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4- and 5-star hotels in Bishop Auckland
This shortlist gathers the 4- and 5-star hotels and self-catering stays in and around Bishop Auckland, County Durham, for travellers who want a well-rated base for exploring the town and the surrounding dales.
Staying in Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland sits in County Durham, with 136 places to stay listed on this site and an average guest score of 4.4 out of 5. The town is known for its castle and its position on the edge of the Durham Dales, making it a practical base for both town visits and countryside walks.
The hotels and cottages on this shortlist are spread across the area: some sit right in Bishop Auckland or within a few kilometres of the centre, such as Ladywell House B&B and Plum Tree Cottage, while others lie further out in villages and hamlets like Frosterley, Westgate, Rookhope and Cowshill, up to 26.8 km from the centre. The mix suits couples, families and small groups: several properties offer kitchens, gardens and pet-friendly facilities, while others provide breakfast, restaurants and more traditional hotel services.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Plum Tree Cottage
Low Lane Plum Tree Cottage, Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay herePlum Tree Cottage is a 5-star retreat 5.7 km from Bishop Auckland with a fireplace and a garden for quiet evenings. Self-catering is easy thanks to the refrigerator and coffee-making setup, while free car parking and free wifi keep the stay practical. The picnic area and terrace add outdoor space, and wheelchair access is available. It suits couples or small families wanting a private countryside base near town.
See Plum Tree Cottage1 the Mews Bishop Auckland
Dl13 2Pz Stanhope United Kingdom Bishop Auckland, Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereSet 12.9 km from Bishop Auckland, 1 the Mews Bishop Auckland is a 5-star stay with a restaurant and conference hall, making it a workable choice for business travellers or guests hosting a small event. Lifts and a reception area smooth arrivals, and pets are allowed. Free wifi, parking, currency exchange and newspapers round out the essentials. Couples and professionals wanting hotel-style services will find it fits.
See 1 the Mews Bishop AucklandHorsley Hall
Horsley Hall Eastgate, Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereHorsley Hall is a 5-star property 14.7 km from Bishop Auckland with a full kitchen, dishwasher and washing machine, so longer self-catering stays are straightforward. A fireplace and garden give the house warmth, and free car parking is provided. Cots and high chairs are available, which suits families with young children. Groups or households wanting space and privacy will appreciate it.
See Horsley HallAlice's Cottage
Cornriggs_X000d_Cowshill, Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereAlice's Cottage sits 26.8 km from Bishop Auckland as a 5-star self-catering option with a kitchen, dishwasher and washing machine for extended stays. Pets are allowed and free car parking is included, with a garage, garden and wheelchair access. Free wifi and a TV cover the basics indoors. It suits guests travelling with a dog who want a rural base with room to spread out.
See Alice's CottageNelly's Cottage
Cornriggs_X000d_Cowshill, Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereNelly's Cottage is a 5-star cottage 26.8 km from Bishop Auckland offering a kitchen, dishwasher and washing machine for self-sufficient stays. A garden and garage come with free car parking, and pets are welcome. Cots are available for families, and free wifi and a TV are provided. Guests wanting a quiet rural retreat with a dog will find it well suited.
See Nelly's CottageBinchester Crag Farm
Binchester Crag Farm_X000d_Binchester_X000d_, Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereBinchester Crag Farm is a 5-star farm stay 11.8 km from Bishop Auckland with a Jacuzzi, fireplace and garden, plus horse back riding and fishing nearby. The kitchen, dishwasher and garage support longer self-catering visits, and pets are allowed with free car parking. It suits guests who want outdoor activity alongside a comfortable rural base.
See Binchester Crag FarmThe Saxon Inn
1 Saxon Green Escomb, Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Pool bar
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereThe Saxon Inn is a 4-star inn 9.4 km from Bishop Auckland, rated 4.5 out of 5 from 416 reviews. A restaurant and bar make meals easy without driving, and family rooms, a games room, darts and a garden add things to do. Bathrobes, toiletries and a bath lift the comfort level. Free wifi and parking are provided. It suits couples and families wanting a lively, well-reviewed stay.
See The Saxon InnDales Farm Upper Weardale
B6295 High Copthill, Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
Why stay hereDales Farm Upper Weardale is a 4-star farm stay 26.2 km from Bishop Auckland with a perfect 5.0 rating from 2 reviews. A garden and free car parking are the main amenities, and non-smoking rooms are available. Credit cards are accepted. It suits guests seeking a simple, highly rated rural base in Upper Weardale.
