About
I’d heard wonderful things about Park Head Hotel before visiting, but what really drew me in was its connection to the incredible regeneration of Bishop Auckland. The hotel is part of the wider vision of the Auckland Project, a charity dedicated to transforming the town into a cultural and heritage destination. It’s inspiring to see how one ambitious project has helped breathe new life into the town, creating attractions that encourage visitors to stay longer and discover more of County Durham.
Much of this transformation has been made possible through the generosity and vision of philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer, whose investment has restored historic buildings, created museums and galleries and helped put Bishop Auckland firmly on the tourism map. Staying at the Park Head Hotel felt like being part of that story, with the hotel providing an ideal base for exploring everything the area has to offer.
One of the biggest draws is Kynren, the spectacular live outdoor show that tells 2,000 years of British history through breathtaking performances, stunning special effects and an enormous volunteer cast. If you’re planning a visit to Kynren, then Park Head Hotel is perfectly placed just a short drive away.
Location
Set on the edge of Bishop Auckland, Park Head Hotel enjoys a peaceful setting surrounded by countryside while remaining only a few minutes drive from the town centre. It offers the best of both worlds – a relaxing retreat after a day of sightseeing with easy access to the area’s many attractions. Its location makes it an excellent base for exploring Auckland Castle, the attractions of the Auckland Project and Kynren.
Arrival and Check In
Our stay got off to a lovely start with a warm welcome from the reception team. Check-in was quick, efficient and friendly, making the whole arrival process effortless. The reception area and lounge felt welcoming and throughout our stay the staff were approachable, professional and always happy to help.
The Room
We stayed in one of the hotel’s spacious suites, which was one of the highlights of our stay. Although there were only two of us, we really appreciated having so much room to spread out and relax. It’s also easy to see why this would be a great choice for families, with plenty of space for everyone to be comfortable.
The room was decorated in muted grey with warm shades of orange, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. The décor was modern and well maintained, everything was spotlessly clean and the huge bed was wonderfully comfortable. There was plenty of storage, a comfortable seating area and all the amenities we needed, making it feel much more spacious than a typical hotel room.
Dining
Although we didn’t eat dinner in the hotel restaurant, we did enjoy a relaxing drink in the bar during the evening. It had a warm, welcoming atmosphere and was the perfect place to unwind after a busy day exploring Bishop Auckland. Breakfast the following morning was very good, with an excellent choice of hot and cold options. Everything was fresh, well cooked and served by friendly staff, providing a great start to the day.
Facilities
Park Head Hotel has 38 en-suite rooms focussing on providing comfortable accommodation and excellent hospitality rather than extensive leisure facilities. Free parking and reliable Wi-Fi made our stay easy and convenient, while the inviting lounge, bar areas and courtyard terrace offered comfortable spaces to relax.
Out and About
The Park Head Hotel is just a short drive from Bishop Auckland, a small town filled with many interesting attractions. Read on to find out more.
Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland lies south west of Durham and is the former home of the Prince Bishops of Durham. The town has a rich history spanning over 2,000 years with much to see and do.
The Auckland Project is a unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland centred around the heart of Bishop Auckland. Tickets to individual attractions can be obtained or for better value I recommend purchasing the all inclusive Discovery Day Pass or Bishop’s Key tickets which allows unlimited access to Auckland Palace, The Faith Museum, The Spanish and Mining Art Galleries and a series of gardens for either the day or a 12-month period respectively. The Auckland Project.
Kynren
This epic outdoor theatrical production takes place in Bishop Auckland during the summer months. It is an immersive experience set against the backdrop of the stunning Auckland Palace and features a talented cast of over 1,000 including actors, dancers, horse riders and back stage staff. Kynren tells the story of England’s history, from the Roman conquest to the present day, through a spectacular display of music, dance, and stunning visual effects. New for 2026 is The Storied Lands – an exciting daytime live action show park where spectacular performances, immersive experiences and legendary storytelling bring England’s history and myths to life. Featuring epic Viking battles, medieval horsemanship, breathtaking birds in flight and family-friendly adventures, it offers a unique day out unlike any traditional theme park. Kynren.
High Force Waterfall
High Force is one of the most impressive waterfalls in England and is located on the River Tees close to the small town of Middleton-in-Teesdale in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The waterfall spectacularly drops 70 feet (21m) into a plunge pool below. Access to the northern bank is via a private footpath from the High Force Hotel for which a £3.50 fee is charged. High Force Waterfall
Raby Castle
Raby Castle is one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England and was constructed in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family. It has a long history as Cecily Neville was mother to two kings of England. The castle was also the scene of the plotting of the Rising of the North and was a Parliamentary stronghold during the Civil War. The castle is characterised by its vast medieval towers, terrace and curtain walls dating back to the 11th Century. The expansive grounds boast picturesque parkland, lakes and wild roaming deer. Enjoy a one hour guided castle tour before strolling through the grounds. Raby Castle.
Overall
Park Head Hotel proved to be a comfortable and welcoming base for our visit to Bishop Auckland. The spacious suite, friendly team, enjoyable breakfast and relaxing bar all combined to make for a thoroughly enjoyable stay.
Its peaceful location, close to the Auckland Project attractions and Kynren, makes it an ideal choice whether you’re visiting for history, culture or one of England’s most spectacular live shows. We’d happily stay there again and would certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a comfortable stay in County Durham.
Details: The Park Head Hotel, Park View Terrace, Bishop Auckland.
We were guests of Visit Durham and as always, all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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