Bishop Auckland DL14 7NP
Phone 01388 743750
Email [email protected]
Website: The Auckland Project
Please see the website for entrance fees for each attraction – annual passes are available
The Auckland Project is a unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland in Bishop Auckland which together tell the story of the area. An annual pass is available for visitors to experience all the attractions.
One of the best preserved bishops’ palaces in the whole of Europe. The palace has recently undergone major conservation work which has transformed its state rooms to their original Georgian Gothic splendour. You can also visit St Peter’s Chapel, one of the largest private chapels in Europe, where services are still held.
Visit the Walled garden, originally built in the 17th century.
The Prince Bishops created the Deer Park over 800 years ago as their own private hunting ground. It was one of the reasons why the Bishops of Durham chose to live at Auckland Palace, rather than in Durham City.
The 150-acre parkland is free to visit at any time of the year, and retains many of the medieval elements, including fish ponds and woodland paths. Please take care when exploring the Deer Park by walking on the designated paths and keeping dogs on leads.
The 17th century Walled Garden has recently been restored, yielding a supply of fresh produce from soft fruits to root vegetables which can be enjoyed in the cafés and restaurants.
The Faith Garden is a tranquil space for reflection and contemplation, who’s design echoes the footprint of the vast medieval chapel which was blown up by gunpowder in the aftermath of the English Civil War.
Auckland Palace has been home to Francisco de Zurbarán’s series of Spanish masterpieces Jacob and His Twelve Sons, for over 250 years. These striking paintings are the inspiration for this new gallery, in the heart of Bishop Auckland.
Discover one of the UK’s largest collection of 16th and 17th-century Spanish artworks outside London, including work by El Greco, Murillo and Velázquez. Opening with Zubarán’s Benjamin, the only work not originally bought in 1756 by Bishop Trevor, the Gallery reunites the brothers in Bishop Auckland and tells the story of these masterpieces’ journey from Spain to England, over 300 years ago.
Culture, life, and community sprung out from mining in the North East; it’s our history, it’s our character, and it’s who we are. These inspiring works showcase the resilience and courage of those who lived and worked in the mines, and give an incredible perspective on 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, which includes more than 420 works by prominent local artists such as Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornish.
Through original artefacts and artworks the downstairs rooms portray the harshness of life underground, whilst a series of atmospheric videos, including original footage, show what life was really like for miners and their families.
Upstairs you can uncover the lighter times the miners and their families shared above ground, with a rolling programme of exhibitions throughout the year.
The Faith Museum explores how faith, belief and religion have shaped the lives and communities in Britain throughout history. Leading visitors on a journey through British history, the museum comprises four dynamic gallery spaces with an active programme of changing displays and temporary exhibitions.
Climb high to see far! 29 metre tower with 15 metre viewing platforms offer views across Auckland Park, Bishop Auckland and the countryside beyond.
Once one of the largest Roman military installations in northern Britain, Binchester Fort boasts two incredibly well-preserved bathhouses from its time as a home for Roman auxiliary cavalry.
One bath lies inside the fort and has one of the most intact hypocaust, or underfloor, heating systems in Britain.
The second bath lies outside the fort and is even better preserved, with walls still standing to a height of more than six feet above Roman floor level.
Visitors can walk in the footsteps of Roman soldiers through the remains of the commanding officer’s house and learn about the importance of Roman bathhouses – and maybe even spot the infamous Beast of Binchester among the ruins.
Location: Binchester, Bishop Auckland DL14 8DJ
