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The Auckland Project
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL14 7NR
Tel: +44 01388 743750
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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.
Book Tickets
Special Offers
Blue Light Card Community Discount at The Auckland Project
The Auckland Project is now supporting the Blue Light Card community as a special thank you to those who serve on the frontline.
Blue Light Card holders, comprising more than five million frontline workers, including NHS staff, emergency services, social care workers, teachers and the armed forces, can now enjoy a 10% saving on a Bishop’s Key – The Auckland Project’s annual pass that unlocks five world-class attractions in Bishop Auckland, including the Auckland Palace, Auckland Gardens, the Mining Art Gallery, the UK’s first Spanish Art Gallery and the UK’s only Faith Museum.
With prices starting from £30 for adults, £13.50 for children, and £45 for families, the Bishop’s Key enables visitors to return again and again to immerse themselves in the North East’s heritage, evocative exhibitions, seasonal gardens, and family-friendly events.
Visitors can enhance their visit with the Bishop’s Key Plus, offering extra perks including early bird access to special events, 10% savings at Weardale Railway, and the site’s food and drink venues – including Bishop’s Kitchen and its recently expanded menu, El Castillo tapas restaurant, and The Oak Room Restaurant at Park Head Hotel.
To claim the 10% discount, Blue Light members can simply visit Auckland Tower and show their valid card. The offer applies to Bishop’s Key purchases only and cannot be used alongside other promotions or savings.
Residents in DL4, DL5, DL13, DL14, DL15, DL16, and DL17 postcodes can enjoy a 20% saving on the Bishop’s Key, ensuring those closest to the project benefit most.
Bishop’s Keys are available at The Auckland Project or from Auckland Tower.
Attractions and Activities - redeem this special offer between 29/04/2025 and 24/12/2025
Offer link: Attractions and Activities
Gradings
- VAQAS VB Attraction

Awards
- Regional and Miscellaneous
VisitEngland Gold Accolade 2024
- Regional and Miscellaneous
Weardale Visitor Network Member 2025
- Regional and Miscellaneous
TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2025 2025
TripAdvisor

- Excellent309
- Very Good141
- Average32
- Poor10
- Terrible7
Recent Reviews:
- Ruth4063Hartlepool, United KingdomParadise and Faith gardens very disappointingSunday, 3rd August 2025We have been to Aukland palace several times. It's a great place particularly the faith museum and walled garden. However we were very disappointed by the new Paradise Garden which we had been... Read full review
- Lynne WTrip Type:CouplesDeer Park and walled gardensMonday, 11th August 2025The Deer Park is great to walk around and interesting building in the middle. The gardens which were only reopened last year are absolutely beautiful and good paths. You can visit these for free... Read full review
- stuart aSeaton Delaval, United KingdomOne to forget!Wednesday, 3rd September 2025Second visit to Auckland Castle. On first visit we enjoyed the cafe, however today's visit to the cafe was pretty forgettable. Fancied a brie and bacon sandwich, "Sorry we don't have any bacon". OK... Read full review
Facilities
Accessibility
- Access Statement - Please see below
Access Information
Opening Times
2025 (19 Feb 2025 - 24 Dec 2025) |
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* General Opening Text
Map & Directions
Road Directions
Nearest major road is A1(M). From the A1(M) take the A689 to Bishop Auckland.
Public Transport Directions
Nearest station is Bishop Auckland Station. Proceed along Newgate Street to the Market Place and palace is through clock tower gate in far corner of the square.
Highlights...
The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and Shop, Bishop AucklandNo.42 is home to The Auckland Project’s Art, Social History Collection and Future Plans Exhibition. Here you can see some of the intriguing objects and archives that The Auckland Project holds, as well as hearing some of the fascinating oral history interviews we are collecting.
No 42, Bishop AucklandOur shop supports local artists, offering them a place to display and sell their work – some of which has been created upstairs in Pod, the special incubator studios created to help new creative businesses. With almost a 100 artists selling their works, there’s sure to be something to catch your…
Mining Art Gallery - The Auckland Project, Bishop AucklandWith three permanent rooms and one temporary exhibition space on the ground floor, the gallery explores working life in the coal mines through original artefacts and artworks by prominent mining artists such as Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish.
Auckland Tower - The Auckland Project, Bishop AucklandAuckland Tower is the perfect place to get a feel for The Auckland Project, the stunning setting, and to pick up everything you’ll need for your day of exploration.
Auckland Palace - The Auckland Project, Bishop AucklandPositioned high above the meandering River Wear, Auckland Palace was once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham, and was the place where they entertained, hunted and worshipped.
Bishop’s Kitchen at Auckland Palace - The Auckland Project, Bishop AucklandThe Bishop’s Kitchen sits at the heart of Auckland Palace, offering a warm welcome and a delicious range of tempting treats.
