Darlington Railway Station with Cross Country

Stonework at the side of railway tracks along the Bishop Line, North East UK

The Bishop Line. Photo: Scott Akoz

Darlington Railway Station with Trans Pennine Express train

Taking just 27 minutes you’ll enjoy a relaxing journey admiring the rich heritage and beautiful landscape along the way.

The Bishop Line is bursting with history, it follows the route of the historic Stockton and Darlington Railway, the first public passenger route still in use today. Along the way you’ll pass over Skerne Bridge, opened in 1825 it’s the oldest railway bridge still being used by rail. See the locomotive that hauled the first train along the line at the Head of Steam Museum, explore Locomotion – The National Railway Museum at Shildon and discover a palace fit for kings at Auckland Castle.

Highlights

Travel over Skerne Railway Bridge, the oldest railway bridge in use

Alight at North Road Station to see Locomotion No.1, the locomotive that hauled the first train on the line in 1825

Find out more

Local line website

Discover the historic Bishop Line from Darlington to Bishop Auckland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWeZWlVmfRI

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Getting there

Train/bus Car Plane

Depending on your direction of travel you can either park at Bishop Auckland Station, DL14 7EJ, but parking is limited, or Darlington station, DL1 4AA, where there is extensive parking.

Take the highspeed Virgin Trains East Coast train from London Kings Cross to Darlington. Trains leave regularly throughout the day (look up times) and the journey takes approximately 2 hours 33 minutes.

Alternatively take the regular Trans Pennine Express train (look up times) from Manchester Victoria to Darlington. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 49 minutes.

Regular Bus Services also operate along the line. Plan your journey on the Traveline website.

Route

Darlington - Bishop Auckland

Cost

£4.90 Off-Peak Day Return

Opening times

7 days a week | all year

Journey time

27min

Distance

17 miles | 27 km

Time from London

2:30 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Suggested itinerary

Take the highspeed Virgin Trains East Coast train from London Kings Cross to Darlington. Trains leave regularly throughout the day (look up times). The journey takes approximately 2 hours 33 minutes. Alternatively take the regular Trans Pennine Express train (look up times) from Manchester Victoria to Darlington. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 49 minutes.

Attractions along the Bishop Line include:

Head of Steam Museum

Packed full of railway memorabilia and don’t miss seeing Robert Stephenson & Company’s Locomotion No. 1.

Journey time – 3 minute walk from North Road station

Locomotion – The National Railway Museum at Shildon

Discover locomotives from throughout the ages.

Journey time – 5 minute walk from Shildon station

Auckland Castle

Visit the this palace of outstanding historic and architectural value. Please note Auckland Castle is currently undergoing a major renovation. Please check opening times/restrictions in advance of visit.

Journey time – 18 minute walk from Bishop Auckland station