through Britain - here's my fave quaint village to visit

ISLE GO

Med's smallest inhabited island hits 20C in mid-winter and has £50 hotel rooms

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. ​​

READ MORE SUN STORIES

TUNE IN

Freeview watchers warned of nine major changes coming to TVs across the UK TODAY

PAY OUT

Major update to car finance compensation scandal

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.

3

3