Binchester Roman Fort
Bishop Auckland, County Durham
About Binchester Roman Fort
Discover the unearthed remains of a bustling Roman fort and town hidden beneath tranquil fields.
The major Roman fort of Binchester was the largest military installation in the North East. It guarded Dere Street, the main Roman road from York to Hadrian’s Wall. Around 1,000 cavalry soldiers called it home, and people from across the Roman world came to live and trade in the bustling town that developed around the fort. Together the fort and town dominated this part of northern England for well over 400 years.
Archaeologists have been exploring Binchester’s extraordinary hidden history for hundreds of years – though only a tiny amount of the site has been unearthed.
Today, visitors can explore the exceptionally well-preserved remains of not just one but two bath-houses, where you can step inside the Roman spaces and discover how soldiers and civilians lived 2,000 years ago.
Having been run by Durham County Council for many years, The Auckland Project took on Binchester Roman Fort in 2026. As well as updating the visitor facilities and catering offer, a new scheme of interactive interpretation makes the site even more inviting to families and explorers of any age.
Northern England's best preserved Bathhouses
Discover the exceptionally well-preserved remains of not just one but two bathhouse, and find our why taking a bath in Roman times was about more than just getting clean.
Interactive family-friendly exploration
Enjoy the new interactive interpretation, which makes exploring the history and discover of the amazing archaeology of Binchester Roman Fort come to life. Specifically designed for 5-12 year olds, but great for engaging younger visitors in playful exploration, and older visitors (including adults!) with fascinating information about this impressive Roman site.
Walk amid the Roman walls
March in the footsteps of Roman Soldiers within the remains of the commanding officer's house, a palatial complex dating from AD 350.
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:00 - 16:30
- Tuesday, 10:00 - 16:30
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 16:30
- Thursday, 10:00 - 16:30
- Friday, 10:00 - 16:30
- Saturday, 10:00 - 16:30
- Sunday, 10:00 - 16:30
Monday, November 2 2026: Closed
Open 10 - 4:30 Wednesday to Sunday
Open 7 days a week from 20th July 2026 - 1st September 2026
Closed from 2nd November 2026 until 26th March 2027
Pricing & Tickets
- Adult (16+) : £8.00
- Child (5-15) : £5.00
- Babies and Toddlers (0-4) : Free
- carer (18++) : Free
Holders of a 'Bishop's Key' annual pass from The Auckland Project are entitled to unlimited free entry to Binchester Roman Fort.
Group visits can be booked by contacting groups@aucklandproject.org.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Food & Drink Options
Hot and cold drinks, snacks, crisps, sweet treats, sandwiches, salad boxes, ice creams.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Binchester, Bishop Auckland DL14 8DJ, UK
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL14 8DJ
England
Follow brown signs from the A688 or Bishop Auckland market place.
Tel: 01388743750
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
Binchester is approximately 1 mile from the nearest public transport, in Bishop Auckland market place. Visitors can walk alongside the River Wear to reach Binchester by foot.
Verification & Last Updated
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Last Updated: 07:14 20/07/2026
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