See Dales Farm Upper WeardaleLadywell House B&B
Hamsterley, Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
Best for: Breakfast
- Breakfast
Why stay hereLadywell House B&B is a 4-star bed and breakfast 2.6 km from Bishop Auckland, one of the closest options to the centre. Breakfast is included, and rooms come with a bathroom, shower, TV and coffee, with free bottled water provided. It suits guests who want an easy, small-scale stay close to town without self-catering.
See Ladywell House B&BNewlands Hall Farmouse B&B
Frosterley County Durham, Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereNewlands Hall Farmouse B&B is a 4-star bed and breakfast 8.0 km from Bishop Auckland. Breakfast is served, and a garden and picnic area give outdoor space. Free wifi and free car parking are included. It suits guests wanting a countryside B&B with the essentials covered and easy parking.
See Newlands Hall Farmouse B&BAshbrow Cottage
Sidehead Westgate Westgatedl13 1Ledurham, Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereAshbrow Cottage is a 4-star property 21.1 km from Bishop Auckland offering free wifi, free internet access in the lounge and free car parking. A tennis court is on site for guests who want to play. It suits travellers seeking a straightforward rural base with sport and connectivity on hand.
See Ashbrow CottageLow Cornriggs Farm
Conriggs Bishop Auckland Cowshill Durham Dl13 1Aq Bishop Auckland, Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereLow Cornriggs Farm is a 4-star farm stay 26.8 km from Bishop Auckland with a restaurant and breakfast, so meals are covered. The garden and reception area add comfort, and free car parking and free internet access in the lounge are provided. Pets are not allowed. It suits guests wanting a hosted rural stay with dining on site.
See Low Cornriggs FarmBolt's View
7 Hylton Terrace Rookhope, Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereBolt's View is a 4-star house 19.5 km from Bishop Auckland with a kitchen, dishwasher and washing machine for self-catering. A fireplace and garden make it cosy, and pets are allowed with free car parking. It suits walkers and families wanting a roomy rural base in Rookhope.
See Bolt's ViewBriar Barn
Briar Hill Ireshopeburn, Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereBriar Barn is a 4-star barn 24.1 km from Bishop Auckland offering a kitchen, fireplace and Jacuzzi. The garden and free car parking add convenience, and pets are allowed. Cots are available for families. It suits guests wanting a characterful self-catering stay with a hot tub for relaxing after days out.
See Briar BarnElm Cottage
16 East End Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereElm Cottage is a 4-star cottage 6.4 km from Bishop Auckland with a kitchen, dishwasher and washing machine for self-catering. A fireplace and garden provide comfort, and a golf course and beach are nearby. Pets are allowed and free car parking is included. It suits families or couples wanting a well-placed base close to town and the coast.
See Elm Cottage
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plum Tree Cottage | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 5.7 km |
| 1 the Mews Bishop Auckland | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 12.9 km |
| Horsley Hall | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 14.7 km |
| Alice's Cottage | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 26.8 km |
| Nelly's Cottage | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 26.8 km |
| Binchester Crag Farm | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 11.8 km |
| The Saxon Inn | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 9.4 km |
| Dales Farm Upper Weardale | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 26.2 km |
| Ladywell House B&B | ★★★★ | – | Yes | – | 2.6 km |
| Newlands Hall Farmouse B&B | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | 8.0 km |
| Ashbrow Cottage | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 21.1 km |
| Low Cornriggs Farm | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | 26.8 km |
| Bolt's View | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 19.5 km |
| Briar Barn | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 24.1 km |
| Elm Cottage | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 6.4 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
The Saxon Inn offers family rooms, a games room and a restaurant, making it an easy choice with children. Horsley Hall provides a cot, high chairs and a kitchen, while Elm Cottage adds a garden and space for pets. All three are rated 4- or 5-star and sit within 14.7 km of the centre.
For pet owners
Several properties accept pets: 1 the Mews Bishop Auckland, Alice's Cottage, Nelly's Cottage, Binchester Crag Farm, Bolt's View, Briar Barn and Elm Cottage. Most are cottages or farm stays with gardens or outdoor space, and all are 4- or 5-star. Distances from the centre range from 6.4 km to 26.8 km.
