85, Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle

Leaving Bishop Auckland from Cabin Gate, the bus weaves through the outskirts of town before slipping into open countryside. Rows of modest terraced houses quickly give way to wide, rolling fields framed by hedgerows and dry stone walls. Sheep dot the hillsides, often lying in clusters beneath the shadows of lone trees, while the occasional tractor kicks up dust in the distance.

At Evenwood Gate, there’s a quiet stretch of farmland, the landscape undulating with dips and rises that offer fleeting glimpses of far-off hills. The road begins to feel more remote, lined with weathered stone cottages and wooden fences. Evenwood Bank Top gives a higher vantage point; on clear days, the horizon stretches endlessly with moorland patches, and in spring, yellow gorse brightens the roadside.

In Cockfield, the village curls around a green, with bungalows, a church spire, and a stillness, that creates a blissful ambience in keeping with the ever more rural feel to this splendid journey. Beyond Cockfield, the road narrows, curling gently around hedgerows into the tiny hamlet of Stainton Village. Here, the land feels untouched, wildflowers cluster at the road’s edge, and the houses seem older, some with ivy climbing their stone fronts. It's an almost paradisical setting.

As the bus draws closer to Barnard Castle, the countryside softens. The terrific River Tees can be glimpsed in the distance, shimmering through tree branches. The bus passes through the market town’s edge and arrives at Galgate, where Grade II stone buildings stand tall and proud. The castle’s turrets appear briefly above the rooftops, and the street spills into life with antique shops, cafés, and cobbled paths. It’s a fitting end to a route rich in quiet beauty and gentle drama.

Begin your fun-packed journey in Bishop Auckland, a town rejuvenated by the ambitious Auckland Project. Explore Auckland Castle, the historic residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham, and admire the renowned Zurbarán paintings. Adjacent to the castle, the Faith Museum offers insights into 6,000 years of religious history, while the Mining Art Gallery showcases poignant artworks reflecting the region's coal mining heritage . For art enthusiasts, the Spanish Gallery houses the UK's largest collection of Spanish art outside London . Before departing, savour a meal at El Castillo, a tapas restaurant praised for its delectable pork belly and seasonal vegetables.

Board the 85 bus to Cockfield, a village steeped in history. Embark on the Cockfield Fell Heritage Walk, a 3.5-mile trail traversing England's largest scheduled ancient monument. The walk reveals remnants of pre-Roman settlements, medieval coal mining sites, and the 19th-century Lands Viaduct . This serene landscape offers a glimpse into the area's industrial past amidst natural beauty.

Continue to Barnard Castle, a charming market town perched above the River Tees. Explore the ruins of Barnard Castle itself, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Nearby, the Bowes Museum, designed in the style of a French château, houses an impressive collection of European fine and decorative arts, including works by El Greco and Goya . Don't miss the Silver Swan automaton, a mechanical marvel from the 18th century. Conclude your visit with a stroll through the town's antique shops and perhaps a riverside walk along the Teesdale Way.

Check out further down this page, some of the great attractions on this route and also be sure to go onto this link to find out more about fares and inspiration...

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