Bishop Auckland is an historic market town in County Durham, located approximately 12 miles south west of Durham City and 14 miles north west of Darlington with excellent road communications from the A688 and the A68. The town’s population is approximately 25,000. Bishop Auckland features a mix of age groups, with a slightly higher proportion of residents aged 30 and over compared to the national average. The town’s population includes a diverse range of socio-economic backgrounds. The town also includes areas of residential development alongside its historic core. Auckland Castle, a medieval palace, is a major landmark, emphasising the town’s long connection to the Bishops of Durham. Bishop Auckland is well connected to nearby towns such as Shildon, Willington and Spennymoor.