1 the Mews Bishop Auckland · Alice's Cottage · Nelly's Cottage · Binchester Crag Farm · Bolt's View · Briar Barn
Closest to centre
Ladywell House B&B is 2.6 km from the centre, Plum Tree Cottage is 5.7 km away and Elm Cottage is 6.4 km out. These are the shortest distances among the shortlisted properties, handy if you want to spend more time in Bishop Auckland itself and less time driving.
Top-rated pick
The Saxon Inn holds a guest score of 4.5 out of 5 from 416 reviews, the most reviewed on this shortlist. Dales Farm Upper Weardale scores 5.0 out of 5 from 2 reviews. Both are 4-star, though Dales Farm sits 26.2 km from the centre.
Where to stay in Bishop Auckland
Frosterley
Frosterley is a village in County Durham, and Newlands Hall Farmouse B&B is 8.0 km from Bishop Auckland centre. The property is 4-star with breakfast, free wifi, free car parking, a garden and a picnic area, suiting travellers who prefer a quieter village base while staying within a short drive of the town.
Our picks here: Newlands Hall Farmouse B&B
Rookhope
Rookhope lies in the Durham Dales, and Bolt's View is 19.5 km from Bishop Auckland centre. This 4-star cottage offers a kitchen, fireplace, garden and parking, and accepts pets. It is a good fit for walkers and self-caterers who want a rural setting with practical facilities.
Our picks here: Bolt's View
Cowshill
Cowshill is a hamlet in the dales, 26.8 km from Bishop Auckland centre. Alice's Cottage and Nelly's Cottage are 5-star with kitchens, gardens and pet-friendly policies; Low Cornriggs Farm is 4-star with breakfast and a restaurant. All three suit guests who want a remote countryside stay with easy self-catering or dining options.
Our picks here: Alice's Cottage · Nelly's Cottage · Low Cornriggs Farm
Questions, answered
Which hotels have free parking?
Plum Tree Cottage, Horsley Hall, Alice's Cottage, Nelly's Cottage, Binchester Crag Farm, The Saxon Inn, Dales Farm Upper Weardale, Newlands Hall Farmouse B&B, Ashbrow Cottage, Low Cornriggs Farm, Bolt's View, Briar Barn and Elm Cottage all list free car parking. 1 the Mews Bishop Auckland also lists parking.
Do any hotels allow pets?
Yes. 1 the Mews Bishop Auckland, Alice's Cottage, Nelly's Cottage, Binchester Crag Farm, Bolt's View, Briar Barn and Elm Cottage allow pets. Low Cornriggs Farm states pets are not allowed. If you need pet-friendly accommodation, check the individual property's facilities.
Which hotels serve breakfast?
Ladywell House B&B, Newlands Hall Farmouse B&B and Low Cornriggs Farm list breakfast among their facilities. The Saxon Inn has a restaurant, and 1 the Mews Bishop Auckland also lists restaurant(s). Other properties are self-catering with kitchens.
Which hotels are best for families?
The Saxon Inn offers family rooms, a games room, cots and a restaurant. Horsley Hall provides cots and high chairs, while Alice's Cottage and Nelly's Cottage include cots and kitchens. Binchester Crag Farm and Elm Cottage also have family-friendly facilities such as gardens and kitchens.
Which hotels are closest to Bishop Auckland centre?
Ladywell House B&B is 2.6 km from the centre, the shortest distance on this shortlist. Plum Tree Cottage is 5.7 km away, Elm Cottage is 6.4 km, and Newlands Hall Farmouse B&B is 8.0 km. The Saxon Inn is 9.4 km from the centre.
Which hotel has the highest guest rating?
Dales Farm Upper Weardale has a guest rating of 5.0 out of 5 from 2 reviews. The Saxon Inn has 4.5 out of 5 from 416 reviews, the most reviewed on this shortlist. Other properties do not have a guest rating in the data.
Do any hotels have a pool or spa?
None of the listed properties mention a pool or spa in their facilities. Binchester Crag Farm and Briar Barn list a jacuzzi. The Saxon Inn has a pool bar, but no pool is listed. Check directly with the property for current leisure facilities.
Are there wheelchair-accessible hotels?
Plum Tree Cottage, Alice's Cottage and Nelly's Cottage list wheelchair accessible among their facilities. The other properties do not state this. If you need step-free access, it is best to confirm specific requirements with the property before booking.