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    This is Durham Blog

You are here > Home > Things to Do > The Auckland Project

The Auckland Project

Market Place
Bishop Auckland
County Durham
DL14 7NR

Tel: +44 01388 743750

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The Auckland Project
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About

Come and see over a thousand years of history, art, culture and faith, within the beautiful surroundings of The Auckland Project. By becoming one of our first visitors, you are a pioneer, supporting our mission to breathe new life and opportunities into the local community. So why not come and help us revitalise our history and build a bright new future for Bishop Auckland?

On arrival we recommend you start your visit at Auckland Tower, where you’ll receive a warm welcome and can buy tickets. 

You can then climb our 15-metre-high viewing tower and take a bird’s eye view across the Deer Park, Castle and  town. On the way down, drop into the first floor and discover a special exhibition looking at the origins of Auckland Castle and its historical residents, the mighty Prince Bishops.

The Mining Art Gallery is home to the Gemini Collection , which contains more than 420 pieces of mining art. The gallery displays work by a wealth of artists, many of whom worked in the Great Northern Coalfield, including Tom McGuinness, Tom Lamb and Bob Olley. 

The Spanish Gallery tells a story of Golden Age Spanish art during the 16th and 17th centuries, exploring how its artists expressed the tension between man’s yearning for eternity and the self-evident transience of life.

The State Rooms and Bishop’s private apartments will return to their Gothic splendour following research into the colour of the walls, the furniture and textiles that filled the rooms and how each space would have originally been used. 

It will also include the Bishop’s Kitchen café, a shop and the Bishop Trevor Gallery. Housed in the North Apartments of Auckland Castle, the  gallery presents treasured pieces of art from private and esteemed collections. 
 

 

 

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TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
407 reviews
  • Travelers Choice 2022
  • Excellent
    248
  • Very Good
    126
  • Average
    23
  • Poor
    8
  • Terrible
    2

Recent Reviews:

  • 630victoriad
    London, United Kingdom
    Trip Type:
    Friends getaway
    An utterly amazing historical gem
    5 of 5 stars
    Wednesday, 18th May 2022
    Wow! What an incredible place… superbly restored and curated. Brilliantly helpful and knowledgable guides that helped to unlock the secrets of this magnificent building and its past. Look out for... Read full review
  • HarrySpeakup
    Wakefield, United Kingdom
    Amazing castle but very poor restaurant
    4 of 5 stars
    Friday, 10th June 2022
    A wonderful and very interesting buiding and interiors The restaurant was recommended to us but it only had cakes and drinks as they said they were changing their menu If we had known we would have... Read full review
  • noora918
    Trip Type:
    Friends getaway
    Amazing
    5 of 5 stars
    Saturday, 11th June 2022
    What a beautiful place to visit .. staff were so lovely and attentive shared info with us about the place. Enjoyed an afternoon there and the deer park next door is just as nice for a lovely walk... Read full review
Write a review
© TripAdvisor 2022

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Access Statement - Please see below

Access Information

Visit External Site

Opening Times

2022 (27 Jan 2022 - 17 Dec 2022)

* General Opening Text

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Auckland-Castle/188026178047904

Map & Directions

Map Link

View Map

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 castle is through clock tower gate in far corner of the square.

Highlights...

The Auckland Project - No 42 Gallery and ShopThe 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 Arts Bishop AucklandNo 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…

Exterior view of the Mining Art GalleryMining 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, blue skiesAuckland 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.

 Bishop Trevor Gallery auckland tower Bishop Trevor Gallery - The Auckland Project, Bishop AucklandThe gallery houses a special programme of exhibitions, bringing fine art to Bishop Auckland, in particular European paintings dating from 1600 to 1900. This will include masterpieces on loan from private collections.

Auckland Castle chapel county durham Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project, Bishop AucklandPositioned high above the meandering River Wear, Auckland Castle was once home to the Prince Bishops of Durham, and was the place where they entertained, hunted and worshipped.

Bishop’s Kitchen: Auckland CastleBishop’s Kitchen at Auckland Castle - The Auckland Project, Bishop AucklandThe Bishop’s Kitchen sits at the heart of Auckland Castle, offering a warm welcome and a delicious range of tempting treats.

Auckland Castle ShopAuckland Castle Shop, Bishop AucklandOur shop, in Auckland Castle 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.

Auckland TowerThe 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 Deer House and ParkA Walk in the Park, Bishop AucklandA new map of the Deer Park has been created with three suggested walks. From a short walk around the inner park to a 4.6 km trail spanning the wider parkland.

External view of The Spanish GalleryThe Spanish Gallery - The Auckland Project, Bishop AucklandThe Spanish Gallery tells a story of Golden Age Spanish art during the 16th and 17th centuries, exploring how its artists expressed the tension between man’s yearning for eternity and the self-evident transience of life.

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