Discover The Auckland Project: Heritage, Art, and Nature
Welcome to The Auckland Project, a remarkable collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens, and parkland in Bishop Auckland, County Durham. This historic town is a hidden gem and promises an extraordinary experience for groups, offering an ideal blend of art, history, and nature, centred around the magnificent Auckland Castle one of Europe's best-preserved bishop's palaces.
Why Choose The Auckland Project?
Step into a town with over 2,000 years of history, where seven amazing attractions await.
Bishop Auckland is the perfect destination for groups seeking a memorable day out or an enriching
addition to their existing itineraries.
The Auckland Project's seven attractions each offer a unique blend of art, history, faith,
and nature. The attractions are conveniently located within walking distance of each
other, making it easy to explore everything Bishop Auckland has to offer and create an
unforgettable experience for your group.
1. Auckland Castle: Uncover the splendour of one of Europe's finest bishop's palaces.
2. Gardens: Bask in the beauty of 10 acres of stunning gardens surrounding Auckland Castle.
3. Deer Park: Embark on an adventure across 150 acres of historic parkland.
4. Auckland Tower: Ascend the tower for breath-taking bird's-eye views of the town.
5. Spanish Gallery: Explore the UK's only gallery dedicated to the art, history, and
culture of Spain.
6. Mining Art Gallery: Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring collection of mining art.
7. Faith Museum: Discover the history of faith in Britain in this unique museum.
Stay a little longer…
With so much to see and do, you might want to consider extending your visit over two consecutive days.
Park Head Hotel and Restaurant, part of The Auckland Project, offers 38 comfortable en-suite rooms,
including singles, twins, and doubles. Enjoy an award-winning breakfast at Park Head, with options
for B&B and half-board available. Located on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland, Park Head is the
perfect base for groups planning to spend one, two, or more nights in County Durham, with exciting
discounts for group bookings.
Explore Beyond Bishop Auckland
The Auckland Project's attractions extend beyond the town. Weardale Railway offers scenic
journeys from Bishop Auckland to Stanhope, showcasing the beauty of Weardale and the
North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. From 2025 you can also add Binchester
Roman Fort to your group's itinerary—a remarkable historical site that once stood as one of
the largest fortifications in Roman Britain.
For a captivating evening, experience Kynren, an outdoor live-action show located less than
2 miles from Auckland Castle, with performances held every summer.
Enhance Your Group Experience
At The Auckland Project, we understand every group is unique. Our specially tailored group
packages ensure your visit will be a memorable one:
- Extend your visit over two consecutive days at no additional admission cost, with
accommodation available at Park Head Hotel.
- Personalise your itinerary with optional extras like refreshments and guided tours
- Enjoy exclusive group savings of up to 15% for groups of 10 people or more.
- Benefit from a complimentary familiarization trip for your group organiser before the visit.
- Experience added convenience with a complimentary driver ticket per coach or minibus.
- Our Group Visits team offer seamless planning and a warm meet-and-greet service upon arrival.
Plan Your Visit
Our attractions welcome visitors from 10.30 am to 4. pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Ticket prices range
from £5 to £25 per person, with discounts available for groups of 10 or more. Conveniently accessible
by road or rail, The Auckland Project is just 11 miles from Durham, with free coach parking available at
North Bondgate Car Park and Park Head Hotel (reservation required).
All attractions are fully accessible, except for the Walled Garden, and we offer complimentary tickets
for personal assistants and carers. Park Head Hotel provides fully accessible rooms for your convenience.
Unlock history, art, and nature with your group at The Auckland Project. Plan your visit today and
embark on an extraordinary journey. Visit aucklandproject.org/groups for full details of our Group Packages.
Market Place, Bishop Auckland DL14 7NJ. Group email: groups@aucklandproject.org. Find out more: aucklandproject.org/groups
