History, art and adventure come together in Bishop Auckland as The Auckland Project unveils an exciting programme of experiences for 2026. From stepping into the world of Roman Britain to discovering powerful works of art that explore faith, landscape and working lives, this historic town is alive with stories waiting to be explored.

Whether you’re planning a family day out, a cultural escape or a deeper dive into the Durham’s past, these new and upcoming highlights offer inspiring ways to experience Bishop Auckland like never before.

March on Binchester Roman Fort

Step into the story of Roman Britain at Binchester Roman Fort – Durham’s most impressive Roman archaeological site, and one of the largest forts in the UK. Founded around 80 AD, and known as Vinovia, this base once guarded Dere Street and the crossing of the River Wear, housing elite cavalry units from across the Empire.

Today, you can explore remarkably well-preserved remains, including towering Roman walls, the commanding officer’s house and two bathhouses – one featuring one of the best hypocaust (underfloor heating) systems in Britain.

Now part of The Auckland Project, Binchester is entering an exciting new chapter. From summer 2026, visitors can enjoy enhanced facilities and new family-focused interpretation, designed to bring the Roman world vividly to life. Dress like a Roman soldier, follow the Commander’s ‘Action Stations’ orders and discover the archaeology buried beneath your feet.

Perfect for families and school groups, Binchester offers hands-on history, open space to explore and re-enactment events across spring and summer. With only a tiny fraction of this vast site uncovered so far, and more excavations planned – the story of Binchester is still being written.

March into a weekend of re-enactments and family fun on the 23rd to 25th May to experience the Roman Army and archaeologists in action. Meet re-enactors bringing the military might of Rome to life, explore the trades and crafts of ancient Durham, and see how archaeologists discover the past at this remarkable Roman site. 

Auckland Palace

Roger Wagner: The Seeds of Eternity exhibition

The Bishop Trevor Rooms at Auckland Palace will host an exhibition of the works of artist and poet Roger Wagner. Weaving together Biblical narratives and contemporary landscapes, Wagner's visionary paintings explore the mysteries of human existence.

At the heart of the exhibition are two of the artist’s most compelling paintings: Menorah and The Harvest is the End of the World and the Reapers are Angels. Visitors will have the rare chance to see both works exhibited together for the first time since 1994, and for the first time ever in northern England.

Spanning Roger Wagner’s career, the exhibition begins with the oil painting, Ash Wednesday, together with early drawings and studies from which grew his illustrations of the Book of Job, and the profound, large-scale paintings he is known for today.

Admission + Tickets: Free with Auckland Palace admission

Mr. Tom McGuinness at the pithead of his colliery near Bishop Auckland, County Durham. January 1977 Credit line Trinity Mirror Mirrorpix Alamy.

Mining Art Gallery

Be struck by the hardship and passion of the Mining Art Gallery and explore the new Tom McGuinness: Out of the Darkness exhibition 

In his centenary year, the Mining Art Gallery celebrates this quiet man who communicated through his art – he did not seek simply to record details of the mining industry but expressed what it really felt like to be a miner.

Tom McGuinness found a rich seam of artistic inspiration in the coal mines of County Durham, painting the industry and its people from his own experiences.

Tom McGuinness, The Hewer, 1980s, oil on board. Gemini Collection, Zurbarán Trust. © Estate of Tom McGuinness. All rights reserved. DACS 2026.

The studious Tom saw more in the scene than most people would and, with an artist’s eye, a comprehensive knowledge and a clarity of thought, interpreted this for us all to comprehend. His visceral depictions of life underground serve as a powerful, emotive reminder of the lives lived by many in the mining communities of the North East.

The Mining Art Gallery gives a truly unique insight into the lives and souls of coal miners and the communities that grew around them, from the struggles of life underground to the lighter times the miners and their families shared. Learn about the Pit Yackers and be touched by the power of their art at, this, the UK’s finest collection of mining art.

Admission + Tickets: Free with Mining Art Gallery admission

Plan your visit at aucklandproject.org