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Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

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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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External image of Auckland Castle
  • External image of Auckland Castle
  • Auckland Tower
  • The gates at Auckland castle
  • The Miners Art Gallery
  • A couple looking at a painting
  • People having a tour or the grounds at Auckland Castle

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 Castle, 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 Castle and the town, and purchase tickets for The Auckland Project’s attractions.

Auckland Castle 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 castle, 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 Castle’s most recent occupants, the characterful and often controversial Bishops of Durham.

Auckland Castle 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 Castle are also being restored to their former glory. The lower part of the 17th-century Walled Garden is now blooming and ready to welcome visitors, while the regeneration work on the upper Walled Garden continues.

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.

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

 

 

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TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
437 reviews
    • Excellent
      269
    • Very Good
      134
    • Average
      24
    • Poor
      8
    • Terrible
      2

    Recent Reviews:

    • Navigate37920267850
      South Shields, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Beautiful characterful castle steeped in history
      5 of 5 stars
      Wednesday, 23rd August 2023
      We found out about Auckland Castle from a hotel guest book when we stayed in a hotel nearby so decided to visit on our way home. It’s such a beautiful castle, steeped in history, with rooms dressed... Read full review
    • 674jamesl
      Durham, United Kingdom
      Definitely worth going
      4 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 2nd September 2023
      You got a real feel of the life of the castle in different periods. Seeing the Zurbaran paintings in their Northern environment was really something Read full review
    • Delius17
      London
      Fascinating place
      4 of 5 stars
      Thursday, 28th September 2023
      Stunning building. Such a contrast to the rest of Bishop Aukland… We loved the kitchen garden- it’ll be a work of art once it’s finished. The interiors of the castle were interesting in that you... Read full review
    Write a review
    © TripAdvisor 2023

    Facilities

    Accessibility

    • Access Statement - Please see below

    Access Information

    Opening Times

    2022 (27 Jan 2022 - 18 Dec 2022)
    2023 (22 Feb 2023 - 31 Mar 2023)

    * 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.

    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 is unique in Britain, telling the story of the Spanish Golden Age in the 16th and 17th centuries.

    Wednesday, 22nd November 2023 - Sunday, 31st December 2023

    Family walking through tunnel of lightsAGLOW at Auckland CastleWith seventeen incredible illuminations and some of the largest light installations in the country, AGLOW promises to be one of the most spectacular Christmas light trails in the North East. A must-see experience for all the family!
    more info

    view of the exterior of The Faith Museum.The Faith Museum - The Auckland Project, Bishop AucklandSitting in the historic Grade 1 listed Scotland Wing of Auckland Castle, 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.

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