Auckland Palace

Really great place to visit. The walled garden and the grounds are gorgeous, the castle itself is beautiful and tells interesting stories, and the Faith Museum was an unexpectedly delightful museum. All the docents were very knowledgeable and very passionate about the history. A little pricey to enter compared to other heritage sites but for what you get, it's pretty good. The cafe is also lovely. Serving a small menu of locally sourced food, it was great for refueling after spending hours walking around.

You do have to park and walk a bit to get there so bear that in mind if you have accessibility issues. We parked in the multi-story carpark by the shopping centre and were a bit put out to learn that the permit machine only accepted coins. No bills or cards. We had to purchase something from Gregg's to get change to pay for parking.

This impressive castle (or 'palace'), seat of the wealthy Prince Bishops, is well worth a visit, stuffed with original Spanish Masters paintings (especially the 12 Zubaráns in the dining room), and various period-decorated living rooms and bedrooms.

You can also visit the adjacent Walled Gardens which are pretty (but are set on a hill so have lots of steps).

Best to buy a £27 all-site ticket which includes all the attractions in Bishop Auckland including the Castle, and lasts 12 months so you can come back!

Amazing, such a great diverse selection of attractions, we purchased the full pass and managed to visit the Spanish Gallery and the Castle. We are already planning on going back next week to visit the mining museum. The staff were amazing and really made today special, well done! We also had tapas next to the gallery and coffee and cake at the castle, both delicious.

Only walked the grounds but an excellent place for a dog walk and or picnic.

Lovely scenery and well maintained paths. They often have festivals or special events which are well run.

The walled garden, museum and tower are excellent additions

The castle is set close by an attractive deer park which includes historical ruins and the external attractions also include formal gardens. Currently there is an active archaeological dig taking place and I found that fascinating as I was always a fascinated viewer of Time Team.
The Faith museum is fascinating and has some interesting exhibitions. The ones relating to Celtic, Roman and Anglo Saxons periods were of particular interest as were the exhibits relating to the various religious persecution through UK history.
Some parts of the Castle/Chapel were a little hard for my husband to negotiate in his wheelchair, but the staff were very helpful not only offering with guidance and advice but physically helping us get around when the need arose.
The staff seemed very enthusiastic about their work at the Museum and are very well informed in relation to the exhibits and local history.
We had a lovely time there. There was just too much to see in the one visit and we plan to return again and complete our tour of the Castle.

I love Bishop Auckland Its where I was born and its the first time I have been here.
The town reminds me of Brighton as it has a hippified vibe though i, m not sure this was because of the Kynren or is it Kynron event.
The towh has many empty shops and buildings but the architecture is beautiful such a mixture of styles.
Also they're beautiful views across the countryside.
Your also a stone throw from Darlington, Barnard castle, Weardale Richmond, Shildon Locomotion, Durham and the A66 to the Lake District.

The redevelopment of the Castle by the Auckland Project is a triumph. Much more to see and learn about the individual bishops who lived in the castle. We were pleased to see that more rooms were open to view and welcomed the new information about 20th century bishops who championed workers' rights and social issues. Excellent artefacts in the faith museum. Definitely worth buying the annual pass for all attractions. We made two visits over the weekend and only saw the castle, Faith Museum and the viewing tower. Looking forward to seeing the Spanish and Mining art galleries, the walled garden and parkland. Good café at the Castle.

Bishop Auckland is perhaps the Luckiest Town in Our United Kingdom.
The Entrance to Wear Valley: A Catalyst to Citizen's Freedom.

Our Benefactor: Jonathan Ruffer; Chose Wear Valley to follow his Passion for ART.
As a Focal Point to 'The Land of the Prince Bishops': Auckland Castle plays its Major Part.

To walk through the Grounds is beyond a Pleasure, midst Trees Several Hundred Years Old.
Plus the Scale of a Refurbished Town Centre & beyond, is indeed, a Sight to BEHOLD.

Wonderful afternoon visit to Auckland castle. So impressed by what has been achieved here to restore a beautiful historic part of the county and to retain and bring fantastic artworks to the north east. Also the fabulous and knowledgeable volunteers help bring the artwork to life. We explored the newly renovated walled gardens for the first time - a beautiful peaceful space and suntrap to relax and explore huge varieties of vegetables and plants....provides great views too. We look forward to many more visits and continuing to enjoy the beauty of the place and paintings. Well done to all who are making these new attractions such a success. Jenny, Sedgefield, County Durham.

Bishop Auckland is a great place to visit. The castle and deer park are spectacular. Visit the Auckland project.

Visited Auckland Castle for a bit of a family morning trip. Was quite a nice experience, went up the tower first for good views of the local area. There is a walled garden which is nice to walk around, quiet and relaxing. The castle itself is educational and you can learn all about the Prince Bishops and what they got up to throughout the centuries. A nice building, educational, the staff are pleasant and informative. Probably spent around 3 hours here.

My only experience of visiting here was for the Christmas lights 'aglow'. They were fabulous. Nice and spread out, different themes along the way. Not too many people at once like some others I have been to it felt relaxed. Would book again if on next year. Dogs allowed. Food available.

A nice day out for the family. You can have a nice walk around the park, or a stroll through the grounds.

Very interesting about the history of the bishop's thru time. The chapel is beautiful.

I went to see the Palace and the gallery which are very much a pair but I have trouble remembering what was in which site, you do have to like your art!

Such a historic gem within an area of Bishop Auckland with a central square with museums and galleries.

This is the most wonderful place. It has to be seen to be believed. You won't be able to see it all in one visit so make sure to buy an annual pass.
Good cafe and well thought out for maximum accessibility

Grand work has been done to show splendid Castle of extremely rich bishops.
A lot of interesting facts, pictures and things. Fantastic cafe with yummy cakes and coffee.
Well spent time

Very interesting place to visit with a great walk around the deer park also.
Some terrific trees which are huge and must be as old as the castle.
Very enjoyable day spent walking the grounds finishing off with delicious cream teas 😋

A beautiful park , much improved paths and walkways, stunning architecture,