The Auckland Project

About

The Auckland Project is unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland in Bishop Auckland, at the heart of County Durham.

Bishop Auckland, the former home of the Prince Bishops of Durham, has a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. Thanks to a decade-long regeneration programme, this historic market town is ready to share its surprising story and is once again welcoming visitors from far and wide.

The Auckland Project’s group of attractions include Auckland Tower, Auckland Palace, the Mining Art Gallery, the Spanish Gallery, the Walled Garden and the Deer Park, with more attractions to follow in the future.

Begin your visit at Auckland Tower at the heart of the Market Place, where you can learn more about the fascinating history of Bishop Auckland, enjoy panoramic views across Auckland Palace and the town, and purchase tickets for The Auckland Project’s attractions.

Auckland Palace is one of the best-preserved Bishop’s palaces in the whole of Europe – home for a thousand years to England’s only Prince Bishops. Nowadays you can make yourself at home in this unique palace, home to one of the finest sets of Zurbarán paintings in the world.  Beyond the pageantry of the recently restored Georgian state rooms you will discover the lives of Auckland Palace's most recent occupants, the characterful and often controversial Bishops of Durham.

Auckland Palace sits at the heart of 150 acres of historic parkland, created over 800 years ago by the Prince Bishops of Durham as their own private hunting ground. Today, the parkland enjoys free entry throughout the year and is a haven for wildlife, with over 100 veteran trees. The Gardens surrounding Auckland Palace are now all fully restored to their former glory and open to the public. 

The Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th and 17th centuries. With exhibitions spread over four floors, you could spend a whole day immersed in the curious world of Spanish art, including works by El Greco, Velázquez and Murillo.

The intimate and awe-inspiring art collection in The Mining Art Gallery gives a unique insight into the lives and souls of coal miners and their communities, showing how human creativity and spirit can shine even in the darkest places. The Mining Art Gallery provides a permanent home for the renowned Gemini Collection of Mining Art, featuring works by prominent local artists, such as Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish.

Sitting in the historic Grade 1 listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Palace, The Faith Museum explores the myriad ways in which faith has shaped lives and communities across Britain, inviting visitors to consider how people across history have encountered faith.  The museum showcases over 250 objects from 50 lenders across England, Scotland and Wales, including rarely seen objects, national treasures, personal mementos and contemporary commissions.

After a busy day exploring The Auckland Project’s attractions, refreshment awaits in the Bishop’s Kitchen at Auckland Palace or El Castillo in the Market Place. Expect delicious homemade food and the freshest produce, hand-picked from Auckland Palace's very own Walled Garden.

The Auckland Project’s visitor attractions exist to make Bishop Auckland a better place to live, work and visit. By visiting The Auckland Project you will be part of this story, helping to build a bright future for Bishop Auckland.