Located on the outskirts of the Tees Valley area, chief among the reasons to visit the market town of Bishop Auckland is to experience the remarkable collection of historic buildings, galleries and visitor attractions overseen by regeneration charity the Auckland Project, which have put the town firmly on the tourist map.
Start your exploration of the town and its attractions at Auckland Tower, a shiny new 15m viewing platform which offers panoramic views over the impressive buildings and surrounding countryside. It also serves as a visitor centre and information point.
Having undergone major restoration to bring the Prince Bishops’ palace back to its former glory, the Georgian Gothic splendour of Auckland Castle is a sight to behold. Visitors can experience the Bishops’ former apartments and ornate Throne Room; view world-class art; enjoy peace and solitude in St Peter’s Chapel, one of the largest private chapels in Europe; and marvel at the resplendent castle and all its 18th Century luxury.
Home to the UK’s only collection dedicated to Spanish art, history and culture, The Spanish Gallery contains priceless work by the likes of El Greco, Murillo, Zubarán and Velázquez, and represents the largest collection of 16th and 17th Century Spanish artwork outside of London.
The Mining Art Gallery meanwhile gives an insight into cultural heritage much closer to home; depicting life in the coal mines and the communities that grew up around them, in a series of inspiration pieces which speak to the heart of the North East’s industrial heritage.
Stretch your legs with a walk around the historic Deer Park and enjoy a picnic in the 17th Century Walled Garden. The 150 acre park contains many medieval elements leftover from the Prince Bishops’ heyday, including fish ponds, an ice house, a curious stone pyramid and ancient woodland paths, and can be visited for free at any time.
The newly opened Faith Museum is England’s first museum dedicated to exploring ideas, implications and impact of faith in Britain.