Binchester Roman Fort
Binchester Roman Fort, known to the Romans as Vinovia, is one of County Durham’s most atmospheric archaeological sites. Founded around AD 79 beside the vital Roman road Dere Street, it became the largest fort in the region and housed up to a thousand cavalry soldiers. Much of the fort still lies buried, which adds a sense of mystery, but what is visible is remarkably well preserved. Inside, the highlight is the pair of Roman bath-houses, among the best preserved in Britain. One contains 88 intact hypocaust pillars, showing how underfloor heating kept rooms warm. Walking through these spaces offers a rare chance to stand inside authentic Roman architecture rather than viewing fragments from above. You can also explore the remains of the Commanding Officer’s House, a surprisingly grand complex dating to the mid‑4th century, and look for the curious “Binchester Beast”, a carved headless creature on a foundation stone. Outside the main structures, traces of the civilian settlement (vicus) hint at the bustling community that once surrounded the fort.
Bishop Auckland United Kingdom
Binchester Roman Fort sits in the peaceful countryside of County Durham, in North East England. You can find it resting just about a mile and a half north of the town of Bishop Auckland. Its official address for visits is Binchester, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 8DJ. Perched near the River Wear, the fort once guarded Dere Street, an important main road used during the Roman era. Visiting the area puts you in a prime spot for exploring history and culture. Right nearby in Bishop Auckland, you can visit Auckland Palace, a grand historic residence surrounded by beautiful grounds. While in town, art lovers can pop over to the Spanish Gallery or check out local industrial history at the Mining Art Gallery. Just a couple of miles away lies the village of Escomb, home to the remarkably intact Escomb Saxon Church, which actually used stone recycled from the Roman fort itself. If you travel a short drive further out, you will find even bigger medieval sights. Brancepeth Castle and the dramatic Raby Castle are both within easy driving distance. Train enthusiasts can spend an afternoon at Locomotion, a fascinating railway museum in Shildon. Head slightly north, and you hit the historic city of Durham, where you can marvel at Durham Castle and the famous Durham Cathedral.
Castle