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You are here > Home > Things to Do > Auckland Palace Deer House and Park

Auckland Palace Deer House and Park

From £0.00
Auckland Park
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL14 7QJ

Tel: +44 0870 333 1181

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Add Auckland Palace Deer House and Park to your Itinerary

deer park auckland palace county durham
  • deer park auckland palace county durham
  • Auckland Palace Deer House and Park
  • Auckland Palace Deer House and Park

About

A charming Gothic Revival 'eyecatcher' built in 1760 in the park of the Bishops of Durham. It provided deer with shelter and food, and had grounds for picnics and rooms for enjoying the view.

The deer house can be reached on foot from the palace through semi-wooded public parkland. Paths are very uneven and part of the route is over grass.

The building is almost square, comprising a courtyard, where the deer were fed, surrounded by an arcade that was once roofed with slates. In the centre of the north side is an arched gateway, flanked by square pilasters, and on the south side is a two-storey tower, its first-floor room overlooking the interior.

The building was probably designed by Thomas Wright who also produced designs for a gateway to the park in a similar style, though this was never built.

The deer house is a rare and well-preserved example of 18th century Gothic Revival architecture – a fanciful interpretation of medieval buildings – in the form of a mock castle with battlements, arrow loops, pinnacles and pointed arches.

Become an English Heritage member and enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of historical sites with free entry for up to six children. Join today.

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Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
AdultsFree

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

3.8 of 5 stars
5 reviews
    • Excellent
      2
    • Very Good
      2
    • Average
      0
    • Poor
      0
    • Terrible
      1

    Recent Reviews:

    • Wildcat8937
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Hidden Gem
      4 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 30th April 2023
      Walking in Deer Park and came across Deer House part of history hiiden. Lovely walk didnt see any deer but no charge to walk through. Read full review
    • Carolyn B
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Park needs clearly marked route signs throughout.
      1 of 5 stars
      Sunday, 26th May 2024
      Decided to go for a little walk with the dog around deer park, it was our first visit and soon spotted the deer house. There were a few other dog walkers but as usual NOT on leads, and there are lots... Read full review
    • sheepygold
      Ealing, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      A super structure. Well worth a short detour from the Bishop's Palace
      5 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 25th September 2024
      I have been to the palace a number of times in recent years but for one reason or another I haven't made it to the Deer House in a very long time. I'd forgotten how impressive it is and also how... Read full review
    Write a review
    © TripAdvisor 2025

    Facilities

    Parking & Transport

    • Car Parking Offsite - Charged parking is available in Bishop Auckland, not managed by English Heritage. The Deer House is within parkland behind Auckland Palace.

    Provider Facilities

    • Dogs Accepted - Please keep dogs on leads.

    Access Information

    Opening Times

    2025 (1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025)

    * There is no access to the interior. The exterior is open to view from Dawn until Dusk.

    facebook: https://www.facebook.com/englishheritage

    Map & Directions

    Map Link

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