Pretty UK market town that becomes 'Christmas heaven' with magical market and ice skating

One bustling market town in the North East will truly come alive this December. Known as the gateway to the Durham Dales, Bishop Auckland is stunning at any time of year, but especially so when the Christmas festivities begin.

While it may be a bit too early to start singing Christmas tunes, the swift passage of September is a stark reminder that the festive season is just around the corner. Bishop Auckland is set to see the return of its popular Christmas Town. This beloved annual event, which has been warming hearts for several years, will return from December 4-7.

Families are being beckoned to step into 'a world of festive wonder' for four unforgettable days filled with twinkling lights, enchanting markets, live entertainment, and the magic of Santa's Grotto.

Entry to the event is free of charge, but for a mere £10, a Golden Ticket will grant you unlimited ice skating, endless fairground rides, access to the Giant Tipis and live entertainment and shows in the Tipis, with the option to add on a visit to Santa's Grotto from just £4 per child, and £1 per adult.

Alternatively, there's the £5 Tipis and Tidings pass, which includes priority access to the Tipi, live entertainment and evening shows and a keepsake Christmas Town cup.

And it's not just the town centre that will come alive. From November 21 to December 31, the nearby Auckland Palace, once home to the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham, will host a magical illuminated trail.

Highlighting this trail, the Auckland Project website writes: "One of the largest light installations in the country, AGLOW spans an enchanting 1.5-mile-long trail bursting with Christmas sparkle, incredible illuminations and one of the tallest Christmas trees in the North of England - standing over 30 metres high!"

For those visiting Auckland ahead of Christmas, there is still plenty to do in this beautiful market town, from visiting the Palace (even when there is no illumination trail), to stopping by the town's multiple galleries.

The Mining Art Gallery focuses on working life in the coal mines, while the Spanish Gallery tells the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th and 17th centuries.

History buffs can visit Brancepeth Castle, one of the oldest castles in the North East. Although it remains a family home, be sure to check if tours are running before heading to the castle.

Another option is Binchester Roman Fort, which was once one of the largest Roman military installations in northern Britain. Visitors can still see two incredibly well-preserved bathhouses in the ruins.