Auckland Palace Shop, Bishop AucklandOur shop, in Auckland Palace will sell a range of quality products and gifts inspired by our collection. Add to the memories of your visit and pick up a special gift or souvenir.
The Way of Life, DarlingtonThe Way of Life is one wondrous route: healing waters, one of England’s oldest churches and a palatial castle where Prince Bishops once resided, plus places where St Cuthbert made miracles occur.
Auckland Palace Deer Park Walk, Bishop AucklandTake your pick from three new walking trails across Auckland Palace Deer Park. From a short walk around the inner park to a 4.6 km trail spanning the wider parkland.
The Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project, Bishop AucklandThe Spanish Gallery is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project, Bishop AucklandSitting 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.
Friday, 27th June 2025 - Sunday, 21st December 2025
S&DR200 - Fuelling the Railway RevolutionThis special exhibition explores the inextricable link between coal mining and the railways.
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Saturday, 18th October 2025 - Saturday, 18th October 2025
Saturday, 13th December 2025 - Saturday, 13th December 2025
Organ Recital Series at Auckland PalaceThe popular Organ Recital Series returns to St Peter’s Chapel.
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Friday, 21st November 2025 - Wednesday, 31st December 2025
AGLOW - The Auckland ProjectAuckland Palace's dazzling light trail AGLOW will light up the skies of Bishop Auckland once again this Christmas.
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Monday, 28th July 2025 - Wednesday, 31st December 2025
Personal Highlights at The Mining Art GalleryOur weekly short talks are a chance for the public to not only get a deeper understanding of the artworks and artists behind them, but also the social context of life in mining communities. Every Thursday.
- more info
Monday, 28th July 2025 - Wednesday, 31st December 2025
The Spanish Gallery Guided TourOur knowledgeable guides offer in-depth insights and personalised attention, enhancing the experience for all visitors.
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Tuesday, 29th July 2025 - Wednesday, 31st December 2025
Auckland Gardens Tour at Auckland PalaceJoin our weekly ‘walk and talk’ sessions with our dedicated volunteers as they reveal the story behind the gardens and highlight special features. Wednesday and Saturday.
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Tuesday, 29th July 2025 - Wednesday, 31st December 2025
Hearth Outdoors at Auckland Palace Deer ParkA free, welcoming programme of nature-based activities designed to help you feel good, connect with others, and explore the green spaces of Auckland Palace Deer Park.
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Tuesday, 29th July 2025 - Wednesday, 31st December 2025
Spanish Gallery - Murillo: Master of the Golden Age ExhibitionStep into the splendour of Spain’s Golden Age through the work of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo - one of the most celebrated and enduring artists of his time.
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Friday, 1st August 2025 - Wednesday, 31st December 2025
Folk at the Hearth - The Auckland ProjectJoin us for a monthly evening of traditional tunes, songs, and easy-going community spirit. Hosted by renowned local musician Paul Martin (aka ‘The Dunholm Piper’) with special guest players, these sessions bring people together through high-quality, welcoming music-making. First Friday of every…
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Tuesday, 29th July 2025 - Wednesday, 31st December 2025
No.42 - Creative Forum - The Auckland ProjectAn adult group for like-minded creatives. Every Wednesday.
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Tuesday, 29th July 2025 - Wednesday, 31st December 2025
No.42 - Pregnant to Preschool - The Auckland ProjectPregnant to Preschool is a weekly drop-in for parents who are pregnant or with young children (0-5). Every Monday 1 – 3pm. Excluding bank holidays.
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Tuesday, 29th July 2025 - Wednesday, 31st December 2025
No.42 - Young Artists’ Club - The Auckland ProjectDiscover the works of great artists throughout history, and create your own pieces of art. Thursdays.
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Friday, 21st November 2025 - Wednesday, 31st December 2025
Neapolitan Nativity - The Auckland ProjectBe dazzled by our monumental 18th-century Neapolitan Nativity scene. This remarkable Baroque créche, known in Italian as a presepe, is a giant Nativity scene staged in a true-life Neapolitan setting.
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Friday, 21st November 2025 - Wednesday, 31st December 2025
Christmas at the Palace - The Auckland ProjectImmerse yourself in unrivalled festive splendour when you visit Auckland Palace's very special Christmas event.
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Friday, 21st November 2025 - Wednesday, 24th December 2025
Santa Express at Weardale RailwaySanta Express returns to Weardale Railway this Christmas.
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Thursday, 11th September 2025 - Thursday, 11th September 2025
Bishop Auckland Pipe and Drum Band at Auckland PalaceFeel the beat! The Bishop Auckland & District Drum and Pipe Band will be performing at 11am.
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Wednesday, 24th September 2025 - Wednesday, 24th September 2025
Spanish Gallery TalksJoin two visiting academics as they explore Zurbarán. Each will speak for around 20 minutes, followed by questions. An inspiring chance to hear fresh insights into Spanish art.
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