The Auckland Project is a unique collection of heritage attractions, gardens and galleries in the historic town of Bishop Auckland, County Durham. Our attractions tell the remarkable story of Bishop Auckland. The story is one of faith, art and power, from the Prince Bishops of Durham to County Durham’s surprising connection with Spanish art.
At the heart of Bishop Auckland is Auckland Castle, one of the best-preserved Bishop’s palaces in Europe, home for hundreds of years to England’s only Prince Bishops. Nowadays you can make yourself at home in this unique palace – admire the beauty of St Peter’s Chapel, marvel at the Gothic splendour of the Throne Room, and see one of the finest sets of Zurbarán paintings in the world in the Long Dining Room.
Inspired by Auckland Castle’s collection of Zurbarán paintings, The Auckland Project has created a Spanish Gallery just a stone’s throw away in the historic Market Place. The Spanish Gallery is the first gallery in the UK dedicated to the art, history and culture of the Spanish Golden Age, with exhibitions spread across four floors. County Durham has the largest concentration of 16th and 17th-century Spanish artwork outside Spain, and the Spanish Gallery along houses works by masters such as El Greco, Murillo and Velázquez.
Closer to home, the Mining Art Gallery is an intimate and awe-inspiring art collection which explores County Durham’s coal mining heritage and gives a truly unique insight into the lives and souls of coal miners. These inspiring works showcase the resilience and courage of those who lived and worked in the mines, and given an incredible perspective on how human creativity and spirit can shine even in the darkest places.
Beyond the castle and galleries, the historic 150-acre Deer Park and the magnificent gardens surrounding Auckland Castle are the perfect place to stretch your legs and explore. The Auckland Project’s gardeners are using their skills and talent to return the Walled Garden to its 18th-century glory. The Walled Garden is once again the beating heart of the Auckland Castle estate, with fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden now being served in the project’s cafes and restaurants and shared with local community groups. With more gardens being developed over the next two years, Auckland Castle Gardens will soon become an attraction in their own right.
To complete the suite of attractions surrounding the Market Place, The Auckland Project will also open the greatly anticipated Faith Museum in autumn 2023, the first museum to explore the impact of faith in Britain.
There’s even more to explore beyond Bishop Auckland, including Weardale Railway and the spectacular live outdoor action show Kynren. With so much to see and do, The Auckland Project is pleased to offer overnight stays at the newly refurbished Park Head Hotel on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland, with 38 ensuite rooms and coach parking for groups.
Coach parking is also available in Bishop Auckland, close to the Market Place, and The Auckland Project’s team can help you plan your visit and recommend itineraries for your visit to Bishop Auckland as well as the wider county.
Gallery
Phone Number
01388 743750
Contact Email
enquiries@aucklandproject.org
Address
58 Kingsway, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL14 7JF