Auckland Palace - Bishop Auckland

Beccy E.

Amazing place to visit full of history and interesting pieces. Absolutely loved the gardens and the museum in the palace where each room is about a bishop and a time period. Did not have enough time in a day so will return to visit the faith museum and the galleries.

G M.

There is no parking at the palace. There is no castle. The tower is just a big metal structure. There is only one door in and out of the large walled gardens. When I went to the Faith museum, I was told to go see the gardens first and then come back. This makes no sense. The palace is listed on the English heritage map, but they don’t accept it. They said they would give me a 10% off a yearly discount only. It should be taken off to English heritage map. Not cool.

Jo G.

No parking at the Palace, but parking available a short walk away.

Beautiful building, amazing history, very enthusiastic volunteers (sometimes I felt pounced on), great cafe, large art collection.

The lower floor of the faith museum was incredibly interesting, upstairs felt like a chill out rave experience when everyone else was on drugs and swept up in the atmosphere. Fortunately I wasn't invited to their party and made a quick exit.

Simon W.

This palace of the prince bishops is truly beautiful and educational. Once home to the second most powerful person in England, it's now a museum and the bishop of Durham official office. Was especially impressed by the depth, scope and wisdom of the Faith Museum. Everyone should visit this incredible place.

Wilf N.

Another must see north east gem. Beautiful grounds and truly breathtaking castle. Excellent cafe as well

Tim C.

Fabulous Cultural Visits.
The Auckland Project is a world-class group of attractions, including the Auckland (Bishops) Palace, formal gardens, Faith Museum, Spanish (art) Gallery, & Miners (art) Gallery. These are located off the central town square of Bishop Auckland, within 5 minutes flat walk from the North Bondgate car park (£4 for all-day parking). Entry is £18 per person covering all the collections (except the Miners Gallery, £8) - reasonable for such a range of attractions. This is a full day visit (or makes a good weekend trip).

Located within the Palace complex is the new Faith Museum (the focus of this review), a beautiful new church shaped structure made from local natural stone.
This explores the history of religious belief in Britain, from prehistory, Roman Britain, medieval times, the Reformation, the Great Revival of the 19th C, to the growth of multicultural Faith in the last 50 years. The curating is thoughtful & all the exhibits (drawn from across the UK's best collections) are really top quality, & the displays are modern & clear.
The top floor houses special exhibitions of modern collections, including currently a video art installation.
There is a nice cafe on the ground floor serving drinks, snacks, & light meals (£6 each for a home made quiche with salad).

The Faith Museum is unique in the UK - & the Auckland Project as a whole is surely one of the best Museum complexes.

Overall 10/10 rated.

fraser L.

Home of Durham prince bishops for centuries. Second most powerful person in the country after the king, visit here to get the full story!! Still the bishops residence and now open to the public with large deer park attached and stunning interiors with incredible antique contents. Entry also includes access to two art galleries in town which are also not to missed

Gillian M.

Found this place really interesting. The staff were very helpful and informative. The Chapel is beautiful. We had lunch here after the tour and there was lots of choice and reasonable priced. Well worth a visit.