Auckland Castle

From 3 July, we will once again be opening our doors and inviting you to enjoy the historic splendour of Auckland Castle and its grounds, remodelled over the past year.

So that we can safely manage capacities, all visitors will be asked to pre-book timed tickets online. Tickets will go on sale through our website on 1 June, and all the information you need to know about how to visit safely will also be available then.

Although not all of the Castle will be opening this summer, visitors can see St Peter’s Chapel, one of the largest private chapels in Europe, and the magnificent, recently conserved State Rooms, comprising the Throne Room and Long Dining Room, home to Zurbarán’s series of paintings Jacob and his Twelve Sons. A new exhibition, Beauty in the Everyday: Dutch and Flemish Masters at Auckland Castle, will also be on display in the Bishop Trevor Gallery within the Castle until 3 October.

We look forward to welcoming you back this summer.

Auckland Castle is one of the best-preserved bishops palaces in the whole of Europe and is at the centre of The Auckland Project which is a visitor destination located in the market town of Bishop Auckland, County Durham. Auckland Castle reopened to the public in 2019 after undergoing major conservation work so that visitors can now explore this fantastic heritage attraction and admire the conservation work that has transformed its state rooms to their original Georgian Gothic splendour, as designed by the renowned English architect James Wyatt.

Auckland Castle tells a relatively unknown story about the men who embodied power, religion and fighting prowess for centuries and played a vital role not only in the North of England, but across the land. The story of the Bishop of Durham spans almost 1,000 years of history.

Discover, perhaps for the first time, the fascinating history of the men who helped to shape the country we live in today when you visit Auckland Castle. Walk in the footsteps of the Prince Bishops of Durham, from the sacred heart of Auckland Castle in St Peters Chapel widely acknowledged as one of the largest private chapels in Europe following the 18th century processional route through the State Rooms, to the private apartments, where the Bishops lived with their families. Along the way, visitors to this spectacular attraction will have an opportunity to learn more about these powerful figures and their role in British history and see items belonging to or related to the Bishops, both on loan and from The Auckland Projects own collection.

The Auckland Project is a place that captures the imagination. Centred in and around 900-year-old Auckland Castle, home to the mighty Prince Bishops of Durham, it will also include a Spanish Gallery and restaurant, Faith Museum, Mining Art Gallery, Auckland Tower visitor centre, re-imagined Walled Garden and Deer Park.

Visit www.aucklandproject.org to keep up to date with venue openings, as well as exhibitions, events and activities taking place throughout the year.