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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
424 reviews
  • Travelers Choice 2022
  • Excellent
    260
  • Very Good
    130
  • Average
    24
  • Poor
    8
  • Terrible
    2

Recent Reviews:

  • R6005ZRmichaelw
    Trip Type:
    Solo travel
    History brought to life.
    5 of 5 stars
    Thursday, 1st December 2022
    Undoubtedly the best part is the staff! Brilliant knowledge, super friendly, informative, chatty. Allow extra time for your visit because they will (and did!) chat for hours. Zubaran pictures superb... Read full review
  • suedD3456AC
    Spennymoor, United Kingdom
    Trip Type:
    Family
    Auckland castle christmas fayre
    5 of 5 stars
    Saturday, 3rd December 2022
    Went to Library restaurant for Christmas fayre. Fabulous 3 course Christmas meal. Staff were very attentive and friendly. Food was delicious. Value for money. Went with our son who really enjoyed... Read full review
  • CJBARR
    Darlington, United Kingdom
    Trip Type:
    Family
    Excellent Visit
    5 of 5 stars
    Wednesday, 8th March 2023
    It is a number of years since i have been here and decided to take my grandson during half term on a cold February day. We started outside and had a wander through the park before entering the... Read full review
Write a review
© TripAdvisor 2023

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Access Statement - Please see below

Access Information

Opening Times

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.

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

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